Beyond Driving was in Lincoln yesterday, delivering Lantra-accredited Trailer Handling training to teams from BT. Our expert instructors designed the day to build confidence, develop safe working practices, and ensure drivers were fully up to date with the latest trailer regulations.
Whether you are a large organisation like BT or a smaller business with occasional towing needs, our trailer training courses can be tailored to meet your exact requirements. From on-road practical sessions to bespoke modules addressing specific equipment or operational challenges, we provide training that fits your business.
Why Trailer Handling Training Matters
Towing a trailer may look straightforward, but it comes with risks that can quickly escalate without proper training. From understanding weight limits and load distribution to mastering reversing and manoeuvring in tight spaces, professional instruction makes the difference between a smooth operation and a costly incident.
Trailer-related incidents are a regular feature on UK roads, often caused by inadequate training or a poor grasp of the regulations. That’s why Lantra Trailer Handling training is invaluable—not only to meet compliance requirements but to raise overall safety standards across your workforce.
Trailer Towing Regulations: What You Need to Know
The rules around towing have changed in recent years, and it’s vital that both organisations and drivers remain compliant.
Our detailed guide, Can I Tow a Trailer? The Complete Guide to Towing Trailers in the UK, explains everything from driving licence categories to maximum authorised mass (MAM) and the importance of correct trailer maintenance.
Some key points include:
- Driving licences: Since December 2021, drivers who passed their test after 1 January 1997 are now automatically entitled to tow trailers up to 3,500kg MAM.
- Trailer safety checks: Businesses have a duty of care to ensure trailers are properly maintained, roadworthy, and correctly loaded before use.
- Employer responsibility: If towing forms part of an employee’s role, employers must provide suitable training and assessment to demonstrate compliance with health and safety obligations.
Bespoke Training for Client Organisations
Every business operates differently. At Beyond Driving, we recognise that a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works. That’s why our trailer training can be customised to cover:
- Specialist trailers (e.g. plant, livestock, or communications equipment).
- Urban, rural, or site-specific driving environments.
- Integration with wider 4×4, ATV, or defensive driving training.
This flexible approach ensures your teams receive relevant, practical training that mirrors the challenges they face every day.
Book Your Trailer Handling Course
Our Trailer Handling Training is available across the UK and can be delivered at your workplace, training site, or in real-world on-road environments.
From national organisations like BT and National Grid to local authorities, utilities, and land-based businesses, we provide accredited training that makes towing safer, more efficient, and fully compliant.
📞 Call us on 01684 217152 or visit Beyond Driving Trailer Training to find out more and book your bespoke course today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trailer Handling Training
Do I need trailer handling training?
While trailer handling training is not a legal requirement for every driver, employers have a duty under health and safety legislation to ensure staff are competent to carry out work safely. Professional trailer handling training helps reduce the risk of collisions, jack-knifing, reversing incidents and damage to valuable equipment. It is particularly beneficial for anyone towing as part of their job, whether occasionally or every day.
Can Beyond Driving deliver training using our own trailer?
Yes. Wherever possible, Beyond Driving delivers training using your own towing vehicle and trailer. This ensures drivers develop confidence with the equipment they will use in their day-to-day role, whether that is a generator trailer, cable trailer, plant trailer, welfare unit, livestock trailer or other specialist equipment. If required, we can also provide suitable training vehicles and trailers.
Is Lantra Trailer Handling certification nationally recognised?
Yes. Lantra is one of the UK’s leading awarding bodies for land-based and industrial training. Successful candidates receive nationally recognised certification, providing employers with evidence that staff have completed professional trailer handling training and have demonstrated the required knowledge and practical skills.
Can training be delivered at our depot or workplace?
Absolutely. Beyond Driving delivers trailer handling training throughout the UK and can conduct courses at your depot, workplace or operational site. Training on your own premises allows candidates to practise in familiar surroundings using their own vehicles and trailers, making the learning directly relevant to their daily responsibilities.
Can you provide training for towing heavy equipment such as generators?
Yes. Beyond Driving regularly delivers trailer handling training for organisations towing heavy equipment, including generators, compressors, pumps, cable reels and other specialist utility assets. The course covers safe coupling and uncoupling, load security, vehicle and trailer checks, reversing techniques, manoeuvring in confined spaces and safe towing on public roads and work sites.
What types of vehicles can be used for trailer handling training?
Training can be delivered using a wide range of towing vehicles, including 4x4s, pick-up trucks, vans, SUVs and other commercial vehicles. Courses are tailored to the type of vehicle and trailer used by your organisation, ensuring drivers gain practical experience with the equipment they are expected to operate.
Is the course suitable for organisations with mixed experience levels?
Yes. Whether your staff are new to towing or experienced drivers looking for refresher training, the course can be adapted to individual ability. Our instructors tailor the training to build confidence while ensuring every candidate develops safe, efficient and compliant towing techniques.
Which organisations typically benefit from trailer handling training?
Our trailer handling courses are used by a wide range of organisations, including utility companies, telecommunications providers, local authorities, infrastructure contractors, environmental organisations, construction companies, emergency services, estates teams and event businesses. Any organisation whose employees tow trailers as part of their work can benefit from professional trailer handling training.
