Towing
Towing a trailer, caravan or horsebox changes how a car accelerates, brakes, corners and reverses. The combination is longer, heavier and more affected by wind, so you need the right licence and extra care.
Learner permit holders driving a car must not tow a trailer, so this topic is mainly for after you pass. It is still worth knowing the rules now.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can explain what a full category B licence allows you to tow.
- You can tell when you need code 96 or a category BE licence.
- You can state the speed limit for towing.
- You can carry out basic checks on a trailer before setting off.
- You can adjust your driving for the extra length and weight.
What you need to know and understand
- A learner permit holder in category B must not tow a trailer.
- A full category B licence covers a trailer with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of up to 750 kg.
- It also covers a heavier trailer if the car and trailer together have a MAM of no more than 3,500 kg.
- For heavier combinations you need code 96 on your licence (combined MAM up to 4,250 kg) or a category BE licence.
- MAM is the plated maximum weight, not what the trailer weighs on the day.
- Any vehicle towing a trailer or caravan is limited to 80 km/h on all roads, including motorways.
- Trailers must be insured, and their lights must work.
Which licence do you need?
Check the plates on both the car and the trailer for their MAM, and check the car maker's towing limits in the handbook. A legal licence does not mean the car can safely pull that load. The NDLS also notes that, as a general rule, a category B licence does not cover towing a horsebox or livestock trailer carrying animals.
- Learner permit, category B: no towing.
- Full category B: a trailer up to 750 kg MAM, or a heavier trailer where car plus trailer MAM is 3,500 kg or less.
- Category B with code 96: car plus trailer MAM over 3,500 kg and up to 4,250 kg.
- Category BE: a car with a heavier trailer, which needs a separate learner permit and driving test.
Checks before you set off
- Make sure the coupling is locked onto the tow ball and the breakaway cable or secondary coupling is attached.
- Connect the electrics and check every trailer light, including indicators and brake lights.
- Check trailer tyres for pressure, tread and damage.
- Load the trailer evenly with heavy items low and over the axle, and tie everything down.
- Make sure your mirrors give a clear view down both sides of the trailer. Fit extension mirrors if needed.
- Raise the jockey wheel and release the trailer handbrake.
Driving with a trailer
Keep to 80 km/h or lower, whatever the road limit. Leave a much bigger gap in front, because the extra weight increases your stopping distance. Take bends and roundabouts wider and slower, allowing for the trailer cutting in. Plan overtakes with great care, as you need much more room and time.
If the trailer starts to snake or sway, ease off the accelerator gently and hold the steering steady until it settles. Do not brake hard or steer sharply. Reversing with a trailer works the opposite way to normal steering, so practise somewhere quiet first.
Common mistakes
- Towing on a learner permit. It is not allowed.
- Judging weight by eye. Check the MAM on the plates.
- Towing above 80 km/h on a motorway. The towing limit still applies.
- Forgetting to check trailer lights. Test them every trip.
- Braking hard when the trailer sways. Ease off gently instead.
Test yourself: Towing
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Sources: Rules of the Road, towing and learner permit conditions (Road Safety Authority, rsa.ie); Cars and trailers licence guidance (NDLS, ndls.ie); Road Traffic (Ordinary Speed Limits) Regulations (irishstatutebook.ie). Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with the RSA.