There’s no denying it: towing a caravan isn’t just hitching up and hitting the road. With more caravans hitting Australian roads than ever, we’re also seeing a rise in towing-related accidents. It’s caused many experts to raise concerns about how little training is actually required for towing heavy loads. The bloke driving next to your family may have got his license driving an automatic Corolla a few years back. Now ,with zero extra training or testing he’s behind the tiller of a Ram 2500 and ‘van weighing over 12T and 16m long. Add in the complexity of the weight distribution and pivoting and it’s not hard to see it’s more dangerous than letting him behind the wheel of a Medium Rigid Pantech with zero training or testing. With the stakes so high, many are calling for a specialised licence for towing to make sure drivers are fully prepared for the unique demands of pulling a heavy caravan or trailer. Between 2017 and 2021, Queensland alone recorded 50 fatalities and nearly 1,000 hospitalisations from accidents involving cars towing trailers or caravans. This trend raises a pressing question: should towing a caravan require a special licence?
The Surge in Caravanning
The pandemic curtailed international travel, prompting many Australians to explore their own backyard. With over 800,000 registered recreational vehicles (RVs) nationwide, the roads are busier than ever with caravans and camper trailers. However, this surge has been accompanied by an increase in accidents, highlighting a potential gap in driver preparedness.
Why Consider a Towing Licence?
The call for a towing licence isn’t about adding red tape; it’s about addressing safety. Towing isn’t just about knowing how to handle a heavy load. It’s about mastering skills in vehicle control, braking distances, and emergency responses that simply aren’t covered in standard driver training. Spinning a box trailer around suburban streets is one thing. But controlling a 12T, 16m long setup is a different game altogether. It’s a far cry from the average P-plater’s skill level; And without proper training, there’s a real risk to both the driver and everyone else on the road.
Are caravans actually that dangerous?
It’s a tough question to answer definitively, largely because hard data on caravan usage and accidents is sparse. We know that over the last five years, around 50 fatalities on Australian roads have involved caravans. But without clear records on how often these vehicles are actually used, it’s hard to judge how significant that figure really is. Rough math suggests that for caravanning to have a 1:1 risk with general driving, each caravan would need to average around 600 kilometers annually. But with some caravans sitting idle for years. Others rarely leaving local camping spots. And a smaller subset racking up thousands of kilometers on long-haul trips, estimating an average is tricky. The truth is, the risk level can vary dramatically depending on how often—and how safely—a caravan is actually on the road.
What Can I Do?
If you’re new to towing. Or even if you feel comfortable pulling a small trailer, consider upskilling yourself with a towing course. These courses go beyond the basics and are tailored to give drivers the skills to handle larger setups. A quality towing course can cover critical skills like:
- Load balancing and distribution, so you’re less likely to end up with trailer sway on a windy road.
- Braking techniques for heavy loads, ensuring that you stop safely even when hauling several tonnes.
- Reversing skills for manoeuvring long trailers in tight spaces.
- Emergency handling for situations where you need to make a quick stop or navigate tricky terrain.
Courses like these are designed to bridge the gap between everyday driving skills and the expertise needed for safe towing. They’re also a way to pick up insights from experienced instructors who can offer practical tips for real-world conditions. Like what to do if your caravan starts swaying or how to manage those steep descents without overheating your brakes.
A Proactive Approach to Road Safety
While some states have specific towing regulations, such as speed limits and vehicle requirements, there is no national mandate for additional licensing or training for towing heavy loads. Implementing a towing licence could standardise safety measures across the country, ensuring all drivers meet a consistent level of competency before towing large caravans or trailers. In the meantime, investing in a towing course is a smart, proactive step for anyone looking to haul a caravan or trailer safely. The rise in caravanning shows no sign of slowing down. As more drivers hit the road, the need for towing skills will only increase. Whether a towing licence becomes a reality or not, a little extra training can mean a lot more confidence—and safety—when it’s just you, your rig, and the open road.
