Trailer towing licence when aged 70 and over
Further to our recent advertising content in respect of driving licence category entitlement for the over 70’s, it has become apparent that a great deal of confusion reigns over this area and many of our clients are getting conflicting advice from DVLA .
DVLA’s line on this subject is confusing as it introduced a testing system for trailers and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes for all drivers who passed their test after Jan 1997. Those who passed a test to drive a car before this date were automatically given the trailer entitlement, together with the entitlement to drive vans and lorries up to 7.5 tonnes in gross weight and minibuses too. This entitlement lasts until expiry of the licence. So until every driver on the road is of an age where they passed their test after Jan 1997 a two tier system exists with different rules and entitlements, dependent on when you passed your test.
Most licences expire when the driver is 70 years old, when you must reapply. The confusion occurs when the licence comes back with certain entitlements missing.
A recent Panorama programme highlighted this area because clerical errors at DVLA are being made and unless a licence holder checks their entitlements, they could be none the wiser. An example was when an experienced motor cyclist (of 20+ years) sent his licence away following a change of address and when it was reissued DVLA missed the motor cycle category off. The driver spotted this and queried it but DVLA would not put the category back on without sight of a test pass certificate, which of course he sent to them 20 years ago. He ended up having to re-take his test.
As professional Insurance Brokers, it is our duty to view this from an insurance point of view. A policy will provide cover only where a driver holds the relevant licence. The consequence of driving a vehicle without the appropriate licence is dire, obviously. The point to make is that the goal posts will move at the age of 70 and drivers must check the entitlements they are given to ensure these are adequate for their requirements over that age.
We have checked this with DVLA and their standard line for drivers over the age of 70 is to reissue the licence with the following categories:
- B - Cars up to 3.5 tonnes. Cars + trailers up to 750kg, where the combination does not exceed 3.5 tonnes.
- B+E - Cars up to 3.5 tonnes + trailers without weight limit. But restricted to the towing capacity of the car.
- F - Agricultural tractors (with or without a trailer)
- K - Mowing machines
- P - Mopeds
We have heard of cases where DVLA have missed off the B+E entitlement and even F (tractors), so it is vitally important that you check.
What you will not get is:
- C1 - vans & lorries 3.5 - 7.5 tonnes + a trailer up to 750kg
- C1E - vans & lorries 3.5 - 7.5 tonnes + a trailer over 750kg, providing the total does not exceed 12 tonnes (8.25 tonnes if you passed your car test before Jan 1997)
- D1 - Minibuses up to 16 seats + a trailer up to 750 kg
- D1E - Minibuses up to 16 seats +a trailer over 750 kg, providing the total does not exceed 12 tonnes
If you need any of the above 4 categories over the age of 70, then you must reapply which entails undergoing a medical at your expense – which can cost from £70 - £150 depending on your doctor.
It is important to understand that whenever DVLA apply a weight restriction, this limit includes the weight of the load. So, after 70 you are not entitled to drive this (unless you reapply & take a medical):
You are only entitled to drive this if your licence comes back with B+E entitlement CHECK THAT IT DOES
Any questions? Please Call us on 01604 782 782