This guide explains the most important Dutch theory points about trailers and loads: licence categories, coupling safety, breakaway systems, secondary couplings, and loading for stability. These are common Category B exam topics because they test both legal limits and safe trailer handling.
Why this topic matters
Trailer questions often look simple, but many learners lose points by using the wrong weight concept, mixing up B, code 96, and BE, or misunderstanding how a trailer must be coupled and loaded safely. In Dutch theory, the key word is usually maximum permitted mass, not the actual weight on that day.
Key rules in 60 seconds
Which licence do you need?
- B: trailer up to 750 kg, or heavier if car + trailer ≤ 3500 kg.
- B+ (code 96): combination up to 4250 kg.
- BE: trailer up to 3500 kg.
In theory questions, the weight used is usually the maximum permitted mass.
Coupling safety
- The tow bar and coupling must be secure and suitable for the combination.
- Before driving off, check the coupling, lighting, plug, and safety connection.
- The trailer must be attached in a way that remains safe if the coupling fails.
Breakaway cable or secondary coupling
- A trailer with a breakaway braking system must not also have a secondary coupling.
- Lighter trailers without a breakaway braking system use a secondary coupling.
- The breakaway cable must be attached correctly to a fixed point or proper attachment point.
Noseweight and stability
- Noseweight is the vertical pressure of the trailer on the tow bar.
- Too little noseweight can make the trailer unstable.
- Too much noseweight can overload the tow bar or rear axle.
What the exam asks most often
- Which licence category is needed for the trailer combination?
- What is the difference between actual weight and maximum permitted mass?
- What is the purpose of a breakaway cable or secondary coupling?
- How should a trailer be loaded for stability?
- Why is noseweight important?
Detailed guide
Maximum permitted mass (MAM)
In Dutch theory, trailer rules are usually based on the maximum permitted mass. This is the empty weight of the trailer plus the maximum allowed payload. It is not the same as the actual load carried at that moment.
Licence categories: B, code 96, and BE
- Licence B: trailer up to 750 kg, or a heavier trailer if the total combination stays within 3500 kg.
- Code 96: combination up to 4250 kg.
- BE: trailer up to 3500 kg.
Coupling and safety check
Before driving away, a safe trailer combination should be checked properly. The trailer must be correctly locked onto the tow bar, the plug must be connected, and the lights must work.
- Check the coupling lock.
- Check the electrical plug and trailer lighting.
- Check the safety connection and the load security.
Secondary coupling and breakaway cable
Dutch trailer rules distinguish between a secondary coupling and a breakaway braking system. These are not the same thing and should not be combined when a breakaway braking system is present.
Secondary coupling
- Used for certain lighter trailers without a breakaway braking system.
- Its purpose is to keep the trailer connected if the main coupling fails.
Breakaway cable
- Used with trailers that have a breakaway braking system.
- If the trailer detaches, the breakaway system activates the trailer brakes.
- The cable must be attached to a fixed point on the vehicle or to the proper tow-bar attachment point.
- Do not use only a loose loop around the ball neck.
Noseweight
Noseweight is the downward force with which the trailer presses on the tow bar. It is one of the most important stability factors in trailer questions.
- Too little noseweight can lead to instability and swaying.
- Too much noseweight can overload the tow bar and the rear of the towing vehicle.
- Aim for a positive noseweight within the limits allowed for the car, tow bar, and trailer coupling.
Loading for stability
- Place heavy items low and as close as possible to the axle area.
- Secure the load so it cannot shift while braking or cornering.
- Avoid loading too much weight at the very back of the trailer.
- Check the trailer again before departure.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using the actual trailer weight instead of the maximum permitted mass in licence questions.
- Mixing up code 96 and BE.
- Using a secondary coupling together with a trailer that already has a breakaway braking system.
- Attaching the breakaway cable incorrectly.
- Loading too far back and creating instability.
Quick FAQ
The exam usually uses the maximum permitted mass, not the actual load at that moment.
A secondary coupling keeps the trailer connected after failure, while a breakaway cable activates the trailer brakes if the trailer detaches.
Because too little or too much noseweight makes the trailer combination less safe and less stable.
Keep the load low, stable, well secured, and balanced so the noseweight stays positive and within the allowed limits.
Relevant Dutch rules and exam context
- Rijksoverheid / licence rules: B, code 96, and BE depend on the maximum permitted masses of the car and trailer.
- RDW coupling rules: trailers with a breakaway braking system may not also have a secondary coupling; lighter trailers without that braking system use a secondary coupling.
- ANWB practical safety guidance: the breakaway cable must be attached to a fixed point or proper tow-bar attachment point, not only loosely around the ball neck.