Do I need a licence to tow a caravan?

Australia is one of the best places in the world to tow a caravan, with less stringent regulations on the whole compared to some other popular caravanning nations like the UK.

Do I need a caravan towing licence in Australia?

In most cases the answer is no. You simply need a full driving licence for the tow vehicle you are driving. Exceptions are for tow vehicles with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 4500kg or more, that require a light truck licence or equivalent to legally drive.

What that means is that a person in Australia with a car licence can tow anything from a light camper behind a small SUV, to a big braked caravan weighing up to 7000kg, hitched up to a light truck with a GVM of 4495kg, without any special training or qualifications.

A learner or P1 probationary driver is not usually allowed to tow a caravan, except under particular conditions.

So you just hitch up a caravan and go?

It’s not advisable, but you can. It pays to study the regulations and Act that provide the framework for the State’s towing laws before you hitch up a van. These might include rules around trailer registration, weight limits, speed limits, and fitment of trailer brakes.

A good place to start is one of the government authority websites listed below:

Victoria caravan towing regulations
NSW caravan towing regulations
Queensland caravan towing regulations
South Australia caravan towing regulations
Western Australia caravan towing regulations
Northern Territory caravan towing regulations
Tasmania caravan towing regulations

How do I learn the rules?

As well as scouring the fineprint via the links above, you can also read this 'Trailer laws explained' article from a few years back, although keep in mind that the rules are changed from time to time.

There are fines if you are caught breaking the rules too, some of which are covered in this 'Are you towing illegally?' article.

A beginner's towing course is also a good introduction to many of the rules and safety procedures to follow when towing.

So there is no cost?

That’s right. You do need to keep up do date with the registration of your caravan or camper trailer though, with different fees in each state and territory. Caravan insurance is also recommended.

Can I enjoy a bevvy while touring around?

Yes, although it’s not advisable. Towing a caravan requires more skill and concentration than single-vehicle driving so you want to keep your wits about you at all times. Best wait until you’re all set up for the night before you crack a cold one.

What if I go interstate with my caravan?

As already mentioned the various State and Territory rules around towing a caravan or any trailer can vary. For example, maximum speed limits can vary from 100km/h to 110km/h depending on which State you’re towing in.

You can be pinged for breaking any of the towing rules in the State you’re travelling in, so not knowing what they are is no excuse.

Can I drive a motorhome on a car licence?

Yes, you can drive a campervan or motorhome on a standard driving licence if the vehicle has a GVM of 4500kg or less. Anything above 4500kg will require a light truck licence or equivalent to legally drive.

More about the pros and cons of owning a 4500kg-plus motorhome can be found here.