If I were to tow a unit which didn't come into the classification on my license (IE a combined weight over 3500kg or a caravan heavier than the car's kerbweight) then I would indeed need someone in the passenger seat with such a license, or an instructor, & (legally) the caravan & car would have to be "L" plated.
However, I bought a caravan which I can legally tow on my license. When I towed it for the first time I had no one with me & nothing to warn other drivers that I was a novice. Which is perfectly within the law (didn't stop me being nervous though, but as it turned out I am actually quite a good tow'er).
Hope that's what you meant with your question MrGrumpy.
Quote: Originally posted by magsruby on 15/3/2012
If I were to tow a unit which didn't come into the classification on my license (IE a combined weight over 3500kg or a caravan heavier than the car's kerbweight) then I would indeed need someone in the passenger seat with such a license, or an instructor, & (legally) the caravan & car would have to be "L" plated.
Oh yes. I know someone in the business. If my caravan & car combination didn't come within class B, I would need L plates & my mum or dad in the passenger seat.
Fortunately my caravan's MGW is lighter than my car's unladen weight (& combined they are well under 3500kg), so I'm within the limits of my class B license. (post 06/1997 license)
When my wife started towing she put a P plate on the trailer. As far as I'm aware there are no legal connotations to using a P plate - just to warn other drivers you're inexperienced. I don't know if it helped other drivers but it made her feel a bit more confident.
When I suggested to Mr Fo that he put P plate in the window for his first tow the other week he thought I was mad and that white vans in particular would give him an even harder time. I would be more considerate if I knew someone was a newbie tower but men have a different driving experience.
You may not use L plates on a vehicle driven by a fully licenced driver. If you are licenced to tow then you may not use L plates. Nothing to stop you using P plates but better to gain confidence through a towing course in my view.
The only exception to the rule on L plates are approved driving instructors moving from one appointment to another.
Get some training for towing its not all about driving forward in a straight line you will be taught some cause and effect syndromes. There are some real Kno# heads out there who think they can tow but are an accident waiting to happen please dont be one of them in case I am behind you one day.
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Topic: L PLATES ?
