Car and trailer or caravan practical driving test :Cross Stitch – Motoring
If you passed your car driving test on or after 1 January 2024 and you now want to tow a caravan or certain trailers, you may have to take another driving test. Find out about the different parts of your driving test.
The vehicle must be fitted with externally mounted, nearside and offside mirrors for use by the examiner
The combination of the car and trailer or caravan must be:
- a car not carrying any goods or burden
- a trailer or caravan not carrying any goods or burden, with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of at least one tonne
The examiner may ask for evidence of the trailer’s MAM – for example, the manufacturer’s plate.
What the vehicle must be fitted with
The vehicle must be fitted with:
- externally mounted, nearside and offside mirrors for use by the examiner or any person supervising the test
- a device that shows that the trailer indicators are working correctly – this could be something you can see or hear
Brakes and coupling
All vehicle combinations must:
- have appropriate brakes
- use a coupling arrangement suitable for the weight
Cargo comparment of the trailer
The cargo compartment of the trailer must:
- consist of a closed box body
- be at least as wide and as high as the towing vehicle
The trailer may be slightly less wide than the towing vehicle. However, the view to the rear should only be possible by using the external rear-view mirrors of the towing vehicle.
Before you start the driving ability part of your test, you’ll have an eyesight check and be asked five vehicle safety questions.
The eyesight check
The examiner will ask you to read the number plate on a parked vehicle to test your eyesight. You can find out how the eyesight check works by clicking on the link below.
Your test will include:
- the reversing exercise
- general driving ability
- independent driving
- a controlled stop
- uncoupling and recoupling
The test is designed for you to prove to the examiner that you have the skills required to tow a trailer or caravan safely.
The reversing exercise
The reversing exercise will usually take place before you leave the test centre. You’ll have to show that you can manoeuvre your car and trailer in a restricted space and stop at a certain point.
Your general driving ability
During your test the examiner will give you directions which you should follow. You’ll drive in various road and traffic conditions. This will include, where possible:
- dual-carriageways
- one-way systems
- motorways
You will not be asked to:
- do an emergency stop
- reverse around a corner
- reverse park
- turn in the road
Independent driving section of the driving test
Your driving test will include around ten minutes of independent driving.
You’ll normally be asked to uncouple and recouple your car and trailer at the test centre at the end of the test.
The examiner will ask you to:
- stop where there is safe and level ground
- uncouple your car from the trailer or caravan
- park the car alongside the trailer or caravan
- realign the car with the trailer or caravan and recouple them
You’ll pass your test if you make:
- 15 or less driving faults
- no serious or dangerous faults
When the driving test has ended the examiner will:
- tell you whether you passed or not
- explain how you did during the test
The different types of faults that can be marked
There are three types of faults that can be marked:
- a dangerous fault – involves actual danger to you, the examiner, the public or property
- a serious fault – could potentially be dangerous
- a driving fault – not potentially dangerous, but if you make the same fault throughout your test it could become a serious fault
The pass mark for the driving test
You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test. If you make 16 or more driving faults, you won’t pass your test.
If you make one serious or dangerous fault, you won’t pass your test.
Taking another test if you don’t pass
If you don’t pass your test, you can take another after ten working days. Working days include Saturdays.