Caravan Familiarisation Training
Our caravan towing driver familiarisation course is specifically designed to help you be more confident in all the steps and manoeuvres required to safely couple, uncouple and tow your caravan around UK roads. The course will also include our “S” shaped reversing manoeuvres on our dedicated DVSA approved training area, which will provide you the opportunity to understand the axels turning points, what to look for and how to best gauge the distances of your caravan from the obstacles surrounding you.
By the end of the course, you will be confident in how to safely and calmly execute the complete process required to competently tow a caravan on UK roads.
This course is ideal for both novice beginners through to experienced drivers who have both never towed anything before to anyone who has some experience towing a trailer or caravan and requires a refresher.
What’s Included
- Option for us to meet you at your chosen location to start from there.
- A 1:2:1 training ratio (we can accommodate 1:2:2 at your request).
- Training with one of our experienced instructors.
- Use of our dedicated DVSA approved training area.
- Option to use your own vehicle and Caravan or our vehicle and trailer.
- If you choose our vehicle, use of our 4×4 Toyota Hilux.
- If you choose our trailer, use of our Box trailer.
- Training with an NRI Accredited Company.
- Option to train at any one of the following depots: Portsmouth, Otterbourne, Worthing, Reading or Theale.
Course Modules
- Initial driving assessment.
- Corrective methods.
- Caravan coupling & uncoupling.
- Caravan reversing & manoeuvres.
- Vehicle towing weights.
- Weather condition considerations.
- Questions & tips.
Course Benefits
DVSA Approved Training Areas
Experienced Instructors
Use Our Dedicated Off-Road Training Area
Course Durations
3.5 Hours
7 Hours
10.5 Hours
Vehicle Requirements
So long as you hold a current and valid Category B licence, there will be no additional tests required for you to tow a caravan. This is due to the changes that came into force in December 2021 for this licence category.
Now, you can tow a trailer with a suitable vehicle up to a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) that does not exceed 3,500kg (3.5 -Tonne) limit.
For anyone who passed before 1st January 1997, you will be entitled to Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) that does not exceed 8,250kg (8.25 Tonne) limit.
The weights mentioned here are combined weights, so ensure you know your own vehicles towing limits, unladen weight and your caravans unladen weight as well. You will then need to factor in anything you decide to load into either the vehicle or caravan as this will add to the overall laden weight which cannot exceed the limits mentioned.
Ongoing Requirements
- Periodical refresher training is optional to stay up to date and confident.
- Ensure you stay up to date with any changes to the Highway Code.
- Always conduct checks to your Caravan after it has been sitting for things like the brakes, the towing hitch is not ceased or corroded, that the jockey wheel is still working and not showing signs of corrosion from rust or damage, tyre pressures are correct and the tyres are also in a healthy condition, but lastly, always check all of the electrics and lighting work before ever heading on the road.
Further Training
While no further official training courses are available for our Caravan category, we can provide bespoke training specific to you and your requirements on a 1:2:1 basis and created specifically to meet the goals you require.
We would also suggest you undertake further personal training regarding the Highway Code, more specifically the section covering “Vehicle towing and loading” to ensure you remain safe and compliant.
Lastly, understanding the towing weight limits for your vehicle and the impact certain elements can have on your ability to safely control this while driving.
Things like large water containers and waste tanks that are filled for example with fluid contents that will be prone to causing a constant changing weight distribution while manoeuvring around a roundabout.
This will need consideration if your fully laden and nearing your weight limit because it will be harder to handle, but most importantly, require a larger stopping distance. This is one other area we would highly advise you take some time to really understand.
Who Is This Course For?
Our Caravan familiarisation course is specifically for anyone looking to tow a caravan that has absolutely no experience or has not done so for a while and needs to understand the current legislation, coupling and uncoupling process, safety considerations and braking distances, through to the practical towing and manoeuvring of the caravan while attached to your vehicle.
So, if you’re a complete novice, or a caravanning veteran, we are certain you will learn a trick or two.
What Can I Drive With A Car Licence?
Since the changes to the licence requirements for Category B+E, which is what a Caravan falls under, so long as you hold a current and valid UK car (Category B) licence, and your vehicle and caravan MAM fall within the limits, you can tow any caravan that is under the maximum size limits for your licence.
If you passed your Car test after 1997, then you are entitled to tow a caravan up to 7 meters in length, 2.55 meters wide and while no height restrictions exist, anything over 3 meters high would require height markers fitted.
What Will You Receive Upon Successful Completion Of This Course?
Upon successful completion of our dedicated caravan familiarisation course, you will be awarded a certificate of recognition from 2 Start Ltd to confirm you have demonstrated the required competencies to safely tow a caravan with a car, 4×4 or van to the standards recognised by 2 Start who are an NRI B+E Accredited Training Centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tow a caravan with my car?
If you hold a full Category B car licence, you will automatically have the Category B+E entitlement. This allows you to drive with a “trailer attachment” irrespective of the weight of the trailer. This also includes a caravan attachment with no maximum authorised mass.
What are the laws on towing a caravan?
The laws on towing a caravan revolve predominantly around the restricted speed limits, towing capacity and features (such as breakaway cables; lights; mirrors etc.)
Why Choose 2 Start?
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