NEW towing regulations have come into effect in England, Scotland and Wales, which allow all drivers to tow a larger trailer regardless of when they passed their test. 

The government has confirmed those who received their licence after 1 January 1997 can now use a trailer up to 3,500 kg without having to sit an additional exam. 

Previously, only drivers who had passed before that date could drive a vehicle and trailer combination, up to 8,250 kg maximum authorised mass (MAM), by default. They were also allowed to drive a minibus with a trailer over 750 kg MAM. 

READ MORE: Storms Malik and Corrie: Forestry chiefs brace themselves for more windblow damage

Those who had had their licence handed out between 1 January 1997 and 19 January 2013 were limited to 3,500 kg MAM, towing a trailer of up to 750 kg MAM (up to 4,250 kg in total). If they had wanted to tow anything heavier, they had to pass a car and trailer driving test. 

For drivers who had passed after 19 January 2013, they could drive with a maximum 3,500 kg MAM towing a trailer of up to 750 kg MAM (up to 4,250 kg in total) or a trailer over 750 kg MAM as long as the combined MAM of the trailer and towing vehicle was no more than 3,500 kg. 

READ MORE: EMotive: Investors asked to back zero-emission all-terrain electric vehicle prototype

Again, all drivers beyond the latter date had to also pass a car and trailer test. 

However, from now on all drivers who passed after 1 January 1997 will be allowed to tow trailers up to 3,500 kg MAM without having to sit a test. The DVLA will update driving licence records to show that they’re allowed to tow trailers.