Our Training Locations
Our six training depots are located in: Portsmouth; Otterbourne; Aldermaston; Theale; Worthing and Havant. Our training centres are conveniently situated within the local areas of the following counties to provide the maximum coverage within: Hampshire; Isle of Wight; West Sussex; East Sussex; Surrey; Buckinghamshire; Oxfordshire; Berkshire; Wiltshire and the eastern side of Dorset.
Caravan Familiarisation
Our Caravan Familiarisation course is ideal for either those who are completely new to towing and need to gain confidence before heading out on the road or those who have experience but would like a refresher course to hone their skills and jog their memory on how to safely tow. This course will teach students how to safely and securely tow, as well as showing them how to complete reversing manoeuvres.
It is important that you have the correct licence to tow which category your caravan weight falls into! If you are unsure on the licence you need, click the link below to read our guide on vehicle and caravan towing weights.
Frequently Asked Questions
For more information on caravan towing and the questions raised below read the articles below.
What are the legal requirements when towing?
It is important that before buying and/or towing a caravan that you have the correct licence to do so. Furthermore, you will also need to have a valid MOT, Tax and insurance for your vehicle, although, you do not need to have an MOT for your caravan.
Which licence do I need?
You will need either a B or B+E licence, however, if the towing vehicle is over 3,500kgs, you will need a C1+E licence.
The date of which you passed your car driving test (B) will affect the vehicle weight and caravan that you are able to tow. The combinations are set out below:
If you passed your test before 1st January 1997, you are allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer combination with a MAM of up to 8,250kgs.
If you passed your test on or after 1st January 1997, you can drive vehicles with a MAM up to 3,500kgs with a trailer up to 750kgs.
A B+E licence will allow you to drive a vehicle with a MAM of 3,500kgs with a trailer. The weight of the trailer you can tow is dependent on the B+E ‘valid from’ date on the back of your licence. If the date it:
- Before 19th January 2013, you can tow any size trailer (as long as it weighs less than the vehicle you are towing with).
- On or after 19th January 2013, you can tow a trailer with a MAM of up to 3,500kgs.
How do I work out the towing capacity of my vehicle?
The maximum weight that you are legally allowed to tow is indicated by the towing capacity of your vehicle. Although the towing capacity may be legally viable to tow, it may not be safe or comfortable to tow at this weight.
The towing capacity will be shown in the handbook of the vehicle or on the VIN plate which can be visible in a number of places on the towing vehicle. To work out the towing weight using the VIN plate, you need to take deduct line one from line two and this will give you the towing limit.
How do I find the MTPLM on my caravan?
The MTPLM stands for Maximum Technically Permitted Laden Mass and is typically listed on a plate near the door frame. It can also be found in the owner’s manual.
How should I load my caravan safely?
It is recommended that you should place heavier items such as water and tinned food over the axel. Medium items such as luggage on either end of the caravan and lighter items on the top, such as blankets and cushions.
Our training facilities
Our training depots have everything you will need being a DVSA 3a approved testing centres and having dedicated on-site reversing facilities. Having our own on-site reversing facilities gives our students a major advantage compared to other driving schools as they can practice on the same facilities that they are able to complete their 3a testing on. Furthermore, we have fully-equipped classrooms at our Portsmouth, Southampton, Reading and Worthing depots, all of which come with air conditioning.
We have an impressive fleet of driving vehicles, all of which are fully automatic and air-conditioned which helps ensure your training experience is as comfortable as it can possibly be! Also, if you wish to complete your training with your own caravan, we are allowing students to do so!
What are the legal requirements when towing a caravan?
Before purchasing and towing a caravan you need to make sure that you have the correct driving licence to drive your vehicle and tow. You will also need to have a valid MOT, Tax and insurance for your vehicle. Your caravan does not need to have an MOT but it should ideally be serviced annually to make sure that it is roadworthy. You do not need insurance for your caravan by law, but it is recommended especially to cover for theft or damage.
How do I work our my vehicle's towing capacity?
The towing capacity of a vehicle is the maximum weight that it can legally tow. However, although it's legal it may not be safe or comfortable, especially if you are new to caravanning.
The towing capacity is usually published in the handbook of the vehicle or on the VIN plate which can be found in a variety of places on the towing vehicle. To work out the towing weight using the VIN plate you need to take deduct line one from line two and this will give you the towing limit.
Safe towing weights
If you are a novice or are new to caravanning it is recommended that you should keep the fully laden weight of the caravan no heavier than 85% of the kerb weight of the tow vehicle. This is known as the 85% rule and whilst it is not legally enforceable it is recommended.
To calculate the 85% rule, you will need the kerb weight of the car and the maximum mass of the towing caravan (called ‘maximum technically permissible laden mass or MTPLM).
Once the 85% rule is applied the towing vehicle will tow the caravan with ease. Only experienced drivers should increase this percentage to between 85% and 100%. Anything over 100% and the caravan will be heavier than the car, this is known as ‘outfit matching’ and should be avoided.
How to find the MTPLM of my caravan?
This is normally listed on a plate near the door frame and can also be found in the owner’s manual. The manufacturer should also be able to tell you this.
How to find the kerb weight of the vehicle?
You can find the kerb weight of the car in the owner’s manual; it may be on the VIN plate or on the V5 registration document labelled under ‘G: mass in service’)
How should I load my caravan safely?
It is recommended that you should place heavier items such as water and tinned food over the axel. Medium items such as luggage on either end and then light items on the top of the caravan such as blankets and cushions.
Why Train with 2 Start?
Call our advisors 02392 123 555
Speak with our experienced advisors Monday - Friday 7:00am - 5:30pm
