Learning to drive a car and trailer syllabus
Published 18 May 2022
Applies to England, Scotland and Wales
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Introduction to the car and trailer (BE) training syllabus
The training syllabus sets out how to train drivers in the skills, knowledge and understanding they need to be a safe and responsible driver when towing a trailer with a:
- car
- van
- pick-up truck
It was developed by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), working in partnership with the Trailer Towing Advisory Group to achieve our common goal of keeping everyone safe on Britain’s roads.
The training syllabus represents current good practice for driver training. There will be many other valid ways to deliver the learning outcomes.
Who can do this training
Any driver who holds a current, full category B driving licence can do this training as a way to improve their driving competence.
How the training is structured
Drivers must undertake training covering the contents of this syllabus which provides them with specific training on how to tow a trailer, up to 3,500kg maximum authorised mass (MAM) with a category B vehicle. The duration of training will depend on the trainer’s judgement of the driver’s ability and the time that will be needed for them to meet the aim of the syllabus.
The training will be a mixture of theory and practical elements.
You should speak to your trainer if you are in any doubt about any of the elements covered in this syllabus.
Vehicle and trailer combinations
You should take your training in a vehicle combination that suits your needs. Towing combinations fall into 3 groups:
- unbraked trailers
- medium-sized vehicles and trailers
- large category B vehicles towing large braked trailers
Whatever you tow, you should make sure you know how to drive, use and operate it safely.
Unbraked trailers
A trailer does not need brakes if it has a maximum permitted weight of 750kg or less. These trailers are generally used to transport gardening waste or general household goods.
If the trailer has brakes, they must be in good working order.
Medium-sized vehicles and trailers
These are combinations where the combined MAM of the towing vehicle and the trailer or caravan is 3,500 kg or less.
Large category B vehicles towing large braked trailers
These are vehicles up to 3,500kg MAM. The size of the trailer depends on the BE ‘valid from’ date shown on your licence. If the date is:
- before 1 January 1997, you can tow any size trailer within the towing limits of the vehicle
- on or after 1 January 1997, you can tow a trailer with a MAM of up to 3,500kg within the towing limits of the vehicle
These trailers could include:
- horse trailers
- larger caravans
- caged trailers loaded with small plant and machinery
For example, a large 4X4 SUV with a MAM of up to 3,500 kg that can tow a trailer with a MAM of 3,500 kg is legally capable of towing a large horse box or a large 6 berth caravan.
Aim of the syllabus
This syllabus sets out how to train drivers in the skills, knowledge and understanding they need to be a safe and responsible driver when towing a trailer with a category B vehicle.
After completing this training, drivers will be able to discuss and demonstrate the following 12 aspects of driving whilst towing a trailer:
- preparing a vehicle and its occupants for a journey
- how to guide and control the vehicle whilst towing
- how to competently reverse a vehicle and trailer
- how to uncouple and recouple the trailer safely and competently
- using the road in accordance with the Highway Code
- driving safely and responsibly in the traffic system
- road safety benefits
- fuel-saving driving techniques
- safe driving techniques
- safe loading
- vehicle-handling techniques
- legislative requirements
Successful completion of training is demonstrated by the drivers’ ability to discuss and demonstrate all 12 aspects of driving whilst towing a trailer, to the satisfaction of the trainer.
Depending on the needs of the individual and employers, this can be evaluated through:
- ongoing assessment throughout the training
- an end point assessment
The assessment may be carried out by the course trainer or other competent qualified person.
How to use this syllabus
The syllabus is divided into 4 sessions, which are based on content from the national driving standard for cars and light vans and the national standard for driving lorries.
The 4 sessions are:
- preparing the vehicle, trailer, and its contents for daily use
- driving the vehicle, whilst towing, in accordance with The Highway Code and legislation
- reversing with the trailer, uncoupling, and coupling
- driving safely and efficiently
It’s important for drivers and trainers to see these sessions as inter-connected and of equal importance. A driver can only become competent by understanding how the content from all the sessions fits together.
