Hello. I am looking to take my caravan to France in the summer. I have been told (the caravan place) that I need to have B+E written on my driving licence. I don't but will have it when I renew. So went online to renew, filled out everything online and it has come back as I don't need one! So my question is, do I have to have it written on my licence and how have people gone about doing it.
Thanks for any advice. With all this information at our finger tips.....finding the truth has never been harder!!
No. So, I passed my driving licence in 1997. Back then (the year it changed) you had to do a test to have B+E added. Which 17yr old me never did. Then in 2021, the law changed and everyone is entitled to it.....again. So if I look at my licence on line, it is there. However my physical licence, not updated since pre 2021 doesn't.
I tried to update but dvla website says I don't need to (not entitled), however I was on the understanding that it needs to be on their physically for towing in France. Its all so confusing.
Not the right answer, I know, but our driving licences have never been checked in 40+ years of driving in Europe. There's always a first time though...
Mine too, but never worried when we were driving with a camping trailer. We bought a caravan 3 years ago and this is the first time I have driven it to France. Just a little but nervous that I have got everything right. Seems a lot of false info and confusing info out.
I have sent my driving licence off a lost. It seems a bit wrong.
Quote: Originally posted by het and ben on 09/2/2026
Mine too, but never worried when we were driving with a camping trailer. We bought a caravan 3 years ago and this is the first time I have driven it to France. Just a little but nervous that I have got everything right. Seems a lot of false info and confusing info out.
I have sent my driving licence off a lost. It seems a bit wrong.
I've also driven abroad for some 40 years, and never yet had to produce any motoring related documentation, other than showing a driving licence for picking up a hire car on one of the Greek islands, BUT the potential is there - and from other people I've known, what a faff it can be! Unless pretty fluent in the language and whatever 'authority' is dealing with you is benevolent (some are not know for that demeanour!) it's a worry with unfamiliar rules and penalties to deal with!
My view is it's better to cross the 'T's and dot the 'I's whilst at home with familiar language to process things in and plenty of time to sort out, as a way of minimising any difficulty abroad. Usually it has no, or little cost, only a little time and effort. Some disagree vehemently and regard it a waste of time covering something unlikely to happen!
As to getting a 'lost' license replaced, don't worry about it! You have to play the system to your advantage as just about everyone else does! I was raised with high moral values, but 'life' taught me 'don't be a mug!', so long as it's not criminal with nasty consequences and no one else is personally disadvantaged, bend the rules to your advantage, 'cos just about everyone else is doing it!
Salutary lessons in 'being prepared'. One, on having backup if for whatever reason your paperwork is not in order. An acquaintance on one of our trips was daft enough to get caught speeding, seen peering out of the bars of a Police van as he was whisked off to a ATM to pay the on the spot fine, then his driving license was confiscated, meaning HE could no longer drive his car, someone else who fortunately was on the vehicle insurance had to drive for the rest of the trip! That'd been awkward if no alternative driver!
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: Towing in France
via mobile 01/2/2026 at 6:12pm
