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The rules about who has to take the 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.

• The driving licence you need to tow a caravan or trailer

How to book and manage your 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.

• How to book and manage your practical driving test appointment

• Driving test fees

What you need to bring to your test

Find out what documents you need to bring by clicking on the link below.

• Reporting for your practical test

Rules for the car you use for your test

The car that you use for your test must meet certain rules. You can read these rules by clicking on the link below.

• Rules for cars used for driving tests

Extra rules for the car and trailer or caravan combination

The combination of the car and trailer or caravan must be:

• a car not carrying any goods or burden
• a trailer or caravan not carrying any goods or burden, with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of at least one tonne

The examiner may ask for evidence of the trailer's MAM - for example, the manufacturer's plate.

What the vehicle must be fitted with

The vehicle must be fitted with:

• externally mounted, nearside and offside mirrors for use by the examiner or any person supervising the test
• a device that shows that the trailer indicators are working correctly – this could be something you can see or hear

Brakes and coupling

All vehicle combinations must:

• have appropriate brakes
• use a coupling arrangement suitable for the weight

Cargo comparment of the trailer

The cargo compartment of the trailer must:

• consist of a closed box body
• be at least as wide and as high as the towing vehicle

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

Before you start the driving ability part of your test, you'll have an eyesight check and be asked five vehicle safety questions.

The eyesight check

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.

• Driving eyesight requirements

Vehicle safety questions: 'show me, tell me'

You'll be asked five vehicle safety questions - they'll be a mix of:

• 'show me' questions, where you'll have to show how you'd carry out a vehicle safety check
• 'tell me' questions, where you'll have to explain how you'd carry out the check

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.

• Download 'Vehicle safety questions for car and trailer driving tests' (PDF, 11K) Opens new window

• Help with PDF files

The driving ability part of your test

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

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.

Your general driving ability

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:

• dual-carriageways
• one-way systems
• motorways

You will not be asked to:

• do an emergency stop
• reverse around a corner
• reverse park
• turn in the road

Independent driving section of the driving test

Your driving test will include around ten minutes of independent driving.

• Independent driving and riding section of the practical test

Uncoupling and recoupling

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:

• stop where there is safe and level ground
• uncouple your car from the trailer or caravan
• park the car alongside the trailer or caravan
• realign the car with the trailer or caravan and recouple them

Your driving test result

When the driving test has ended the examiner will:

• tell you whether you passed or not
• explain how you did during the test

The different types of faults that can be marked

There are three types of faults that can be marked:

• a dangerous fault - involves actual danger to you, the examiner, the public or property
• a serious fault - could potentially be dangerous
• a driving fault - not potentially dangerous, but if you make the same fault throughout your test it could become a serious fault

The pass mark for the driving test

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.

Taking another test if you don't pass

If you don't pass your test, you can take another after ten working days. Working days include Saturdays.

When driving tests are cancelled or stopped

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.

• Driving tests: cancelled or stopped tests and bad weather