Towing a Trailer – “+E” Licences

The rules surrounding towing something behind your vehicle can be confusing to say the least! There are several types of licences you can obtain –and a lot depends on when you initially passed your car-driving test. Take a look at the guide below, then call us to find out where and when we can train you – and answer any questions you may have surrounding trailer towing entitlements.

‘B+E’ Car & Trailer Licence – this is required if you are towing a trailer of over 750kg (not required if you passed your test before 1997, if this is the case you have ‘acquired rights’ and do not need to sit this test). This is a short 2x day course with a test at the end, The HGV Training Centre will provide all vehicles and trailers should you not have your own.

‘C1+E’ Van & Trailer Licence- this licence is required if you want to tow heavier combinations than those covered by the ‘B+E’ licence. All drivers will need to take the ‘C1+E’ test, which when passed will give you the entitlement to drive a vehicle and trailer with a total combined weight of 12t.

HGV / LGV ‘C+E’ Trailer Licence – this is also known as an ‘Articulated Truck’ Licence or a ‘Class I’ Licence. This licence enables you to drive any vehicle over 7.5t in an articulated body (where the cab separates from the trailer. In order to drive a ‘Cat C+E’ vehicle, you must first have taken and passed your test for the HGV / LGV Category ‘C’ Licence first.