Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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Question 686: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a full driving licence holder is entitled to a tow a trailer on that licence; if that is not the case, if there is a requirement on the driver to sit a test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25120/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I assume that the Deputy is referring to a holder of a full licence for a car, i.e. a licence of category B. The relevant provisions are the set out in the Road Traffic (Licensing of Drivers) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 537 of 2006). These provide that a holder of a full licence in category B may draw a trailer where the design gross vehicle weight of the trailer does not exceed 750kg. There is no additional test required for a full licence holder in category B to draw a trailer up to that weight. It is also possible for a holder of a category B licence to apply for a category EB licence. Category EB licences the holder to drive combinations of vehicles with drawing vehicle in category B and where the design gross vehicle weight of the trailer is greater than 750kg. For a category B licence holder to obtain a category EB licence it is necessary to undergo an additional test. It was formerly the case that a person with a category B licence had to be a learner at category EB for six months before taking the EB test. I removed this restriction earlier this year.