Places to visit

Chedder Gorge

Somerset England

• Does my driving licence allow me to tow a caravan?

A Category B licence is required to tow a caravan. Prior to 1 January 1997 car drivers who passed their driving test obtained a category B + E licence automatically. After 1 January 1997 a further test must be taken to obtain a Category B+E to enable towing a combined weight of car and caravan that exceeds 3500 kg., or up to 4250 kg. if the caravan weight is less than 750 kg. or if the caravans maximum technically permissible laden mass exceeds the unladen weight of the car.

• UK Speed limits

On single carriageways the maximum speed a caravan can be towed at is 50 mph. if a lower limit is not in force. On dual carriageways and motorways the maximum permitted speed is 60 mph. when a lower limit is not in force. Caravans may not be towed in the outside lane of any motorway having more than two lanes.

• Mirrors

The law requires the driver of a car and caravan to have an adequate view to the rear of their vehicle. If the car driver has insufficient vision of the highway through the rear window of the caravan it may be necessary to fit extension rear view towing mirrors to the car. Rear view mirrors must not project more than 200 mm. outside the width of the caravan when being towed, or the towing vehicle when driven solo.

• Breakaway cables

A braking device must be fitted to caravans with a maximum technically permissible laden mass of over 1500 kg. to ensure that the caravan stops automatically if the coupling to the car detaches during travel.

Places to visit

Chedder Gorge

Somerset England