I think its a very helpful and valid post, if someone who gained their licence after 1997 goes out and buys a caravan they could find themselves up the creak without a paddle.
In which case this could save them a lot of money and messing.
You may also notice posts on how to blow up your tyres, although I would say yours were already over inflated !!!
When you re-apply for your licence at age 70, tell them that you wish to retain your "grandfather rights" to the categories stated on your expiring licence, there shouldn't be a problem.
------------- Caz
If you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, just keep going till you go round the bend.
I passed june 97 so can't tow our van. However my husband who has a hgv licence does all the towing but I have often thought of how I could ease his burden now I know how!!
You don't need to pass another test for towing unless you are wanting to tow quite a big caravan with a big heavy car.
As it says above:
Car licences obtained on or after 1 January 1997
If you passed a car test on or after 1 January 1997 you're limited to vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes maximum authorised mass towing a trailer up to 750 kgs, or a vehicle and trailer combination up to 3.5 tonnes MAM providing the MAM of the trailer doesn't exceed the unladen mass of the towing vehicle. You'll need to pass an additional driving test in B+E if you wish to tow a caravan or trailer combination which exceeds these weight limits.
As far as the Law is concerned, a caravan is a trailer, so passing the B + E Test covers you for towing larger caravans with larger cars.
This should be adequate for what you need unless you are thinking of a showman's caravan, in which case you'd probably need an LGV licence, because it would need a lorry to tow it.
------------- Caz
If you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, just keep going till you go round the bend.
Now before i begin - you must all promise not to shout.................
I have just tried my trailer out (first time have driven with one) - and going forwards was fine, until i came to reverse up my drive.
Well, 5mins later, with the kids in hysterics, and most of the neighbours looking out of their windows - i had to admit defeat and manually move it into the drive, and then park the car up in front of it!!
So, any tips on reversing whilst towing a trailer? Or do i have to take a HGV test?(only joking about the HGV bit!!)
I only have a week to go before taking it camping for the 1st time, and don't want to look a total numpty on site.
------------- why haven't they invented silent opening zips??!!
Small trailers are much harder to reverse than big ones because they react very quickly to the slightest steering input.
If it starts to jacknife then pull forward a bit to straighten it, then go back again. As soon as it's heading in the direction you want it to go, quickly straighten your steering so the car follows it rather than pushing it round too far.
Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Dang me if I know why. Try nipping up to your nearest industrial estate in the evenings when it's quiet and practise.
I'm still learning to reverse although I've been towing for 16 years.
------------- Caz
If you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, just keep going till you go round the bend.
You'll be well within the 3,500 Kgs with those, but for future ref if you go bigger - remember it is the gross laden weights, not the kerbweight or unladen weights that matter. And it is the manufacturers plated weights that count, not what it actually weighs. So you can't get round it by not putting a lot of stuff in.
------------- Caz
If you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, just keep going till you go round the bend.
Quote: Originally posted by SoundsDigital on 17/9/2007
Can't help wondering why someone with over 13000 posts felt the need to post that. It's a subject that gets brought up here on a weekly basis.
As Bordercaz points out, "It's been put on as a "sticky" at the top of the forum so that hopefully folk will not need to keep bringing the subject up on a weekly basis! "
As one of the original members of the site I have often added such items both on the forums and where needed as a seperate advice sheet. This is something I will continue to do and hopefully it will continue to be of use to many new caravanners, campers and users of these forums.
Quote: Originally posted by bordercaz on 01/5/2008
I'm still learning to reverse although I've been towing for 16 years.
And I still reckon I am learning to drive after 30+! Then again it don't hurt to keep adding to the knowledge of the roads and there are changes to the Highway code that we all need to keep up with, not just towing laws either!
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Car and trailer driving test
"
Then again it don't hurt to keep adding to the knowledge of the roads and there are changes to the Highway code that we all need to keep up with, not just towing laws either! 
