Towing over 4600kg? Get your House Trailer Endorsement

Date Posted:
1/11/2012

If you want to tow an RV that weighs more than 4,600 kg and either the recreational trailer or your truck has air brakes, you need a Class 1 driver’s licence with an air brake endorsement.

How to apply for a house trailer endorsement

1. Consult ICBC's study guide Towing a Recreational Trailer

2. Apply for a learner’s licence at a driver licensing offi ce. You’ll need to: present one piece of primary and one piece of secondary identification, (acceptable proofs of identification at the end of this chapter), pay the knowledge test fee, take the knowledge and road signs test, have your vision and hearing checked and answer questions relating to your medical health. You must disclose any known medical conditions.

3. You’ll receive your learner’s licence after successfully completing all of the above, unless you have a medical condition that requires pre-approval. A learner’s licence is valid for one year.

4. Practise with an appropriately licensed driver and/or attend a driver training school.

5. When you’re ready, phone to schedule your road test. In Metro Vancouver phone 604-661-2255; in Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Kelowna or Prince George phone 1-888-715-7775. In other areas, contact your local driver licensing office.

6. Take your road test, which includes a pre-trip inspection test of your truck and recreational trailer combination.

Note: You need to bring the same identifi cation you used to apply for your learner’s licence and the fee for your test.

7. You’ll receive a temporary licence after you successfully complete all your licensing tests and pay the fee for your new driver’s licence.

8. You’ll receive your photo licence in the mail once we confirm that you meet the required medical standards.

You’ll need to study this guide to pass the tests to get a house trailer endorsement.

For details on obtaining a Class 1, 2 or 3 driver’s licence or a heavy trailer endorsement, refer to Driving Commercial Vehicles (available at all driver licensing offices and on icbc.com). It’s your responsibility to ensure that your vehicle is properly insured for use during your road test. Check with your ICBC Autoplan broker if you have any questions about your coverage.

Driver Responsibility: It is your responsibility to ensure you have the appropriate driver’s licence and driving skills for the trailer you’re towing. If you don’t have the proper licence, you may be in breach of your insurance policy in the event of a crash. Your insurance claim may be denied, including claims for your own injuries, or damage that you might cause to your vehicle, or to other people or property. You may then be responsible for paying these costs. Need more information? Call 1-800-950-1498 or go to icbc.com.

For more information download ICBC’s guide Towing a Recreational Trailer

Statement of Limitation: ICBC has prepared Towing a Recreational Trailer to assist individuals studying for a British Columbia driving licence with a house trailer endorsement. Towing a Recreational Trailer is not intended to take the place of professional training and ICBC does not make any representation or warranty that any individual who studies Towing a Recreational Trailer will be successful in obtaining the desired licence. ICBC is not responsible for any consequences that may result from the use of Towing a Recreational Trailer. Throughout this guide, references are made to acts and regulations that govern driving in British Columbia. This guide refl ects the law in British Columbia as set out in these acts and regulations as of August 1, 2011. These references are written in plain language to help you understand their impact on individual drivers. In the event of a difference between the material included in Towing a Recreational Trailer and any of these acts or regulations, the acts and regulations shall apply.

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