Tow Bar Guide: Towing On Different Licenses In Australia

Whether you’re going to go on a family vacation with your newly purchased trailer or need to tug a huge trailer, towing is not something you should take lightly. You need to know everything every single detail about towing on different licenses in Australia.

If you drag a trailer behind your vehicle, you will need to learn a new set of skills. The process of fastening and unfastening a trailer from your tow vehicle requires that you have the necessary know-how. You will need to follow plenty of steps, and forgetting even just one may result in an accident.

Aside from accident prevention, towing also comes with legal responsibility. In Australia, there are different laws regarding towing on different licenses. You need to know how fast can you drive while towing. How much you can tow is also regulated. And most importantly, whether or not you can tow with your license.

You shouldn’t be afraid, however, towing is not that complicated. On the other hand, you should never forget that it’s not a trivial activity.

What Is The Speed Limit When Towing A Trailer?

The restrictions on speed may seem easy to understand when you’re driving a detached vehicle. However, if you’re towing a trailer, everything will turn upside down and become more troublesome. You should drive at 80 km/h, as a bare minimum, wherever you are in Australia. It’s worth noting that you have to remember the state regulations and the manufacturer’s recommendations for your vehicle.

Now, the question hangs, how fast can you drive while towing a trailer?

As of writing, different states and territories in Australia still have different laws when it comes to the maximum speed limit while you’re towing. Here are the different towing speed limits all over Australia:

New South Wales

In the state of New South Wales, you can drive up to 110 km/h. However, the total weight of your trailer/caravan and vehicle should not be over 4,500kg. If you surpass the weight limit, you will need to stay within 100 km/h.

Western Australia

In the state of Western Australia, you can drive up to 100 km/h despite the weight of your trailer/caravan and vehicle.

Tasmania

In the island state of Tasmania, there’s no speed limit on any road. However, your Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) should not be over 12 tonnes.

Queensland, Victoria, Australia Capital Territory, South Australia, & Northern Territory

All of the other Australian states have specifications that drivers need to tow according to the existing road and weather conditions. However, they do not have a different towing speed limit.

Does My Car Insurance Cover Towing A Caravan?

It can be difficult to give one answer to this question. Different insurance companies give out a variety of insurance plans. Before you sit behind the wheel, make sure to talk with your insurance provider. You need to ensure that once you’re on the road and if an accident happens, you’re covered.

Plenty of car insurance policies cover trailers and caravans. However, they mostly cover third-party injury and damage and not the damage on what you’re towing.

Insurance policies that cover your trailer’s third-party liability will only cover if it is hitched to your vehicle. If your trailer is unhitched and damages another vehicle or injures a person, it may not be covered.

If you’re wondering if you’re required insurance when towing a caravan, the quick answer is no.

However, having one is a good idea.

Are You Allowed To Tow With A Rental Car?

In most cases, you’re not allowed to tow with a rental car. However, if you’re renting a truck, there might be chances that you’ll be permitted to tow. There are truck hire companies which will allow you. However, the weight that you can tow may be limited, this is why you need to check with them first.

Can You Tow A Trailer Behind A Trailer?

In most cases, towing a trailer behind a trailer is not allowed in Australia. Plenty of vehicles are not furnished with the right tools to handle towing multiple trailers. If you choose to double tow, the chances of losing control of your rig are much higher.

In some areas, towing a trailer behind a trailer may be allowed but only under particular conditions. You will also need to have a multi-combination registration.

Do I Need Towing Mirrors While Towing On Different Licenses?

It’s a legal requirement in Australia that you have towing mirrors. This is covered in Australian Design Rule 14/02 – Rear Vision Mirrors. It sets down the minimum field of vision that your side mirrors need to have. However, the general rule is that you need to have a comprehensible view of each side and the road behind. If you’re not going to comply, you will end up paying significant penalties.

Towing on Different Licenses

Towing On Different Licenses In Australia
If you choose to tow in Australia, you need to know what towing on different licenses entails.

Can A Learner Driver Tow A Trailer?

New South Wales

In the state of New South Wales, learner drivers are not permitted to tow anything.

Western Australia

In the state of Western Australia, L-plates drivers are allowed to tow.

Tasmania

In the island state of Tasmania, there are two levels of learner’s permit. Neither L1 and L2 are permitted to tow.

Queensland

In the state of Queensland, you are allowed to tow with your L plates.

Victoria

In the state of Victoria, L-platers are not permitted to tow.

Australian Capital Territory

In the Australian Capital Territory, you can tow a trailer as long as it’s not over 750 kg GVM.

South Australia

In the state of South Australia, L-platers are allowed to tow.

Northern Territory

In the Northern Territory, learner’s permit holders are permitted to tow.

Can P1 Drivers Tow Trailers?

New South Wales

In the state of New South Wales, you are allowed to tow a vehicle, however, the unladen mass should not be more than 250 kg.

Western Australia

In the state of Western Australia, P-plates are permitted to tow.

Tasmania

In the island state of Tasmania, you are allowed to tow with a P1 license.

Queensland

In the state of Queensland, you can tow with your P-plates.

Victoria

In the state of Victoria, you are not allowed to tow with your P1 license. However, there are few exemptions, especially if towing is part of your job.

Australian Capital Territory

In the Australian Capital Territory, within the first 12 months of having a provisional license, you will not be allowed to tow a trailer that weighs more than 750kg.

South Australia

In the state of South Australia, you can freely tow trailers with your red P-Plates.

Northern Territory

In Northern Territory, you’re allowed to tow with P-plates.

Can I Tow A Trailer On Green P Plates?

New South Wales

In New South Wales, you can tow on your green P-plates.

Western Australia

In Western Australia, drivers with green P-plates are able to tow.

Tasmania

In Tasmania, you will be able to tow as a P2 driver.

Queensland

In Queensland, you can tow with your P-plates.

Victoria

In Victoria, with green P-plates, you will be able to tow.

Australian Capital Territory

In the Australian Capital Territory, you can only tow with a provisional license. Within the first 12 months of acquiring the provisional license, you’re not allowed to tow a GVM more than 750kg.

South Australia

In South Australia, you can tow without restrictions with your green P-plates.

Northern Territory

In the Northern Territory, there’s only one stage for the provisional license and you can still tow with your P-plate.

Always Obey The Law

Here at The Tow Bar Guys, it’s our advice that you always follow the law no matter what license you’re holding. Towing on different licenses entails plenty of preparation and knowledge. We can provide you with the data regarding the different legal restrictions before you have a tow bar installed on your vehicle. With our team of experts, you’ll have the assurance that your car is not only handled with utmost care but is also done while following the law.

If you need any help, feel free to get in touch with us today! Call our number: 0452-669-227 or send an email at: sales@thetowbarguys.com.au.