Category B+E trailer training helps drivers tow trailers safely, confidently and competently, even though there is no longer a mandatory B+E driving test.

J Coates provides 4-hour trailer training courses for employers, organisations and drivers who need practical instruction in safe towing, reversing, coupling, uncoupling, trailer checks and on-road trailer handling.

Why trailer training still matters

Although the mandatory B+E driving test has been removed, employers still need to make sure staff are competent to tow trailers safely when towing forms part of their work.

A driving licence entitlement shows that a driver may be legally entitled to tow, but it does not prove that they are trained, confident or competent to tow a trailer in real working conditions.

Trailer towing introduces additional risks, including increased vehicle length, braking distance, blind spots, load security, reversing difficulty, coupling errors, trailer instability and jack-knifing risk.

J Coates trailer training helps employers reduce risk, support duty of care and provide evidence that staff have received practical towing instruction.

4-hour trailer training course

J Coates Category B+E trailer training is delivered as a 4-hour course per person.

The course is designed to give drivers practical towing instruction and confidence-building in a controlled and structured way. Training can be used for new trailer users, staff who tow occasionally, existing drivers needing refresher training, or employers who need to record driver competence.

Who is trailer training for?

Category B+E trailer training is suitable for employers and organisations whose staff tow trailers as part of their work.

This can include:

Utilities companies
Local authorities
Construction businesses
Landscaping companies
Grounds maintenance teams
Agricultural businesses
Equestrian businesses
Events companies
Plant and equipment operators
Fleet operators
Charities and community organisations
Employees towing work trailers
Drivers needing confidence with reversing and manoeuvring

What does B+E trailer training cover?

The 4-hour trailer training course can cover:

Vehicle and trailer suitability checks
Trailer coupling and uncoupling
Breakaway cable checks
Lighting and electrical connections
Mirrors and visibility
Trailer weight awareness
Load security basics
Braking distance and road positioning
Cornering and turning with a trailer
Reversing and low-speed manoeuvring
Safe parking and stopping
On-road towing awareness
Common towing risks and how to avoid them
Driver confidence and practical competence

Trailer towing competency for employers

Employers have a duty to manage the risks created by work-related driving. Where staff tow trailers for work, employers should be able to show that drivers are suitable, competent and aware of the risks involved.

A trailer training course can help provide evidence that the organisation has taken reasonable steps to train staff, reduce risk and support safe working practices.

J Coates can support employers by delivering structured 4-hour trailer training for staff who tow trailers as part of their role.

What drivers gain from trailer training

Drivers who complete trailer training can improve their confidence and practical towing ability.

Training can help drivers understand how the trailer affects the vehicle, how to reverse safely, how to connect and disconnect the trailer correctly, how to check the trailer before use and how to manage road space when towing.

This is particularly useful for drivers who may now have B+E entitlement but have never received formal trailer towing instruction.

Frequently asked questions about Category B+E trailer training

Do I still need to take a B+E trailer test?

No. The mandatory B+E trailer test was removed in December 2021 for car licence holders. However, training is still strongly recommended for drivers who tow trailers, especially where towing is part of their work.

Why do employers still need trailer training if there is no test?

Employers still need to manage the risks of work-related driving. If staff tow trailers for work, the employer should be satisfied that they are competent, trained and able to tow safely.

How long is the J Coates trailer training course?

J Coates Category B+E trailer training is a 4-hour course per person.

Is B+E trailer training voluntary?

Yes. B+E trailer training is now voluntary in licensing terms, but it can still be important for safety, competence, employer duty of care and insurance or internal fleet requirements.

What does trailer training include?

Training can include coupling and uncoupling, trailer checks, reversing, manoeuvring, road positioning, braking distance, mirrors, load awareness and safe towing behaviour.

Who should take trailer training?

Trailer training is suitable for employees, fleet drivers, grounds maintenance staff, tradespeople, local authority staff, utilities workers, agricultural workers, equestrian users and anyone who tows trailers for work.

Can J Coates train several staff members?

Yes. J Coates can support employers who need multiple staff members trained in safe trailer towing. Each course is normally delivered as a 4-hour session per person.

Does having B+E on my licence mean I am competent to tow?

No. Licence entitlement means you may be legally entitled to tow. It does not prove that you have practical towing competence, reversing ability or safe coupling and uncoupling knowledge.

Category B+E Trailer Training