What Licence Do I Need to Tow a 5th Wheel in the UK?

If you're thinking about buying a fifth wheel, one of the first questions that comes up is: “Am I actually allowed to tow one on my current driving licence?”

The answer depends on two things: when you passed your test, and the weight of your vehicle and 5th wheel combined.

Understanding UK Driving Licence Categories

In the UK, driving licences are issued with categories that dictate what vehicles and trailers you're legally allowed to drive or tow.

Here are the ones that matter for fifth wheels:

• Category B – Standard car licence (covers most cars and small vans).

• Category BE – Car with trailer (allows larger trailer towing).

• Category C1 – Medium-sized vehicles (3.5 to 7.5 tonnes).

• Category C1E – Medium-sized vehicle + trailer (combined total can exceed 7.5 tonnes).

Passed Your Test Before 1 January 1997?

Good news — you're automatically entitled to tow quite a lot.

Anyone who passed their car driving test before 1 January 1997 will likely have Categories B, BE, C1 and C1E already on their licence. That means you can drive vehicles and trailers with a combined Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of up to 8,250 kg.

MAM refers to the total permitted weight of the vehicle or trailer when fully loaded — including water, fuel, passengers, and all your gear.

Passed After 1 January 1997?

If you passed your test after this date, the rules changed, but were relaxed just a few years ago.

As of late 2021, Category BE is automatically added to full UK car licences. This means you can now tow a trailer with a MAM of up to 3,500 kg, without needing to take a separate trailer test (as was previously required).

But here’s where it gets important: if the combined weight of your towing vehicle and the fifth wheel exceeds 3,500 kg, you will need a C1E licence.

Do You Need a C1E Licence?

If your tow vehicle (a large pickup or truck like a Nissan Navara or Ford Wildtrak) has a MAM over 3,500 kg, and your trailer pushes the total combined weight even higher, you’re in Category C1E territory.

Why is it important to be towing with the right license? Apart from legal compliance, this is about safety and insurance too.

If you're towing above your legal weight entitlement:

• Your insurance could be invalid

• You could face points, fines, or a prosecution

• Your rig could be impounded at a DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) stop.

Drive Right

Buying a fifth wheel is about freedom and fun, but it does come with responsibilities. Understanding your driving licence is one of the first steps to get right before hitting the road.

If you’re unsure, or would like to know more, just call CCRV on 01638 515700 or checkout our FAQ.