Government plans new trailer training scheme to promote safer towing

After the trailer towing test was scrapped last year, the DVSA has plans to boost knowledge and capabilities in a brand-new voluntary training scheme

In a move that’s sure to be welcomes by equestrians hoping to tow their precious cargo across the country safely and soundly, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is working to develop a new voluntary trailer training accreditation scheme in partnership with the driving training and trailer industries. The course is being designed to provide motorists with the skills, knowledge and competencies to tow safely, highlighting the government’s commitment to road safety and encouraging drivers to get professional training before towing – or to refresh their towing skills.

DVSA and the Department for Transport (DfT) have worked with the trailer training industry who together will form the National Council for Accredited Trailer Training to oversee the scheme and set good towing practice. In addition, DVSA is working with several trailer and training organisations who have expressed an interest in being accrediting bodies. Accrediting bodies will accredit the trainers and run the scheme.

The new training scheme is expected to launch in March 2022 and will provide a core module for all drivers, as well as sector specific modules for different towing activities.

In a statement, Mark Winn, Chief Driving Examiner at DVSA, said: “We’re strongly encouraging drivers wishing to tow for business or leisure to seek professional training before they start towing or if they need to refresh their towing skills.

“The trailer training accreditation scheme will help ensure they have the right skills, knowledge and competencies to tow a trailer or caravan safely.”

You can find out more about towing safely by visiting gov.uk/guidance/tow-a-trailer-with-a-car-safety-checks