Can I tow a caravan on my driving licence?

If you are new to the world of caravaning and have recently been thinking about renting or buying a caravan to take on holiday then you may have some questions when trying to figure out if you can tow a caravan, in particular the confusing laws around towing licencing. Learn about the rules and regulations before you hitch up your vehicle and caravan and hit the open road.

Do I need a licence to tow a caravan?

Yes, you need a licence to tow a caravan—but in many cases your standard B driving licence will suffice. When you are looking to tow a caravan or trailer usually your typical driving licence will be enough to allow you to haul loads up to specified weight limits, which vary depending on when you passed your test.

If you passed your driving test before 1 January 1997, you are generally entitled to drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8,250kg MAM. For those who passed their test from 1 January 1997 onwards, the rules were simplified in late 2021: you are now automatically allowed to tow trailers or caravans up to 3,500kg MAM without taking an additional test.

The DVLA has automatically updated driving records to include the 'BE' category, so you no longer need to worry about the old restricted 3,500kg combined limit or the requirement for a separate B+E practical exam.

Can I tow a caravan on my standard UK driving licence?

Yes, you can tow a caravan behind your vehicle on a standard UK driving licence, providing you remain within the specified weight limits. Other than the weight requirements specified in the prior section UK driving licences generally allow operators to pull a caravan or trailer behind your vehicle. Make sure you verify the restrictions by checking the date you passed your driving test.

Can I tow a caravan without a special towing licence?

Generally yes, you can tow a caravan without a special towing licence unless you wish to drive a combination that exceeds the MAM (maximum authorised mass) that's allowed for your licence—depending on when you passed your test.

In the past, drivers who passed their test after 1997 often had to take a specialized B+E test to tow larger caravans. However, as of 2026, this is no longer the case. The 'BE' endorsement is now added automatically to all standard UK car licences.

This means the vast majority of drivers can tow standard caravans (up to 3,500kg MAM) without needing to sit any extra towing tests.

You only need to seek additional qualifications, such as a C1+E licence, if you intend to tow with a much larger vehicle, like a motorhome or truck weighing over 3,500kg.

Can I tow a caravan with an AB licence?

With a standard Category B licence, you are now legally entitled to tow a caravan weighing up to 3,500kg MAM. Because the 'BE' privilege is now granted automatically, the potential combined weight of your car and caravan can reach up to 7,000kg (3,500kg for the car and 3,500kg for the caravan), provided your specific car is manufacturer-rated to pull that amount.

Always check your car's Gross Train Weight (GTW) on its VIN plate to ensure you aren't exceeding its mechanical towing capacity.

Can I tow a caravan with an automatic car?

An automatic car is permitted for towing a caravan.

If you happen to have a B auto licence and drive an automatic vehicle then you can tow a caravan but there are some things to consider. Check the towing limit for the vehicle—the maximum weight for automatics can often be lower than on their manual counterparts.

The automatic gearbox can actually assist drivers when towing loads as they only have the accelerator and brake pedals. Less juggling of gears on hills or in built-up areas. An automatic gearbox often includes a "towing" mode which can make the overall driving experience smoother especially when pulling a load.

Other towing considerations

Once you've confirmed your legal entitlement, ensuring you have the right protection is vital. In the 2026 market, the average cost for touring caravan insurance is approximately £150 per year, though this varies based on the value of your asset and security features. While car insurance often covers third-party liability while towing, it rarely covers damage to the caravan itself, so a specialist policy is recommended.

For ideas on where to go, check out our article on the Top 10 Caravan Sites in the UK.