B

A category B driving licence holder can drive a car, van or 4 x 4 which has a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of not more than 3,500kg and is constructed to carry no more than eight passengers in addition to the driver.

A vehicle which can be driven by the holder of a category B licence may tow a trailer:

As a general rule, a category B licence would not entitle the holder to tow a horsebox or a livestock trailer because the Design Gross Combination Weight (DGCW) would be more than 3,500kg.

BE

A person must hold a category B driving licence before being eligible to apply for a category BE learner permit.

A category BE driving licence holder can drive a car, van or 4 x 4 with a MAM of no more than 3,500kg and you can draw a trailer, provided the laden weight of the trailer being towed does not exceed the manufacturer’s specified towing capacity for your towing vehicle.

The towing capacity of your vehicle is usually located at the inside of the driver or passenger door on a small plate. Alternatively, you can check the towing capacity of your vehicle in the owner’s manual which has probably remained undisturbed in the glove box since you bought the car.

The heaviest trailer that can be towed with a BE driving licence is one with a MAM not more than 3,500kg.

Therefore, the DGCW of the towing vehicle and trailer must not be more than 7,000kg – that is, 3,500kg in respect of the towing vehicle and 3,500kg in respect of the trailer.

HEAVY TRAILERS

If your trailer has a MAM exceeding 3,500kg, it is classified as a ‘heavy trailer’ and must be licensed with the Local Authority in which it is ordinarily kept. It must also undergo an annual roadworthiness test at the network of CVR Test Centres.

To tow a heavy trailer, you will need a category C1E, CE, DE or a D1E driving licence depending on the type of vehicle used to draw the trailer. Light trailers – that is, those with a MAM not exceeding 3500kg – are not required to undergo a compulsory road-worthiness test.

For more information go to www.rsa.ie