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If you passed your car driving test on or after 1 January 2024 and you now want to tow a caravan or certain trailers, you may have to take another driving test. Find out about the different parts of your driving test.
You can find out if you can tow a trailer or caravan with your existing licence by clicking on the link below. If you cannot tow with your existing licence, you will need to take the test.
You don't need to take a theory test as you'll have already passed a car theory test. You can book and manage your practical test online. The test can only take place at test centres for lorries and buses, where there is a manoeuvring area.
Find out what documents you need to bring by clicking on the link below.
The car that you use for your test must meet certain rules. You can read these rules by clicking on the link below.
The vehicle must be fitted with externally mounted, nearside and offside mirrors for use by the examiner
The combination of the car and trailer or caravan must be:
The examiner may ask for evidence of the trailer's MAM - for example, the manufacturer's plate.
The vehicle must be fitted with:
All vehicle combinations must:
The cargo compartment of the trailer must:
The trailer may be slightly less wide than the towing vehicle. However, the view to the rear should only be possible by using the external rear-view mirrors of the towing vehicle.
Before you start the driving ability part of your test, you'll have an eyesight check and be asked five vehicle safety questions.
The examiner will ask you to read the number plate on a parked vehicle to test your eyesight. You can find out how the eyesight check works by clicking on the link below.
You'll be asked five vehicle safety questions - they'll be a mix of:
A driving fault will be recorded for each incorrect answer to a maximum of four driving faults. If you answer all five questions incorrectly, a serious fault will be recorded.
Your test will include:
The test is designed for you to prove to the examiner that you have the skills required to tow a trailer or caravan safely.
The reversing exercise will usually take place before you leave the test centre. You'll have to show that you can manoeuvre your car and trailer in a restricted space and stop at a certain point.
During your test the examiner will give you directions which you should follow. You'll drive in various road and traffic conditions. This will include, where possible:
You will not be asked to:
Your driving test will include around ten minutes of independent driving.
You'll normally be asked to uncouple and recouple your car and trailer at the test centre at the end of the test.
The examiner will ask you to:
You'll pass your test if you make:
When the driving test has ended the examiner will:
There are three types of faults that can be marked:
You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test. If you make 16 or more driving faults, you won't pass your test.
If you make one serious or dangerous fault, you won't pass your test.
If you don't pass your test, you can take another after ten working days. Working days include Saturdays.
Sometimes DSA has to cancel or stop driving tests because of things like bad weather or vehicle problems. Find out what happens if your test is cancelled or stopped, and what you need to do when there's bad weather.