If you're wondering whether you're licensed to tow that caravan or drive that large vehicle to your next holiday destination, we have listed the legislation when it comes to what you can and cannot drive with your current license.
Do you hold an EB or B license? In this article we examine what you are legally allowed to drive and/or tow. Also read our top tips for safely towing a trailer or caravan.
What license do I need to tow a trailer or caravan?
If the caravan/trailer you are towing has a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of less than 750 kg, you are allowed to tow it with any licence except A or A1. (These are for a motorcycle). Wondering what the speed limit is when towing a caravan? Find out here.
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If you have a Code B license, you can:
- Operate vehicles (except motorcycles) with an unladen weight of 3 500 kilograms or less; and minibuses, buses and goods vehicles with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 3 500 kg or less. A trailer with GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) of 750 kg or less may be attached.
With a Code EB license, you can:
- Operate articulated vehicles with gross combination mass / Gross Combination Mass (GCM – that’s the maximum weight including the vehicle, load and passengers) of up to 3500 kg; and vehicles allowed by Code B, but with a trailer with Gross Vehicle Mass greater than 750 kg.
- If you have an EB license you’re authorized to drive all vehicles listed under B.
What is the difference between EB, EC1 AND EC?
All licence codes starting with E will allow you to tow a caravan or trailer with a GCM exceeding 750 kg.
However, what the different licences limit is the *tare weight of your tow vehicle:
- With an EB licence, your tow vehicle must have a tare weight of less than 3 500 kg.
- With an EC1 licence, your tow vehicle must have a tare less than 16 000 kg.
- With an EC licence, your tow vehicle may have a GVM over 16 000kg.
*Tare weight: This is also known as ‘dry weight’. The tare of your vehicle trailer or caravan is the mass of the vehicle when completely empty of passengers, luggage, and fuel.
Source: Caravan SA
For more in-depth information, please click here.
Keyword: What vehicles can I drive with a Code B and EB license?