If you are looking for an upskill opportunity, then you may be contemplating about expanding your licence entitlements. This could be for a better career progression, or because it is necessary for your daily requirements or needs.
What do you need to know about the trailer licence cost and acquisition?
What Does Trailer Look Like on a Licence?
Depending on the Category, “e” is the definitive trailer attachment to your licence. This will be shown on the reverse of your driver’s licence.
Weight Restrictions & Trailer Addons
Depending on the type of entitlement you require, this factors in additional weight restrictions. This can be also be based on the trailer attachment for a specific vehicle type.
As many vehicles have a gross vehicle weight, they can only carry so much. This is where trailer attachments become a necessity. The trailer will only account for Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM), which is also dependent on how much weight a vehicle can tow.
The vehicle Categories Which Can Tow a Trailer Are:
- Category B (Car)
- Category C1 (van)
- Category D (Bus)
- Category D1 (Minibus)
- Category C (Rigid Lorry)
Trailer Width
Maximum Trailer width is 2.55 Metres. This is irrespective of any vehicle towing.
Trailer Length
If the Vehicle MAM is 3.5 Tonne of less, the trailer attachment cannot exceed 7 Metres.
If your vehicle MAM is more than 3.5 Tonne, then the total length of the vehicle & trailer combined is 18 Metres. And 12 Metres for the trailer towed by the vehicle itself.
The overhang of the load on the trailer cannot exceed 3.05 Metres.
Braking Components
If your trailer weighs over 750Kg when loaded, it must have a working brake system.
Additional requirements and addons are necessary when you have a trailer, such as a towing bar and extended towing mirrors.
Now we have an understanding on the weights and restrictions when it comes to trailers, we can now discuss the entitlement requirements when it comes to driver training and trailer attachments.
Government update on licence requirements
As of 16th December 2021, the entitlement was changed so that the category B+E car and trailer licence was automatically received by everyone. This meant that all who have a Category B car licence, are now allowed to drive a car, with a trailer up to 3.5 Tonne in MAM.
This not only aided in freeing tests for more necessary licence acquisitions, but this also meant that many did not have to complete compulsory training and test in order to drive a car and trailer.
This negated the B+E trailer licence cost.
As it currently stands, for Category C1 & D1, you must complete either C1+E or D1+E training and test to obtain this licence.
So, You are Looking to Driver A Category C+E, but only have a Car Licence?
It was also decided that drivers no longer had to complete Category C driver training before obtaining their Category C+E licence. This now means that you can train from a Category B car licence, to a Category C+E licence.
Once again, not only was this to tackle the HGV driver shortage, by giving individuals an easier process to becoming an HGV driver, but to also negate students having to get an additional licence entitlement which they may not actually need, or will ever use.
As the Category C+E is the highest category you can train for (this is an articulated lorry over 3,500kg, which can tow a trailer over 750kg) when passing this, you will get all the other entitlements below those. This includes:
- C1 (+E)
- D1 (+E)
- D+E
- C
Why Training With a Trailer is Fundamental
Being able to drive a larger vehicle already holds it’s own challenges. The larger the vehicle, the harder your blind spot vision, and the more manoeuvres and driving abilities that require caution and focus. Being able to also do this with a trailer will further enhance your skills and better your confidence.
A great example is a standard reversing procedure.
Take the Category C rigid lorry. As the whole vehicle is fixed together, you only need to focus on what angle your vehicle is turning when reversing.
Taking the same manoeuvre, but changing the vehicle to a Category C+E, you now have to consider the angle of the trailer. This can be confusing for many, as the trailer will rotate and angle to the reverse action of your vehicle cab. So when you are reversing right, the trailer will angle to the left.
If you are able to nail this process, then you will find driving with a trailer a lot easier to handle.
What About Trailer Quality?
The longevity of your trailer is a fundamental factor when looking at towing safely. Ensuring your trailer attachment is properly coupled, the lights are working, and the additional licence plate is attached are all vital in the safe driving abilities too.
In the instance that you are not towing safely, you can be pulled over by police or an enforcement officer. This could result in a fine of up to £2,500, and even be banned from driving is using a vehicle under your trailer licence entitlement dangerously.
The B+E Entitlement is Automatically Added, But I Still Need Training!
No problem. You can complete car and trailer familiarisation training to build your confidence and skills for towing a trailer. This training will also cover how to assure your trailer is coupled properly, as well as discussing what standard the trailer must be at to tow appropriately and safely.
Just because the entitlement is now automatically granted, doesn’t mean training will stop. In situations where you are looking to build confidence, gain familiarisation and perfect your skills, you can call Trailer Training UK on 0345 260 2508.
You can also fill out a contact us form, and one of our advisors will get in touch about your training requirements.