UK driving theory test · Topic chapter 14 · 4 min read
Chapter 14: Vehicle loading
Carrying loads, passengers and animals safely, roof loads, towing a caravan or trailer, licence limits on towing, weight distribution, snaking, towing speed limits and lane rules. Study notes for the UK driving theory test, built from The Highway Code.
Why this chapter matters
Vehicle loading is the smallest topic, but its questions are predictable: how to secure a load, what extra weight does to the car, and the rules for towing. Rule 98 holds almost all of it.
Loads and passengers
- You MUST NOT overload your vehicle or trailer (Rule 98).
- Any load MUST be secured and MUST NOT project dangerously (Rule 98).
- Heavy or sharp objects and animals should be secured, because in a collision they could be thrown forward and seriously injure people inside (Rule 98).
- Stow luggage securely (Annex 6).
- If a load or equipment overhangs the front or rear by more than 2 metres, side and end markers are required (Vehicle markings).
What extra weight changes
| Effect | Highway Code |
|---|---|
| Tyre pressures | Inflate tyres to the manufacturer's figure for the load being carried; check the handbook (Annex 6) |
| Headlights | A heavy load or a trailer may mean adjusting your headlight aim so you do not dazzle others (Rule 98, Annex 6) |
| Stopping | Stopping distance may increase significantly when towing (Rule 98) |
| Acceleration and braking | The extra weight of a trailer affects both (Rule 160) |
| Overtaking and manoeuvring | The extra length of a trailer affects both (Rule 160) |
Children and passengers
- The driver is responsible for passengers under 14 wearing a seat belt or suitable child restraint (Rules 99, 100).
- Children should not sit in the space behind the rear seats of an estate car or hatchback unless a special child seat is fitted (Rule 102).
- Use child safety door locks where fitted, and let children get in and out on the kerb side (Rules 102, 239).
Before towing (Rule 98)
| Check | Detail |
|---|---|
| Licence | You MUST NOT tow more than your licence allows. Drivers who passed the car test on or after 1 January 1997 have restrictions on trailer weight |
| Roadworthiness | Both vehicle and trailer: legal tyres, working trailer brakes and lights |
| Weight limits | Do not tow more than the vehicle manufacturer recommends; do not exceed the recommended tow ball load |
| Weight distribution | Spread the weight evenly, with heavy items over the axle(s) and a downward load on the tow ball |
| Mirrors | If the trailer or load is wider than your vehicle or blocks your rear view, towing mirrors MUST be used |
| Coupling | The trailer MUST have a secondary coupling device, such as a safety chain |
While towing
- Lower limits apply: 50 mph on single carriageways and 60 mph on dual carriageways and motorways (Rule 124).
- On a motorway with three or more lanes you MUST keep out of the right-hand lane (Rules 98, 265).
- If the trailer starts to snake or swerve, ease off the accelerator and reduce speed gently. Do not brake harshly (Rule 98).
- Crosswinds affect high-sided vehicles and caravans more (Rule 232).
- On roundabouts and at junctions, a long vehicle or trailer may need to take a different course (Rule 187).
Towing a broken-down vehicle
A tow rope is potentially dangerous; a rigid tow bar or professional recovery is a better choice. Rejoining traffic takes longer when towing (Rule 98).
FAQ
Where should heavy items go in a caravan?
Over the axle(s), spread evenly, with a downward load on the tow ball (Rule 98).
What should I do if my caravan starts to snake?
Ease off the accelerator and slow down gently; do not brake harshly (Rule 98).
Why secure a dog in the car?
In a collision an unsecured animal can be thrown forward and injure people in the car (Rule 98).
Check yourself
- What safety device must a trailer have in case the main coupling fails?
- What is the speed limit for a car towing a trailer on a single carriageway?
- Why might you need to adjust your headlights when carrying a heavy load?
- When must towing mirrors be used?
Practise this topic on its own: Vehicle loading drill.
Ready to try a full test? Start UK theory practice test 1.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Based on The Highway Code.