How heavy can the trailer be with a BE licence?

A BE licence permits a category B car and a trailer or semi-trailer whose combined authorised maximum mass exceeds B/B96 limits, up to 3,500 kg for the trailer. The car’s own towing limits still apply.

BE trailer limit

MIT states that BE covers a combination made up of a category B car and a trailer or semi-trailer with a combined authorised maximum mass above 4,250 kg; the trailer’s authorised maximum mass must not exceed 3,500 kg. This threshold uses the authorised maximum mass on the documents, not the actual weight during a particular journey. For example, a trailer rated at 3,200 kg does not count as a 2,500 kg trailer for licence purposes just because it carries a light load today.

A BE licence does not let you ignore the car’s specifications. The car registration document lists towing capacity and maximum combination mass; if the trailer exceeds what the model can tow, BE does not make it legal. The towbar, nose weight, load distribution and tyres must also stay within their respective limits. Before buying or hiring, compare the caravan or trailer’s authorised mass with the car’s approved capacity and the licence category you hold.

Authorised mass and actual load

These are separate checks. The required licence category is determined from authorised maximum masses under the rules; safe and compliant travel also requires the actual mass, including load, to stay within the limits for each vehicle and the combination. A weighbridge may reveal an overload, but does not alter the figure printed on the document. Do not confuse towing capacity, tare, gross mass and payload: they describe different values.

If your combination is within B96 limits, you may not need BE. If it exceeds 4,250 kg or otherwise requires the higher category, check the BE procedure. MIT requires applicants to hold category B and sets out the practical test. Take the vehicle documents to a driving school or licensing office for a case-specific check. Quizzes can help remember definitions, while coupling, manoeuvring and reversing need instructor-led practice with the test combination.

Quiz Patente Ufficiale offers theory chapters, quizzes, explanations, mistake review and study statistics; trailer operation requires supervised practice.