The British Horse Society (BHS) is sharing advice to those new to towing, following the new rule surrounding trailers.
This will affect numerous horse owners who previously needed to take and pass a trailer towing test in order to be able to tow their horses within the law. There is now no need to.
However, the BHS is still urging equestrians to take lessons before they tow.
“The BHS encourages anyone new to towing, to seek a professional accredited training driving school to learn the safety critical aspects of towing, to keep you, your horse and other road users safe,” said a spokesman for the organisation.
It has released ‘Are you sure it’s safe for me to travel’ cards, which horse owners can order free of charge and use to inform their driving decisions.
To request a copy of the ‘Equine Transport Safety Glovebox Guide’ click here and fill in the form.
New rules
The DVLA confirmed that it will automatically update driving records to show that drivers are allowed to tow trailers and the category BE will be added to licences when you next get a photo card driving licence.
Trailer tests ceased earlier this year, on 20 September, after the changes to the licence requirements were first announced.
A statement from the DVLA said that drivers are not able to get a refund or compensation for any trailer towing trailer that they have undertaken, or for any trailer tests that have been taken in the past.
It also added that “it’s best to take training from a driving instructor if you want to start driving a car and trailer”.
