Safe Driving
Click on the headings below to find out more about safe driving:
Driving Licences
All drivers who passed a car test before 1 January 1997 retain their existing entitlement to tow trailers until their licence expires. Drivers that passed their test after 1 January 1997 may need to take an additional driving test in order to tow a caravan or drive a motorhome.
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Overloading your touring caravan or motorhome can be done very easily, without you even realising it. It can put your safety at serious risk while also making you liable to prosecution.
Speed Limits
The speed limits for both caravans and motorhomes in the UK are lower than those for passenger cars.
Towing Safely
Matching your touring caravan to your car is critical. So before buying a tourer it is very important to make sure that your car is capable of safely towing your chosen caravan.
Towing Mirrors
If a driver cannot obtain a view through the caravan to the rear, then the towing vehicle must be fitted with extension mirrors to both the offside and the nearside.
Brakes & Breakaway Cables
All caravans with an MTPLM greater than 750 kg must be fitted with brakes. Above this limit (but below 3500kg MTPLM) caravans must also be fitted with a breakaway cable.
As the driver of a motorhome, you are responsible for ensuring your vehicle is safe on the highway. If it is found to be overweight you might be liable to prosecution. This means that you must never exceed the payload of your vehicle.
