What happens when I turn 70?
Your driving entitlement for Categories B and B+E (provided category B+E was held prior to the expiry date of your driving licence) remains on your licence. Category B+E means you can drive a motor vehicle (i.e. car, van or 4x4) not exceeding a 3,500kg Maximum Authorised Mass towing any weight trailer or caravan within the prescribed maximum towing weight.
The maximum towing weight is specified in the technical data section of the vehicle manufacturer’s handbook. However, our recommendation on weight ratio between the trailer and towing vehicle remains at 85%.
If you’re driving a vehicle with a MAM of over 3,500kg, when you reach 70 years of age and your driving licence expires, you’ll need to pass the D4 medical test and the required standard eyesight test. This legislation became effective from 1 January 1998.
What licence do I need to drive a motorhome?
Most drivers can drive motorhomes weighing up to 7,500kg, or 8,250kg including a trailer. However, a limit of 3500kg applies to drivers aged over 70, unless a medical test or additional test respectively is passed.
What trailer can I tow with a motorhome?
If you are towing a trailer with a motorhome, it’s very likely to exceed the combined maximum allowable mass, unless it’s the smallest of trailers. This means at least a B+E licence entitlement is required.
Knowing who can tow a caravan is not as complex as it may seem. As a driver, in most cases you can tow a caravan or trailer without needing to update your licence. However, if you are a younger driver or over 70 years of age, you need to check exactly what your licence allows you to tow.