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quoteOn the blog last month, we asked you to tell us if caravan towing courses should be made compulsory for those who passed their test pre 1997.
We wanted to hear your thoughts on whether you think towing newbies should have to complete a course before they hit the road, or if you believed that even the most experienced caravanner would benefit from a refresher course.
We were blown away by your response to the poll and now it’s time to reveal the results.
Lets take a look at how you voted
A huge 50% of you voted in favour of towing courses for those new to towing a caravan, while 14% voted in favour of refresher courses for all caravanners – so 64% were strongly in favour of extra towing training. Only 16% of voters strongly believed that passing your driver’s test should be enough.
13% of you appreciate both sides of the argument, and only 1% of voters are undecided, which suggests to us that this is a topic that will continue to divide opinion for the foreseeable future.
Here’s what some of you had to say on the topic…
Chris got in touch to say, “I think that all new caravanners should have to take some kind of caravan awareness course so that they know the laws regarding towing as you see many tow vehicles with only one mirror or without any at all or speeding in the outside lane of motorways. It could be done very easily as when you purchase your van you fill out a form which is sent to your police station of choice and you attend the course there before you pick up your van. This would also cover any experienced towers as well if they change their van.”
Jodar agrees saying, “Newbies should have a compulsory towing course and many oldies would benefit from one too!”
Like Margaret, many of you think that additional training would be beneficial, “I don’t think a test should be compulsory, but perhaps something like the written drivers’ test that now applies to new drivers would be useful – if a person got below a certain score then a course might be advised.”
Andy, an experienced lorry driver argues that, “Some of the reversing, manoeuvring and general driving abilities of some caravanners I think leaves a lot to desired. A compulsory driving course would generally improve driving standards, thus increasing safety to ourselves and other road users.”
Simon on the other hand disagrees saying that a compulsory towing test would be “more of a burden to an already expensive but enjoyable hobby.”
Experienced tower David voted in favour of compulsory courses, but agreed with others when saying, “Us older folk should be required to at least take a refresher course.”
The price of proposed courses was a deciding factor for Clive who tells us, “I agree that towing courses should be compulsory, however I feel that the cost of any course should NOT be over exorbitant.”
Similarly, Barry got in touch to say, “I have been towing caravans and trailers for well over 50 years and my view is that this proposal is another money making venture for the DSA.”
And finally, a comment that stuck out to us, came from Tony who got his licence in 1964, “Even though we all feel capable of towing, we could all do with a refresher now and again. I still need to do better as I can honestly say I have come close on occasions.”
Click here to read all of the comments in full.
As an experienced HGV and recovery driver I feel that towing courses should be compulsory for ALL new drivers. Not just those that decide to tow a Caravan. Referesher courses in any subject are always nice but do not need to be compulsory.
Thanks for your comment Peter.
And who is going to pay for compulsory courses? It’s just a money making scheme for someone. If something isn’t broken, then there’s no point spending someone else’s money to fix it.
I don’t see the point of a ‘refresher course’ – if you are an experienced caravanner then you already know all you need to know. As for compulsion – this is just more expensive regulation when there is no evidence that carvanners represent a significant problem or danger on the roads compared to other road users.
I feel a refresher course would be useful for everyone at some stage I have been towing for over 35 years and have noticed vans are now wider heavier longer and even though fitted with extra safety devices on the tow car and trailer.
How many people check the nose weights and overall weights not many. Then there are the idiots towing with the wrong car no mirrors using the third lane etc
A training course should be given if no experience but a refresher every 5 or 10 years may be beneficial to keep up with any changes
We agree David – refresher courses would benefit caravanners of all ages and experience.
While I agree with new drivers should take a course in towing, this would include those towing for the first time. Experienced towers should perhaps take a written test every five years to show that they are up to date with current laws and practices.