The new trailer training accreditation scheme aims to ensure drivers who want to tow a trailer for leisure or business have the skills, knowledge, and competencies to tow safely. And for those towing a trailer in connection with their work, to help ensure an employer’s corporate responsibilities to make sure safe working practices are met.

Why You Need Trailer Towing Training

It is not unusual for the HGV Training Centre to sign up students for one of our towing courses after they have already taken and failed the trailer test. The possibility of failing is reason enough to undergo training. But there are other reasons as well. First and foremost is the reality that towing a trailer makes driving a car significantly more difficult.

When you attach a trailer to your car, you are increasing the total weight and size of the vehicle combination. Why is this a big deal? Because weight and size affect everything from handling to braking. As just one example, the additional weight of a trailer requires more distance to stop safely than is required by your car alone. Coming to terms with that reality is a lot easier to handle in a training course than on the road, in traffic.

Other things that can affect how you drive a car and trailer include:

• Weather – You already know that weather conditions affect how you drive your car around town. Why would it be any different with a car and trailer? It’s not. In fact, adverse weather can be even more dangerous in a towing situation. High winds can topple a trailer while slippery roads can cause a jack-knife. Good training teaches you how to handle a trailer in bad weather.
• Traffic Congestion – Taking to the road means trusting the other drivers you will encounter along the way. When towing a trailer, those other drivers can be seriously problematic. Any problems you do encounter are only magnified in periods of heavy traffic congestion. Training teaches you how to safely handle your trailer regardless of the volume of traffic around you.
• Driving Regulations – There are certain regulations that apply to cars and trailers that may not apply to cars alone. Our training covers the regulations thoroughly with the intent of making sure drivers know their obligations under the law. We do not want our students receiving penalty points and fines after committing an offence.
• Individual Experience – There is no better teacher in the area of trailer towing than experience. Obviously, experience will make you a better driver five years from now than you are today. Our towing courses provide you the opportunity to gain some early experience before you start towing in earnest.