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Trailer and driving licence entitlement
Planning to tow a trailer with a Category B driving licence? The combined weight of the car and trailer determines whether ordinary B is sufficient, B96 is required, or you must take BE. Here we explain which entitlement applies and when.
Rules & Regulations
- With a Category B driving licence you may tow a trailer with a maximum permissible total weight up to 750 kg, or a heavier trailer if the combined maximum permissible total weight of the car and trailer does not exceed 3,500 kg.
- Always check both the car's and the trailer's maximum permissible total weight in their respective registration documents or the owner's manual before coupling and driving. These figures determine whether the combination is allowed with your entitlement.
- If the combination of car and trailer exceeds what B entitlement allows, extended entitlement is required: B96 (code 96) or BE. B96 is an extension of B that is recorded on the driving licence after additional training, while BE is a separate entitlement covering heavier trailers and requires a specific test.
- The vehicle's and trailer's stated weights are maximum permissible total weights — you must not exceed these figures. In addition to the total weight, you must also consider vehicle- and trailer-specific limits, such as towing capacity, the towbar's load limit and axle load capacity.
- The trailer must be correctly coupled and have functioning lighting and brakes as specified in the registration details. Incorrect coupling, broken lights or non-functioning brakes make the combination illegal and dangerous.
Tips for Drivers
- Add together the car's and trailer's maximum permissible total weight before loading — it is the sum of these that often determines which entitlement you need.
- Distribute the load so that approximately 60–70% of the load is over the car's towbar area (in front of the trailer's axle) for more stable tracking and reduced snaking — check the trailer's registration details for any specific recommendations.
- Practice reversing and turning manoeuvres in an empty parking area before driving in traffic. Longer combinations require different handling and reduced speed in curves.
- Check tyre pressure and brake function on both the car and the trailer before departure. A heavy combination requires the shortest possible braking distance and proper tyre contact with the road.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing the trailer's actual payload with the trailer's maximum permissible total weight — it is the latter that determines the entitlement requirement.
- Assuming that B is always sufficient if the car can technically handle the weight — legal limits and registration details determine what is allowed, not only the vehicle's engine power.
- Failing to check the registration document or the car's owner's manual for towing weight and the maximum permitted combination before setting off.
Exam Tip
Theory questions may word the weights as 'maximum permissible total weight' for the car and trailer — always add these together when the question concerns whether a combination is allowed with B. Be careful to note whether the question refers to the trailer's permitted weight or the actual load weight.
Did You Know?
B96 is recorded as a code (code 96) on your Category B driving licence when you have completed the additional training — it is thus an extension of B rather than an entirely new driving entitlement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I with a Category B driving licence tow a trailer that weighs over 750 kg?
Yes, but only if the combined maximum permissible total weight of the car and trailer does not exceed 3,500 kg. Always check both registration documents before driving.
What is the difference between B96 and BE?
B96 is an extension of B that is recorded as code 96 on the driving licence after additional training and allows heavier combinations than plain B. BE is a separate entitlement to tow even heavier trailers and involves specific requirements and tests.
Where do I find information about what my car is allowed to tow?
Check the car's and the trailer's registration documents and the car's owner's manual for information about maximum permissible total weight, maximum towing weight and any manufacturer restrictions.
Does the trailer need its own brakes?
It depends on the trailer's maximum permissible total weight and construction. Check the trailer's registration details and ensure that any brakes present are in functioning condition.
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