What to think about when buying a secondhand caravan
Have you ever wondered if there are any changes to the driving rules in the UK when you hit a certain age? There are a couple of things to be aware of, so let’s take a look below.
Driving licence
There’s a driving licence change that kicks in when your 70th birthday is either here or looming, so let’s take a look at what it is…
If you are under 70, you need to renew your photocard licence every 10 years, but if you are over 70, you must now renew it every 3 years instead.
The DVLA will automatically send you a form 90 days before your 70th birthday to remind you to renew your licence.
This can usually be done online, however you can also apply by post using the D46P application form, which you can pick up from the Post Office. If you are renewing a C1 (medium-sized vehicles) or D1 (minibus) licence you will need to do it solely by post rather than online, however.
Can I still tow my caravan?
Yes, you can. There are no changes here, specifically for reaching the age of 70, but it is important that you have (or apply for) the correct category of licence. We’ve used the official term of ‘trailer’ below, but please substitute this with ‘caravan'.
If you got your licence before the 1st January 1997 you can usually drive a vehicle and trailer with a combined weight of up to 8250kg MAM. If you got your licence from the 1st January 1997 onwards, you can tow a trailer with a MAM up to 3500kg, but the combined MAM of the vehicle and trailer should not exceed 7000kg.
To tow a caravan over the age of 70, you need to hold the BE licence category prior to your licence expiring, and you will retain that entitlement when your licence is renewed. You’ll also need BE if you want to tow a trailer over 750kg abroad.
Additionally, according to the Gov.uk website, the size of the trailer/caravan that can be towed depends on the BE ‘valid from’ date shown on your licence. If the date is:
Before 19 January 2013, you can tow any size trailer within the towing limits of the vehicle
On or after 19 January 2013, you can tow a trailer with a MAM of up to 3,500kg within the towing limits of the vehicle.
It is a little confusing sometimes, with all these different dates to consider. If you are still not sure, have a look at the different driving categories here and see which one applies to you.
If you want to tow combinations that are heavier than what’s allowed by your current licence, you’ll need to apply for a provisional licence for a medium-sized lorry and trailer (C1 + E), pass the theory test and then pass the associated driving test. You can find out more here on the government website about these categories for towing.
Is there an upper age for driving and towing?
There is no upper age limit for driving, nor towing, but it's crucial to ensure you have continuing fitness to drive, and that you renew your licence on time. If a medical condition affects your driving ability - such as a previous health condition that has worsened, or a new one - you do need to inform the DVLA. Your safety and the safety of other road users is the most important thing to consider.
If you’re concerned that your driving is not as good as it was, and that you may be putting yourself or other road users at risk - stop before you have an accident.
It’s vital to remember that if you’re involved in an accident where your health condition may have been a reason for the accident occurring, you could be prosecuted, and your insurance also may not cover you.
What should we potentially consider about our driving as we get older?
It’s good to have a think about whether your reactions are noticeably slower than they used to be, or if you find traffic conditions increasingly stressful. If you have a health condition that you think might impact your driving but you’re not sure, you can ask your GP for their help. Additionally, if you notice that your eyesight is getting worse, it’s worth popping to the opticians to get some advice. There are some eyesight rules for driving which you can find here.
Hopefully you’ve found that helpful!
Safe driving, and enjoy your towing activities!
Disclaimer: This is for information only. We’ve taken every care to ensure that the information within this article is correct, but please make sure to keep up to date with the legislation and guidance on this topic as things could change.
