!!  YOU COULD BE BREAKING THE LAW  !!

You may not be aware but if you passed your driving test on or after 1st January 1997 then you may need the B + E category on your driving licence. If you don't have this then you may not be able to pull a caravan or trailer legally and your insurance may be invalid.
 
The Test
All B+E cars with trailer tests are conducted at LGV test centres and last approximately two hours. For B+E tests the towing vehicle must meet the usual car test requirements i.e. L - plates, seat belts and head restraints for driver and examiner.  The towing vehicle must also be fitted with mirrors that meet the current regulations for towing.
The test will begin with a reverse exercise followed by a braking exercise; you will then proceed to an on-the-road driving assessment, which can take up to One hour. A test route is usually around 15 miles long. The test-marking scheme is the same as for other tests, with a maximum of 15 driver faults allowed.
On return to the test centre you will be asked to uncouple & re-couple the trailer, if the trailer is light enough you can move the trailer into the coupling position by hand. If the trailer is heavier, you are allowed to move the towing vehicle into the required position. You must then demonstrate the safety checks.  The DSA test fee which is currently £89.00 is payable directly to the DSA where appropriate.

Trailer & Towing Tuition
Changes to the licensing and testing system on 1st January 1997 saw the introduction of one completely new test, the B+E car and trailer test.
Although this test has been around for some 8 years now, a huge number of people, including some instructors are completely unaware of it. This has led to numerous incidences of people driving unlicensed, and uninsured through ignorance of the law.

The regulations regarding the towing of trailers, written by the European Committee were not designed in a way that is straightforward or easy to understand. The resulting rules are extremely confusing and are a minefield for the unwary.
Here is a summary of the rules; this SHOULD NOT be taken as a full explanation: 

A 'B+E' driving licence is required to tow a large trailer behind a motor vehicle.
A car is defined as a vehicle with no more than 8 seats, and a maximum permitted weight of 3500kg. A trailer is anything that is towed by a vehicle e.g. Horse boxes, Box van, large caravan, Car transporters etc. Trailers with a gross weight of more than 750kg need to be fitted with brakes, usually “over-run” brakes worked from the tow ball.
A driver without a B+E licence can tow a trailer, providing the gross weight of the trailer is less than the un-laden weight of the towing vehicle. The whole combination must weigh less than 3500kg in total.

A post ’97 licence holder can however tow a trailer with a gross weight of around 1.5 tons, providing the towing vehicle and trailer are very carefully matched. If this matching is not done correctly, it will fail to comply with the exemption, resulting in the driver being unlicensed and uninsured. In a court of law this could carry a maximum of 9 penalty points and a £1000 fine and in some cases even a ban.

A good tuition course would cover theLaw and Ethics of towing a trailer, followed by theory tuition.
Then you could begin to practice the uncoupling and re-coupling procedure for the trailer. A demonstration shouldl be given showing you how to carry out the necessary safety checks, i.e. securing trailer doors and ensuring the load is safe and secure and that all electrical systems are in working order.
The next stage would be to perfect your On the Road driving skills, which will include a systematic and Eco style of driving, Moving off and stopping, Junctions, Country roads, Motorway driving, Awareness and planning and a reversing exercise.

Towing adds another dimension to your driving and there are a number of considerations you should take into account.

These include:
• The towing capacity of your vehicle;
• The type of tow bar you should fit to your vehicle and the maximum load capacity of the coupling;
• The type of trailer you are towing and whether it complies with all the regulations governing trailers in the UK
• The type of equipment you may need to fit to increase the trailer's stability when being towed;
• Whether your trailer is correctly loaded;
• The ways in which towing can affect your driving;
• The safety checks you should make prior to and during your trip; and
• The type of insurance most suitable for your caravan or trailer.

Remember that towing a trailer or caravan will decrease your vehicle's acceleration and braking performance. It will also reduce vehicle control and manoeuvrability, while increasing fuel consumption.
It is vital that your tyres are in good condition. Tyres can deteriorate just as much when a vehicle stands for long periods, as when it is being used. As tyres age, the surface rubber can crack and rubber compounds can deteriorate. Manufacturers recommend that tyres are replaced after six years, even if the tread has more than the legal minimum groove depth remaining. If tyres are worn to the legal minimum tread depth, they must be replaced regardless of age. Remember to keep a spare that is the same, and gets replaced with the others.
Tyres must have a sufficient load-rating and speed-rating for towing, and must have the correct tyre pressure to suit the load being carried. Tyre pressure maintenance is important, as properly inflated tyres will give you the best economy, safety and performance from your towing vehicle and caravan. Under inflated tyres can lead to the tyre walls becoming overheated and blowing out. Over inflation can cause sever vibration and stress to your caravan.
If in doubt, contact a tyre retailer. Correct tyre pressure will provide safe operation, maximum tyre life, the best ride, handling, and fuel economy.
For more practical advice visit:  http://www.towingguide.com/towtrailer.html