Since 2022, accredited training courses for towing have been available to drivers. The courses are designed to offer drivers a structured way to build safer and more confident towing skills. In fact, the Driver and Vehicle standards Agency (DVSA) actively encourages drivers of trailers and caravans to take the course to improve safety on the road.
The DVSA’s aim in promoting this training is to foster a culture of safe and responsible towing by equipping drivers who are planning to tow a trailer or caravan with essential skills before they set off. Courses are tailored to meet various levels of experience, including:
- towing for the first time
- returning to towing after a break
- towing larger trailers
- refreshing and formalising your skills if you already regularly tow
The ‘learning to drive a car and trailer’ syllabus provides a process for teaching the knowledge, understanding, and skills to drivers of cars vans and pick-up trucks who tow trailers.
Developed by the DVSA in conjunction with the Trailer Towing Advisory Group, the training is available to anyone with a valid, current and full (not provisional) category B driving licence.
Courses blend practical and theoretical instruction, and the training is embedded in current good practice for a range of specific towing combinations and situations – from unbraked trailers and medium-sized setups to large vehicles with braked trailers like horse trailers or caravans.
Upon completion, participants should have not only an improved awareness of the risks associated with towing but also a clear understanding of areas for ongoing improvement in their driving skills.