The route taken through the material by each trainee may differ, and DVSA believes that the training should be client-centred. Client-centred learning means that the trainer should:
- consider a learner’s preferred style of learning
- understand that people are more likely to keep learning if they are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning at an early stage
Trainees should use this training to:
- develop a greater awareness of the risks associated with driving
- reflect on their own driving performance and take steps to improve in areas that need further development
Session 1: preparing the vehicle, trailer, and its contents for daily use
This session will teach you:
- how to make an informed judgement on whether you, your vehicle, your trailer, and your load are fit to travel
- how your vehicle may or may not be affected by certain safety factors associated with the weight and size of trailer
- how to act appropriately based on that judgement
Assess your own and your vehicle’s safety
This session will teach you about:
- factors affecting your fitness to drive that can change from day to day and over your driving lifetime
- certain attitudes and misunderstandings that can prevent you from acting on the knowledge and understanding you have
- the roadworthiness of your vehicle and trailer
- the potential risks to yourself and others whilst towing
- what action you should take to manage any specific risks in the event of an incident
- how traffic, weather and road conditions can affect your driving
Loading your vehicle and trailer
The session will teach you about:
- the safety and security issues involved in driving when towing a trailer (loaded or unloaded)
- how to reduce the risks that driving with a loaded or unloaded trailer can generate
Learning outcomes
| Learning outcome | Outcome when you have completed this session |
|---|---|
| Learning outcome 1 | Be able to understand when outside factors can affect your competence at driving |
| Learning outcome 2 | Understand and act on your responsibility to make sure that you, your vehicle and your trailer are legal |
| Learning outcome 3 | Be able to understand the risks associated with securing loads on trailers |
| Learning outcome 4 | Be able to understand and act on the responsibility to ensure the trailer is safely coupled to the towing vehicle |
| Learning outcome 5 | Be able to control the risks associated with towing loads |
| Learning outcome 6 | Be able to plan a journey suitable for towing a trailer |
| Learning outcome 7 | Be able to understand what to do if a vehicle and trailer is involved in a crash or an emergency and how to control any risks associated with towing |
Session 2: tow safely in accordance with the Highway Code and regulations
The aim of this session is to understand and follow:
- the rules in The Highway Code
- other regulations which apply to driving whilst towing
It is important that you do not think of The Highway Code as just something that you had to learn to pass your driving test. The Highway Code contains advice and rules about road signs and how to behave in particular situations whilst driving. You’ll also need to know the speed limits that apply to your vehicle whilst towing, especially on motorways and national speed limit roads. If you understand the Code’s content, it will make it much easier for you to drive safely and responsibly in changing traffic situations.
There may be serious consequences for you and other road users if you do not follow the advice and rules set out in The Highway Code or regulations.
Learning outcomes
| Learning outcome | Outcome when you have completed this session |
|---|---|
| Learning outcome 1 | Drive safely and responsibly in changing road and traffic conditions |
| Learning outcome 2 | Comply with speed limits, signals, signs, markings, traffic calming measures, weight limits, congestions zones, low and zero emission zones |
| Learning outcome 3 | Understand towing-related road safety |
Session 3: reversing with the trailer, coupling, and uncoupling
The aim of this session is that you’ll be able to:
- guide and control your vehicle and trailer safely and responsibly while reversing
- safely and competently couple and uncouple your trailer to the vehicle, ensuring that it is safe and legal, whether on the public road or off-road
Reversing with a trailer
Reversing with a trailer is a complex task. It involves taking in a large amount of information and responding to it appropriately. To be able to do this you must:
- constantly scan the area around you
- understand what is happening
- identify possible hazards and risks
Couple and recouple your trailer to the vehicle
Safely and successfully coupling your trailer to your towing vehicle is a matter of practice. It’s important that you focus on each skill and make sure you understand what’s required at each stage of the process.
Learning outcomes
| Learning outcome | Outcome when you have completed this session |
|---|---|
| Learning outcome 1 | Reverse a vehicle and trailer combination safely and responsibly |
| Learning outcome 2 | Safely uncouple the trailer and ensure it is secure |
| Learning outcome 3 | Safely couple a trailer to a vehicle ensuring it is safe and legal to access the public road |
Session 4: drive safely and efficiently
The aim of this session is that you will be able to guide and control your vehicle and trailer safely and responsibly, taking into account:
- road conditions
- traffic
- terrain when off-road
- weather conditions
Guiding and controlling your vehicle
Driving is a complex task; it involves taking in a large amount of information and responding to it appropriately. To be able to do this you must constantly scan around you, understand what is happening and identify possible hazards and risks.
To drive safely with a trailer attached to your vehicle you need to master the essential driving skills, such as steering and coordinating your vehicle’s controls. You will ensure you are very confident of these skills before driving with a trailer so you can concentrate effectively on driving, towing, your surroundings and any potential hazards.
Your trailer’s load
You are legally responsible for your vehicle and trailer and need to make sure that it is loaded correctly for stability. You also need to be aware of the feel and handling of your vehicle at all times. As the driver, you need to be aware of:
- the impact of towing a trailer with a load that is wider than your vehicle
- the load distribution within the trailer and the effects of accelerating, braking and steering
Learning outcomes
| Learning outcome | Outcome when you have completed this session |
|---|---|
| Learning outcome 1 | Start, move off, stop and leave a vehicle safely and appropriately |
| Learning outcome 2 | Drive and manoeuvre a vehicle safely, while towing a trailer, on different road surfaces and in different weather conditions |
| Learning outcome 3 | Control the vehicle and the driving forces and risks associated with towing loads |
| Learning outcome 4 | Understand the benefits of route planning when towing |
Supporting documents
The national standards tell you about the skills, knowledge and understanding you need to be a safe and responsible driver, rider or cyclist. They include the national standards for:
You can also read about the rules for towing with a car.
You can find more detailed information in: