Driving Licence Changes
Are you up to speed with the recent changes to Law relating to B+E Licences and Testing?
From late Autumn 2021
Car drivers who passed their test from January 1997 will no longer need to take another test to tow a trailer (or caravan) up to 3,500kg, allowing roughly 30,000 more HGV driving tests to be conducted every year. DVLA will update your driving licence record to show that you’re allowed to tow trailers. You’ll get category BE added to your driving licence when you get a new photocard driving licence.
Licences issued before 1 January 1997
You will not be affected by the changes if you passed your car driving test before 1 January 1997. You’re usually allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8,250kg maximum authorised mass (MAM). View your driving licence information to confirm this.
It will become quicker to get a licence to drive an articulated vehicle, without first having to get a licence for a smaller vehicle. This would make around 20,000 more HGV driving tests available every year, meaning drivers can gain their licence and enter the industry faster.
You can no longer book or take a car and trailer driving test from 20 September 2021. However, the law will not change until later in 2021. It is important to note you can be fined up to £1,000, be banned from driving and get up to 6 penalty points on your driving licence if you tow anything heavier before the law changes.
Industry reaction...
Whilst trailers towing changes certainly ease red tape, they do pose significant safety concerns.
Drivers will still be encouraged by the Government to undertake regular training to tow trailers.
Do your staff meet the required level of trailer towing competence?