Do you tow safely? Formal tuition is not a legal requirement for most caravanners, but it is essential to know the basics if you're a beginner – and to refresh your skills if you haven't towed in a while. Consider these tips
 • Read the advice given in your caravan handbook, as well as that offered by the two major clubs in their information leaflets and on their websites. Videos and DVDs are also available.
 • Practice low-speed manoeuvring and reversing in an empty car park to get used to how the caravan behaves and feels.
 • Go on a towing course. The two main clubs run courses dealing with the fundamentals of hitching and unhitching, safe loading, manoeuvring and reversing, with plenty of hands-on experience using your own car. These confidence-boosters are great for beginners, or those who want to feel more confident while reversing onto a pitch under the scrutiny of a busy site. These courses are not run on public roads, but in safe environments like vehicle training centres. See below for details.
 • Some driver-training companies offer towing training as well, usually based around the requirements of the 'B+E' driving test. Only drivers who have passed their test since 1 January, 1997 fall into this category, and then only if the combined maximum weight of their car and trailer exceeds 3500kg. This test is compulsory before towing larger outfits, although the heavier combinations can be driven under the supervision of a suitably qualified driver while using 'L' plates.

For more information, contact:
The Caravan Club Tel 01342 326944 Web www.caravanclub.co.uk

The Camping and Caravanning Club Tel 024 7669 4995 Web www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk