If you passed your car driving test after 1st January 1997, you will need to take a B+E towing test to tow large heavy trailers where the gross combined weight of the towing vehicle and loaded trailer exceeds 3.5 tons. You could tow a gross combined weight of 4.250kgs so long as the trailer does not exceed 750kgs. ie; a 3.5 ton transit van with a small 750kgs trailer like a tree chipper trailer. It is possible to tow trailers heavier than 750kgs, so long as the gross trailer weight is less than the towing vehicle's unladen weight and the combination doesn't exceed 3.5 tons. ie; it would be legal to tow a 1.5 ton trailer with a towing vehicle who's unladen weight was 2.0 ton.
Generally speaking it's OK to tow a medium size caravan with a large family car without the need for a B+E licence.
The 4X4 and the Ivor Willaims car transporter trailer I use for driver training weighs 3.75 tons so therefore L-plates and a qualified licence holder is required to sit beside you.
Now for the complicated bit, if you tow heavy trailers where your combined weight exceeds 3.5 tons for Hire or Reward meaning payment or wages, you need to comply with E.U.Rules or U.K. Domestic Rules and Tachograph rules or keep driving records .There are some special exemptions .ie; vehicles used for emergencies, rescue operations or medical purposes. Vehicles undergoing road test, or used for driver training in order to get a licence.
UK Domestic Rules apply only in the UK and only for commercial operations.
EC Rules apply to journeys both private and commercial.
The B+E Course I offer will teach you to confidently: hitch-up, un-hitch safely. Do the emergency braking exercise for the test, the reversing exercise for test, correct and safe loading and securing loads on your trailer, deal with a snaking trailer, vehicle and trailer safety checks before each journey, speed limits when towing. Learn test routes used by the DSA Examiners, and learn the most common mistakes that cause students to fail the test.
Contact me for further information.