Prior to Dec. last year, there were a number of rules around towing a trailer and you certainly couldn’t tow a heavy load without passing a mandatory trailer test. However, the pandemic threw a wrench in the works – the country was facing a shortage of haulage drivers and those remaining were quitting in droves.
In an effort to combat the shortage, more time needed to be allocated to HGV driving tests, which eventually culminated in the government scrapping compulsory trailer testing. However, while solving the haulage crisis is essential to keeping businesses running and our food cupboards stocked, the new trailer towing rules have raised a few eyebrows, particularly in regard to road safety.
Here, we explore how the rules around towing trailers have changed and what this means for drivers today.
How Has The Law Changed Regarding Towing Trailers?
In Dec. 2021, the law around towing a trailer changed, allowing people who passed their car driving test from Jan. 1, 1997, to tow trailers up to 3,500kg MAM. Your driving license record will have been updated automatically by DVLA and when you apply next for a new license, category BE will be added to it.
This change to the law surrounding trailer towing won’t affect anyone who passed their driving test before Jan. 1st, 1997.
What The Change Means For Drivers
Being able to tow a trailer without needing to pass a test or undertake any additional driving training could offer you a wider range of job prospects. However, the new laws have the potential to cause more harm than good, as drivers are now able to tow a considerably hefty load and not everyone will have the skills or experience to do so safely.
The Importance of Being Aware Of Change To Road Law
It’s crucial to be aware of changes to road laws, particularly such as the ones that are likely to increase the risk of road traffic accidents.
Jonathan White, legal and compliance director from National Accident Helpline, said, “We welcome the delay in the introduction of these changes and hope that the government makes use of the extra time to consider them in more detail, ensuring that the safety of drivers is considered as the top priority.”
The changes will see millions of drivers simultaneously given the right to tow a trailer of considerable weight, without needing any previous experience or training in driving while towing a load – all at a time of year when visibility and conditions are at their poorest, bringing an increased element of risk to drivers.”
WE SAID THIS: Can’t keep up with all the towing laws? We’ve got you covered.
