B+E Licence and Trailer Training in Glasgow
The B+E licence rules changed in 2021. Here is what car and trailer drivers can tow now, when trailer training still makes sense, and which entitlements still need a test.
Since 16 December 2021, drivers with a full car licence can tow a trailer up to 3,500kg maximum authorised mass without taking a car and trailer test, and B+E is added to licences automatically when they are updated. Trailer training is now optional for cars, but it is still the safest way to learn reversing, coupling and loading. Heavier trailer entitlements, C1+E, C+E and D1+E, still need a practical test.
What the B+E licence change means
Before December 2021, anyone who passed their car test on or after 1 January 1997 needed to pass a separate B+E test to tow heavier trailers. That test was stopped to free up examiner time for lorry tests. Now, if you hold a full car licence, you can tow a trailer up to 3,500kg maximum authorised mass. You still have to stay within the towing limit set by your car's manufacturer, which is often lower, and the trailer must be roadworthy and correctly loaded.
The change did not make towing easier, it only removed the test. A caravan, horse trailer or plant trailer behaves very differently from a car on its own, and many first-time towers have never reversed a trailer before the day they need to.
Why car and trailer training is still worth considering
- Reversing a trailer, where steering works the opposite way from what you expect
- Coupling and uncoupling safely, including the breakaway cable and lights
- Loading for the right nose weight so the trailer does not snake
- Braking distances and cornering with the extra length behind you
- Daily checks on tyres, lights and the coupling before every journey
Some insurers and employers still ask whether drivers have had trailer training, so it can matter for work as well as leisure. Call us with your car, the trailer and what you will be towing, and we will talk through whether training suits you.
Trailer entitlements that still need a test
| Entitlement | What it covers |
|---|---|
| C1+E | A 7.5 tonne C1 vehicle with a trailer over 750kg |
| C+E (Class 1) | Articulated lorries and drawbar combinations |
| D1+E | A D1 minibus with a trailer over 750kg |
| D+E | A bus or coach with a trailer over 750kg |
Each of these is a separate practical test that includes an uncoupling and recoupling exercise. Our C1+E page covers 7.5 tonne lorries with trailers, and the C+E course at £2,895 includes the medical, theory, training and test for Class 1. If you tow behind a minibus, the D1+E page explains that route.
Choosing the right trailer route
Start with what you will actually tow and what is pulling it. A horsebox owner moving to a heavier box with a trailer needs C1+E. A haulage driver moving into artic work needs C+E. A club towing kit behind a minibus needs D1+E. A car driver with a caravan needs no test at all, only the skill to do it safely. If you are unsure, tell us the vehicle and trailer plates and we will point you to the right entitlement.
Questions we get asked about this
No test is needed now. Since 16 December 2021, full car licence holders can tow trailers up to 3,500kg maximum authorised mass.
DVLA adds B+E automatically when your licence record is next updated. You can tow before the card changes.
Trailer training is optional for car drivers. Call us to talk through whether it suits what you plan to tow.
C1+E, C+E, D1+E and D+E all still need a practical test, taken after the matching solo category.
Where to go next
- C1+E training 7.5 tonne plus trailer.
- C+E (Class 1) training £2,895 including the test.
- D1+E licence minibus plus trailer.
- Horsebox licence C1 and C1+E for horse owners.
What Our Customers Say
Feedback from our learners
Once I passed my theory/hazard perception test, I the took my C1 training with Jordan, who made my driving experience a pleasure, Jordan was patient and made me feel at ease the whole time I was driving: advising on things I might change and letting me know when I had driven well etc, really relaxed me to the point of passing my test 1st time after 10hrs of lessons. Very happy customer.
Brilliant service. David and Jordan were both excellent during intensive hours ahead of obtaining my C1 on my driving licence. Couldn't recommend them enough! Thanks very much guys
Great instructors an great trainning, no matter what your skill level is, they will always improve you, an give you the confidence you need, big thanks to davie, tommy and jordan. Nothing but praise an would'nt recommend anyone else, it was ah pleasure having all of them as my instuctors an thanks again for my 1st time pass.
Fantastic from start to finish, and at a very fair price.
I recently trained for a Class 1 licence with Pass4me and managed to pass first time due to the great training I received. Everyone was very helpful, helped me gain confidence, and made the training enjoyable with the daft patter. Highly recommend David and the rest of the team if you are looking to do HGV training!
Just passed my Class 2 licence thanks to these guys, and I can't recommend them enough. They were absolutely brilliant from start to finish—really helpful and made the whole process a breeze. If you're looking to get your licence sorted, definitely give them a shout!
Best experience for driver training I've come across! 1st time pass on my class 1 with ease. Tom top lad easy to get on with and plenty experience and Davey is brand new helped out a lot through the process. Would definitely recommend to anyone thinking of doing any sort of driver training to give the guys a call.
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- 130 Blochairn Road, Glasgow, G21 2DU
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