'Wasted all our money': Drivers furious over upcoming caravan towing law changes

Caravans have spiked in popularity in recent months as Britons look to staycation around the UK, given the uncertainty of foreign travel. From September 20, car and trailer driving tests will be stopped.

The test involves performing manoeuvres with a trailer attached to a car and drivers are judged on how well they perform on the road, much like a standard driving test.

If drivers passed their car driving test from January 1, 1997, they are allowed to tow trailers up to 3,500kg MAM (Maximum Authorised Mass) when the law changes.

The DVLA will update driving licence records to show that drivers are allowed to tow trailers.

Those who passed before 1997 will have the category BE added to their driving licence when they get a new photocard driving licence.

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Motorists can be fined up to £1,000, be banned from driving and get up to six penalty points on a driving licence if they tow anything heavier before the law changes.

Drivers can only tow heavier loads when being supervised, on the condition that L plates are displayed to the front of the car and the rear of the trailer.

They will also need to be accompanied by a person who is at least 21 years old and has had category BE on their driving licence for at least three years.

Any tests taken before September 20, will go ahead as planned.

From today (September 15) until September 19, drivers will automatically get a full refund when they cancel their test.

Any test on or after September 20, will not go ahead.

If a driver booked a test themselves, the DVSA will automatically cancel it and will receive a full refund within five working days.

Road users cannot get a refund or compensation for any training that has been taken to help drivers prepare to take the test.

This has caused some controversy amongst caravanners with many feeling hard done by with the lack of refunds, as well as those who offer training.

Twitter user Nigel Guest, said: “Got to feel for those driving instructors who teach BE.

“Their business could be wiped out overnight.”

Another user, Thomas Evans, questioned the move saying: “So what happens to the people who were forced to pay to get their licences?

“Just wasted all our money for no reason at all?”

source: express.co.uk