B+E · DVSA · Car & trailer

B+E car and trailer towing course

Car drivers no longer need a separate test to tow. This course teaches you to hitch, tow and reverse a trailer safely.

B+E car and trailer familiarisation training at Nithcree

About this course

Since December 2021 anyone with a full car licence can tow a trailer up to 3,500kg without a separate test. That does not make it easy. This familiarisation course is for farmers, tradespeople, horse owners and anyone towing plant, livestock or equipment who wants to do it safely and legally: hitching, load security, staying within weight limits and reversing with confidence.

What you’ll learn

  • Hitching, unhitching and safety checks
  • Load security and weight limits
  • Towing on the road
  • Reversing a trailer

Before you start

A full car (Category B) licence.

Why train with Nithcree

Since 2001
25 years of training in Dumfries
90%
of candidates who train with us pass
300+ years
of industry experience among our instructors

Nithcree grew out of a family haulage business, and every instructor has driven, lifted or loaded for a living. Meet the instructors or read how nine in ten of our trainees pass.

Questions

Common questions

Do I still need a test to tow a trailer with my car?

No. Since December 2021, anyone with a full car licence can tow a trailer of up to 3,500kg maximum authorised mass without taking a separate test. You still need to stay within your vehicle's towing limits and know how to load, hitch and reverse safely, which is what our B+E familiarisation course covers.

Who is B+E training for?

Farmers, horse owners, tradespeople towing plant or equipment, and anyone new to towing who wants to do it confidently. Employers also use it to show staff have been trained before they tow company trailers.

How long has Nithcree been training drivers?

Since 2001. Nithcree grew out of a family haulage business and opened its Dumfries training centre that year. We opened in Perth in 2021 and became a registered NPORS plant training centre in 2024. Read our 25-year story.

What is your pass rate?

90% of candidates who train with Nithcree pass. Our instructors have more than 300 years of industry experience between them, and two are DVSA reverse examiners. See how we do it.

Can I get funding for my training?

Possibly. Scottish funding, No One Left Behind employability support and English schemes can cover some or all of a course, depending on where you live and your circumstances. See funding options or ask us to check before you book.

Where are your courses held?

Every course runs at our Dumfries centre in Heathhall. LGV and B+E courses also run at our Perth centre.

Do you train staff for employers?

Yes. We train individuals and whole teams, from complete beginners to experienced staff who need refreshers, Driver CPC hours or an NPORS experienced worker test. Call us to plan training around your work.

How do I book?

Call 01387 256528 or send an enquiry. Tell us what you want to drive or operate and your experience, and we will recommend the right course and check funding before you commit.

Ready when you are

Book a course or ask a question