IF you drive a jeep and trailer with a combined maximum weight (Maximum Authorized Mass – MAM) over 3,500kg and under 7,000kg, you need a BE licence. Please note that your licence is based on your load capacity (not the load you are carrying).

If you currently drive a car/jeep and a trailer/horsebox with a combined weight less than 3,500kg you only need a B licence (regular car licence), this is usually suitable for drivers who are not carrying livestock.

Please note the following:

  • Combined weight means the weight of the vehicle, trailer and contents.
  • Maximum weight is the weight capacity of the car and trailer.

    • The BE licence the weight is calculated on the maximum weight capacity of the car/jeep and maximum load capacity of the trailer.

    If you do not have the correct licence for this and are stopped by An Garda Siochana, they have the authority, not just to stop your travel and seize your trailer immediately, if you exceed the weight over your licence category they can drive you a maximum of 25km (from the point you were stopped) to a weight station and if you do not have the correct licence for the weight you are driving your trailer can be impounded or you must provide a fully licenced driver behind the wheel to conclude your journey.

    The Garda are checking licences at a lot of events currently.

    Why do I need for a BE licence?

    If you want to pull a trailer with a load capacity over 750kg (i.e. with a horse) and a combined weight up to 7,000kg you MUST have a BE licence.

    How to get a BE Licence:

    1. You must hold a current full driving licence in the category B (car).

    2. You must first pass a driver theory test in the category BW (if not already passed to obtain a category B licence)

    3. Apply for a learner Permit in category BE in an NDLS centre.

    4. After passing a driving test in the car/jeep and trailer you can then apply for the category BE to be added to your full driving licence.

    Note: If you have your full B licence before 2001, you must complete a theory test.

    To add a category to a learner permit you must provide the following:

  • Application form for learner permit D201 (Fully completed)
  • Current/ most recent Learner permit
  • Evidence of PPSN if required or Public Service Card (PSC)
  • A theory test pass certificate if applicable (dated within 2 years)
  • If you do not have your most recent learner permit you must present a completed lost licence declaration (question 17 on D201) together with valid Photographic ID
  • NDLS medical form (dated within 1 month) if required.
  • Evidence of CPC if required
  • If the address has changed since your last learner permit was issued, you must provide evidence of new address which must be dated within 6 months
  • Relevant fee (€35)
  • Your photograph and signature will be captured at the NDLS office.

    • Airport Driving School: Tuition for every licence category with a test pass guarantee

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