What licence do I need to tow a caravan?
Enter two figures: the MAM of your car and the MAM (MTPLM) of your caravan.
Your car
From the plate or handbookTap Car MAM and enter the figure from the plate or handbook.
Your caravan
From the plate or handbook- To fill in
- Optional
- Filled in
Your licence
—
Waiting
Enter the MAM of the car and of the caravan: your result appears here.
- Car MAM
- — kg
- Caravan MAM
- — kg
- Total
- — kg
Based on the maximum weights set by the manufacturer, not on your actual load. Guide only (rules as at 21 October 2026). It does not replace official advice.
In short
In Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales), licence B has included B+E since 16 December 2021: you can tow a caravan of up to 3,500 kg MAM (MTPLM) with no extra test, behind a car of up to 3,500 kg MAM. The only other limits are your car's: its train weight and towing capacity, on the manufacturer's plate or in the handbook. In Northern Ireland, the B+E test is still required.
· Official sources: Towing with a car, Statutory Instrument 2021/1450: B+E included in licence B, Driving licence categories
Where to find the weights
Caravans have no registration document in the UK. The caravan's MAM, often called MTPLM, is on its manufacturer's plate or in its handbook. For the car, the manufacturer's plate gives its MAM and its train weight. The car's towing capacity is in its handbook.
- MAM
- Maximum authorised mass of the vehicle, fully loaded. This is what sets the licence.
- Train weight
- Maximum weight of the car and caravan together, both loaded.
How your licence is worked out
Your licence depends on the maximum weights set by the manufacturer, not on what your caravan weighs on a weighbridge. In Great Britain, since 16 December 2021, licence B lets you tow a caravan of up to 3,500 kg MAM (MTPLM), with no test and no combined limit set by the licence.
| Licence | Condition (maximum authorised mass, MAM) |
|---|---|
| Licence B | Caravan of 750 kg MAM or less, behind a car of up to 3,500 kg MAM. |
| Licence B (B+E included) | Caravan from 751 to 3,500 kg MAM, behind a car of up to 3,500 kg MAM, whatever the total. B+E is included in licence B since 16 December 2021, with no test. |
| Another licence | Car or caravan over 3,500 kg MAM. These cases are not covered by this checker. |
These rules apply in England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland is different: the B+E test is still required there. A caravan of 750 kg MAM or less can always be towed on licence B.
The train weight and your car's towing capacity do not change the licence, but they set what your car is allowed to tow. You will find them on the car's manufacturer's plate and in its handbook. Even with the right licence, your car and caravan must stay within these limits.
Code 96 and licence BE across Europe
The weight thresholds are the same throughout the European Union (Directive 2006/126/EC). Only the procedures differ from one country to another:
| Country of your licence | Code 96 (up to 4,250 kg) | Licence BE |
|---|---|---|
| France | 7-hour course, no test | Practical test, theory test depending on when you passed it |
| Germany | 7-hour course, no test | Practical test |
| Netherlands | Practical test | Practical test |
| Belgium | Driving school or learner, then practical test | Practical test |
| Spain | Practical test | Practical test and theory test |
| Italy | Practical test | Practical test, theory test depending on when you passed it |
| Great Britain | Not needed: BE has been part of B since 2021 | Automatic with licence B (except Northern Ireland) |
Checked on October 21, 2026 against each country's official sources.
Examples
Small car and small caravan
Car 1,650 kg + caravan 1,300 kg MAM: licence B.
Family SUV and five-berth caravan
Car 2,150 kg + caravan 1,700 kg MAM = 3,850 kg: licence B, as B+E is included in Great Britain.
Large SUV and twin-axle caravan
Car 2,600 kg + caravan 2,000 kg MAM = 4,600 kg: licence B too. Check that the car's train weight is at least 4,600 kg.
Frequently asked questions
What licence do I need to tow a caravan?
In Great Britain, licence B is enough for a caravan of up to 3,500 kg MAM (MTPLM), since 16 December 2021. Your car must also be 3,500 kg MAM or less. In Northern Ireland, the B+E test is still required.
Do I still need to take a B+E test to tow a caravan?
Not in England, Scotland or Wales. Since 16 December 2021, licence B includes B+E: you can tow a caravan of up to 3,500 kg MAM with no extra test.
What is the MTPLM of a caravan?
The MTPLM is the caravan's maximum authorised mass (MAM): the most it may weigh when fully loaded. You will find it on the caravan's manufacturer's plate or in its handbook. Caravans have no registration document in the UK.
What is the train weight?
The train weight is the most your car and caravan may weigh together, both loaded. It is given by the car's manufacturer, on the plate or in the handbook. It does not change your licence, but you must never go over it.
How heavy a caravan can my car tow?
Your licence allows a caravan of up to 3,500 kg MAM. Your car may allow less: check its towing capacity and its train weight in the handbook or on the manufacturer's plate.
Do I need code 96 (B96) in Great Britain?
No. Since B+E became part of licence B on 16 December 2021, code 96 is no longer needed to tow a caravan in Great Britain.
Official sources (3)
Guide only (rules as at 21 October 2026). It does not replace official advice.
Driving a motorhome or campervan? See the motorhome licence checker →