Looking to tow a trailer legally and confidently on Irish roads? At Epic Driving School, we provide expert Jeep and Trailer driving lessons across Dublin and Ireland, helping you earn your Category BE licence fast and stress-free. Whether you need to tow a horsebox, caravan, boat, or large work trailer – our RSA-approved instructors will get you test-ready.
Why You Need a Category BE Licence?
Do You Need a BE Licence in Ireland?
Your standard Category B (car) licence only permits you to tow a trailer with a maximum weight of 750kg. If your trailer exceeds this or if the combined weight of your vehicle and trailer exceeds 3,500kg you are legally required to hold a full Category BE licence.
Without the correct licence:
- ❌ You are not insured to tow
- ❌ You risk fines and penalty points on your car licence
- ❌ You could receive a driving ban of up to 2 years
- ❌ Gardaí and RSA Inspectors are actively enforcing this on Irish roads
A Category BE licence covers you to tow:
- Horseboxes and livestock trailers
- Caravans and camper trailers
- Boat trailers
- Plant and equipment trailers
- Large flatbed and commercial trailers
Our Jeep & Trailer Lessons
At Epic Driving School, we offer a full range of Category BE training designed to take you from beginner to test-ready with confidence.
What Our Lessons Cover
Our RSA-approved instructors will guide you through every skill required to pass your BE driving test:
- Safe coupling and uncoupling of the trailer
- Reversing with a trailer – the most challenging skill, practised until perfect
- Manoeuvring in tight spaces – car parks, farm entrances, and narrow roads
- Understanding weight distribution and load safety
- Driving on various road conditions with a trailer attached
- Speed limits when towing (maximum 80km/h in Ireland)
- Pre-drive safety checks – lights, tyres, hitch security, and breakaway cable
- Full RSA test route preparation in your local test area
You can also train using your own jeep and our trailer, our jeep and trailer, or just our trailer with your own vehicle - whatever suits you best.
Pre-Test & Mock Trailer Test
Preparing for your BE driving test requires more than just basic lessons. Our dedicated Pre-Test programme and Mock Trailer Test ensure you walk into your RSA test with full confidence.
Pre-Test Lessons
Focused sessions on the exact manoeuvres and routes used in your local driving test centre. We identify any weak points and fix them before test day.
Mock Trailer Test
A full simulation of the RSA BE driving test conducted by your instructor. You’ll experience the exact format, timing, and scoring criteria – so there are no surprises on the day.
Jeep & Trailer Hire for Test Day
Don’t have your own jeep and trailer for the test? No problem. Epic Driving School provides a fully insured, RSA-compliant Jeep and Trailer for hire on test day.
What’s included:
- Modern, well-maintained jeep and box trailer
- Pre-test warm-up session on the morning of your test
- Instructor accompaniment to the test centre
- Full insurance coverage for the duration of the test
How to Get Your Category BE Licence
Getting your BE licence in Ireland is straightforward. Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Hold a full Category B (car) licence You must already hold a full car driving licence before applying for a BE learner permit.
- Pass the Driver Theory Test If you have already passed a theory test in any licence category (B, C, or D), you do not need to sit it again. If not, book your theory test.
- Apply for your Category BE Learner Permit Visit your nearest NDLS (National Driver Licence Service) centre with your theory test certificate. The learner permit fee is €35. Unlike category B, there is no 6-month waiting period – you can apply for your driving test immediately.
- Book your Jeep & Trailer Lessons Contact Epic Driving School to arrange your lessons. Most students with some towing experience need 2–4 lessons. Complete beginners typically need 4–6 lessons.
- Apply for your Driving Test We can apply for your test on your behalf. Current waiting times vary from 6 weeks. We’ll guide you through the process.
- Pass and Get Your Full BE Licence After passing your RSA driving test, your full Category BE licence will be updated on your Irish driving licence record.
Why Choose Epic Driving School for Your BE Lessons?
- ✅ RSA-approved instructors with real-world towing experience
- ✅ Modern fleet of jeeps and trailers – automatic and manual
- ✅ Flexible scheduling – 7 days a week, evenings available
- ✅ Training across Dublin and Ireland – we come to you
- ✅ Mock Trailer Test available – unique to Epic in Dublin
- ✅ Vehicle hire for test day included in packages
- ✅ Use your own jeep – we can supply just the trailer
- ✅ Competitive pricing – see our Prices page
Contact us
FAQ
How long does it take to get a Category BE licence in Ireland?
Most students complete their training and test within 6–10 weeks from starting lessons, depending on waiting times at their local test centre.
Can I tow a horsebox with a Category B licence?
In most cases, no. A horsebox typically exceeds 750kg, meaning a full Category BE licence is required to tow it legally in Ireland.
Can I use my own jeep for the BE driving test?
Yes. You can use your own jeep for lessons and the driving test, provided it meets RSA requirements. Epic Driving School can supply a suitable trailer to attach to your vehicle.
What is the speed limit when towing a trailer in Ireland?
The maximum speed limit when towing a trailer in Ireland is 80km/h, regardless of the posted road sign speed limit.
Do I need to hold my BE learner permit for 6 months before taking the test?
No. Unlike Category B, there is no mandatory waiting period for a Category BE learner permit. You can apply for your driving test as soon as you feel ready.
How many lessons do I need for the BE test?
It depends on your experience. Drivers with previous towing experience typically need 2–4 lessons. Those with no towing experience usually need 4–6 lessons to reach test standard.
Is the BE driving test just about reversing the trailer?
No. The BE driving test is a full driving test, covering all standard driving skills plus specific trailer manoeuvres including reversing, coupling, uncoupling, and vehicle safety checks.