Driving with a trailer

With a regular class B driving licence, you can drive with a trailer as long as the total weight of the car and trailer together does not exceed certain limits. Driving with a trailer places extra demands on planning and driving technique.

Class B Weight Limits

Coupling and Control

• Check that the towbar is securely connected and that the safety wire is attached.
• Check that lights and brakes on the trailer are working.
• Check that the load is correctly distributed with approx. 5-10% of the trailer’s total weight as nose pressure.
• The mirrors must provide sufficient rear visibility; Use extra mirrors for wide hangers.

Reversing with a trailer

Reversing requires practice because the trailer turns in the opposite direction of the steering wheel:

• Steer the steering wheel to the right to make the trailer move to the left, and vice versa.
• Use small steering wheel angles and drive slowly.
• Stop and straighten if the trailer starts to go too far to one side.

Driving technique with trailer

• Braking distance increases significantly. Keep a longer distance.
• Transducer requires more space; swing wide to avoid the trailer cutting corners.
• Sling (swaying trailer) can occur at too high a speed. Slow down smoothly without braking hard.
• Strong winds make the trailer extra unstable. Read about this in driving in strong winds .

Speed limits with a trailer

The maximum speed allowed with a trailer is 80 km/h unless otherwise signposted. Always adapt your speed to the conditions, especially on slippery roads .

Further reading

• Speed and weather conditions
• Stopping distance calculation
• Prohibition sign overview
• Driving on motorway