If your drivers passed their driving test before the 1st January 1997, they will have automatically acquired the BE, C1, C1E, D1 and D1E licence categories. These are known as acquired rights or grandfather rights. This allows your drivers to tow a variety of different loads across a range of vehicles, up to a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of 8250kg.
If your drivers passed their driving test after the 1st of January 1997, they can:
- Drive car or van up to 3,500kg towing a trailer up to 750kg.
- Tow a trailer over 750kg, as long as the MAM of the vehicle and trailer is no more than 3500kg.
Should your employees be required to tow anything heavier, they will need to undertake training and pass the relevant test.
If you or your drivers are unsure of their rights, you can check their driving licence information online.