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quoteDrivers who plan to tow a caravan are being urged to take a new training course by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
Last year the Government scrapped the B+E test for drivers who wanted to tow a laden caravan up to 3,500kgs and didn’t have the entitlement on their driving licence. Since September 2021, anyone with a full driving licence can tow a caravan or trailer up to 3,500kg.
The DVSA has launched newly-accredited trainers running courses to learn and improve the skills needed for safe towing.
The courses include:
- Towing for the first time;
- Returning to towing after a break;
- Towing larger trailers; and
- Refreshing and formalising your skills if you already regularly tow
The DVSA is recognising expert organisations who are approving the individual trainers joining the scheme. They include the Safe Towing Scheme, where drivers can register their details to find out more about the scheme
With the caravanning season in full swing, the DVSA’s Chief Driving Examiner, Mark Winn, said: “We’d encourage anyone who plans to tow something, whether it’s a caravan on holiday, or a trailer to the tip, to get training from an accredited provider. They will be able to make sure you have the skills and knowledge to keep everyone on Britain’s roads safe.”
Baroness Vere, Minister for Roads, Buses and Places, said towing safely was an important issue.
“I urge drivers to access the training to help keep Britain’s roads safe,” she commented. “The new accreditation scheme will help them to get targeted training and improve their driving skills.”
And remember, if you are new to caravanning but have any experience of towing, which includes having been on a towing course you’re eligible for our 10% introductory no claim discount off your caravan insurance premium.
Although I have been driving now 65 years I bought a caravan and decided to do the Caravan and Motorhome club two day refresher course and what a good course it was, it’s easy to become complacent and think that you are not in need of any driver training how wrong I was, the course was quite comprehensive and extra knowledge was picked up as you progress, don’t think you are your the best driver and know all about towing, forgot to say I had owned a caravan for ten years and still picked up some really positive tips so from my point of view it was money well spent.
A very good idea, I have been towing caravans and trailers for well over 40 years and I have ‘signed up’ to get more information….. Any safety training like this can be quite useful……… And give confidance where needed.