They’ve spent hours looking at layouts, debating fixed beds versus bunk layouts, and then the perceived issue of driving licences crops up. Confusion surrounding licence categories remains a tricky subject on social media. However, if you hold a full UK driving licence, regardless of when you passed your test, there’s a very good chance you can already tow a heavier caravan without needing to take another test.

The confusion stems from rule changes over the years.

Until 2021, anyone who passed the standard driving test after 1st January 1997 didn’t automatically receive the BE category. The B licence they received limited them to a combined total of 3500 kg – for both car and caravan.

That advice was correct at the time, but the rules changed.

In December 2021, the Government simplified the towing licence rules.

Most drivers with a full UK category B driving licence were automatically granted the BE category without the need to take a separate B+E test. Importantly, no application or form-filling was required.

If you’d like to see if you have the BE category, it’s easy to check. The quickest way is to use the Government’s free online View Driving Licence service. You’ll need your driving licence number, National Insurance number and postcode, and within a couple of minutes you’ll be able to see exactly which driving licence categories you hold.

It’s worth doing if you’re in any doubt, especially if you passed your driving test after 1st January 1997, as the physical licence card doesn’t always tell the whole story. Following the 2021 rule changes, some drivers are entitled to tow more than their photocard might suggest, so checking your DVLA record online is always the best option.

What do I do if my photocard driving licence doesn’t list the BE category? If you have checked online and the ‘View Driving Licence’ service says you have the BE category, DVLA will add it to your photocard licence the next time it is renewed.

There are still limits, but they are incredibly generous. The following text has been copied from the gov.uk website:

‘If you got your licence from 1 January 1997 You can tow a trailer that weighs up to 3,500kg MAM. This is known as a ‘category BE’ vehicle.

Your driving licence information shows which categories of vehicle you’re allowed to drive.

If you do not have ‘category BE’ on your physical driving licence, DVLA will add this the next time you renew your licence.’

However, and this is the important bit, the maximum weight of the caravan – its MTPLM – cannot exceed the towing limit of your car. Always double-check what your car can tow before deciding which caravan to buy. Thankfully, Bailey has a range of options, from lightweight Discovery, Unicorn Lite and Phoenix models to luxury tourers such as the Pegasus, Unicorn Deluxe and Unicorn Grande.

If you’re completely new to caravanning, I’d recommend investing in a towing course, even though you don’t legally need one. Both the Caravan and Motorhome Club and the Camping and Caravanning Club run excellent training courses for beginners, covering everything from hitching up safely to manoeuvring, reversing and towing on the road.

It’s a relaxed environment where you can ask questions, build confidence and learn from experienced instructors before setting off on your first holiday. Tips and tricks that would take years to learn on the open road are often taught in a single day.

If you’re wondering whether you need a special licence to tow a caravan, the answer is probably no.

Since the Government changed the rules in 2021, most people with a full UK category B driving licence can now tow caravans up to 3,500kg without taking a separate B+E test. If you’re unsure what you’re entitled to tow, it’s worth checking your licence categories using the DVLA’s online View Driving Licence service. Just remember that, regardless of your licence, your caravan’s maximum weight must never exceed your car’s legal towing limit.

If you have chosen the perfect Bailey caravan and your car can tow it, chances are nothing is stopping you from exploring the UK, Europe, and beyond.