TL;DR: What you can tow with a car licence in the UK depends on when you passed your test, the weight of your vehicle, and the trailer’s maximum authorised mass. Drivers who passed before 1 January 1997 usually have broader towing rights, while those who passed after that date are generally limited to towing up to 3,500kg MAM, subject to the car’s towing capacity.
If you drive a car in the UK, you may already be allowed to tow a trailer, caravan or other load behind it. However, what you can tow depends on your licence entitlement, the weight of your vehicle, and the weight of what you’re towing.
The main thing to check is your licence issue date. If you passed your driving test before 1 January 1997, you usually have more generous towing rights than drivers who passed after that date. The rules are different for each group, so it’s important to know where you stand before hitching anything to your car.
If you passed your test before 1 January 1997
Drivers who passed their car test before 1 January 1997 can usually drive a vehicle and trailer combination of up to 8,250kg maximum authorised mass (MAM). That means you can often tow larger caravans or trailers without needing an extra test, provided you stay within the weight limits.
You may also be allowed to drive a minibus with a trailer over 750kg MAM. As always, the exact entitlement shown on your driving licence should be checked to confirm what you can legally tow.
If you passed your test on or after 1 January 1997
If you passed your driving test on or after 1 January 1997, you can usually tow a trailer up to 3,500kg MAM with a category B licence. In practical terms, that means you can tow many caravans, trailers and some horseboxes, as long as the total combination weight stays within the legal limit.
In some cases, drivers with a category B licence can tow a small trailer weighing up to 750kg MAM without issue. If the trailer is heavier than that, the combined weight of the car and trailer must still stay within the legal towing limit.
What does MAM mean?
MAM stands for maximum authorised mass. It is the highest legal weight a vehicle or trailer is allowed to be when loaded. This includes the weight of the vehicle or trailer itself, plus passengers, fuel, luggage or cargo.
You can usually find the MAM in the owner’s manual, on the vehicle plate, or on a sticker fitted to the car or trailer. It’s one of the most important numbers to check before towing, because exceeding it can make the vehicle unsafe and illegal.
Do I need extra training or a test?
For some drivers, especially those who want to tow heavier trailers, extra training or a further test may be required. In the UK, the older B+E entitlement was traditionally needed for heavier towing combinations, but licence rules have changed over time.
Even if your licence allows you to tow, it’s still worth learning how to do it safely. Towing affects braking, acceleration, cornering and stopping distance, so it’s important to understand your car’s limits before setting off.
What else should I check before towing?
Before towing anything, make sure your car is rated to pull the weight you want to tow. The manufacturer’s towing limit is just as important as your driving licence entitlement.
You should also check:
- The nose weight limit of the tow bar.
- The maximum towing weight for your car.
- Tyre condition and pressure.
- That the trailer is properly loaded and secured.
- That lights, brakes and hitch connections are working correctly.
Common towing mistakes to avoid
A lot of drivers assume that having a full licence automatically means they can tow anything. That isn’t true, because legal towing limits depend on both licence entitlement and vehicle capability.
Another common mistake is confusing trailer weight with total combined weight. A trailer may seem light enough on its own, but once loaded, it can easily exceed the legal limit. Always check the full MAM rather than guessing.
Towing FAQs
Can I tow a caravan with a car licence?
Yes, in many cases you can tow a caravan with a car licence, but the permitted weight depends on when you passed your test and the total MAM of the vehicle and caravan.
Can I tow a trailer over 750kg?
Yes, if your licence entitlement and vehicle weight allow it. For many drivers who passed after 1 January 1997, the combined vehicle and trailer weight must stay within the legal limit.
How do I check what I’m allowed to tow?
Check your driving licence entitlements and your vehicle’s towing limits in the owner’s manual or vehicle plate. You should also confirm the trailer’s MAM before towing.