Over 70 years old

Raystar
Raystar Forum Participant Posts: 2
edited February 2019 in Caravan & Motorhome Chat #1

Hi at the age of 70 I will lose my current license when I receive my new standard license will i be a able to drive a motor home at 3500kgs and tow a trailer up to 750kgs.or does the trailer weight come off the 3500kgs if it is under 750kgs thanks for any help Regards Ray

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  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,860 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2019 #2

    Ray

    You don't have to relinquish your full licence at 70 but to retain it will require a medical. If you step down  you will be able to tow a trailer weighing 750kgs on the back of a 3500kgs motorhome. 

    David

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,142 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2019 #3

    See here, Ray. -

    https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/advice-and-training/advice-for-beginners/driving-licences/

     

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited February 2019 #4
    The user and all related content has been Deleted User
  • ocsid
    ocsid Forum Participant Posts: 1,395
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    edited February 2019 #5

    In simplified terms after 70 you can drive a vehicle up to 3500 kgs, and it can tow whatever it is specified as able to tow. Be that vehicle a M/H or a caravan's tow car.

    To drive a vehicle over 3500 kgs is where it requires a medical. That towing or otherwise does not come into it, it is all about the weight of the vehicle you drive, one side or other of 3500kgs.

    In real life terms, you have no limit on what you can tow provided the vehicle can tow it. There are limits, but beyond what would generally be encountered in out hobby.

  • Kontikiboy
    Kontikiboy Forum Participant Posts: 304
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    edited February 2019 #6

    Hi Ray,

    Go for the medical, it is a good MOT on yourself.   It takes about 30 mins but is all basic stuff.

    BillC

  • sorento
    sorento Forum Participant Posts: 27
    edited March 2019 #7

    Just had my medical for a motorhome at 3850 kg  I had my medical with doctor on wheels , in a lay-by 2 miles from my home and cost £53.00 pounds all done in 20 minutes . Hope this is of help regards 

    Pete.

  • TomL
    TomL Forum Participant Posts: 763
    edited March 2019 #8

    Why don't you simply address the problem to DVLA - that's what they're there for.

     

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,142 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2019 #9

    What problem? The OP's question was easily answered. 

  • Oneputt
    Oneputt Club Member Posts: 9,144 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2019 #10

    Why doesn’t that surprise me

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
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    edited March 2019 #11

    Leaving aside the age thing, there are a number of downsides to being over 3500Kg and if it is possible to run at that, it save a lot of hassle in a number of ways.

  • Wildwood
    Wildwood Club Member Posts: 3,581 ✭✭✭✭
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    edited March 2019 #12

    My understanding is that you will; be safe. On passing 70 I did renew my licence and retained the B+E towing without a medical. If you have any doubts try the clubs helpline though.

  • young thomas
    young thomas Forum Participant Posts: 11,356
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    edited March 2019 #13

    although I have a few years to go (not too many...). I'll do as WW did and retain all if possible...

    having said that, I agree with CY that keeping under 3500kg makes life easier...

    our van came already upplated to 3850kg....having got the dealer to weigh the van in a known state, I was happy to have it replated to 3500kg.

    lower tolls, faster speed limits, less town centre restictions are all good advantages.

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,142 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2019 #14

    Just to clarify, B+E allows you to drive vehicles up to 3500kg and tow whatever is appropriate for that vehicle. It is pretty much the norm for most of us and is automatically retained.

    It is the category C/C+E (large vehicle) we lose unless we opt to take the medical.

  • Cornersteady
    Cornersteady Club Member Posts: 14,427 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2019 #15

    yes that's what happened to my father in law.

  • TonyIshUK
    TonyIshUK Forum Participant Posts: 296
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    edited March 2019 #16

    Somewhere in the CC archives I found that if you are over 70, and have the appropriate licence or grandfather rights,

    you can drive a vehicle of 3500 kg and tow up to 3500kg with the vehicle.  Makes sense if you have a train weight of 7000 kg,

    otherwise you tow up to the train weight, but not exceed it. 

    So a mhome of 3500 kg usually has a train weight of 5500, allowing a trailer and load of 2000kg.

    Rgds

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