Can a green P plater tow a horse float?

In today’s blog post, we will answer the following question: Can a green P plater tow a horse float? We will discuss the rules of the road for P platers and give you a few essential tips on towing a horse trailer.

Can a green P plater tow a horse float?

Yes, a green P plater can tow a horse float, as long as they follow the next three rules:

1. Always display the P plate in the rear of the caravan/trailer that you are towing.
2. The maximum speed allowed is 100kph, otherwise, you could get a penalty of 4 demerit points.
3. All the passengers in the vehicle have to have seat belts or child restraints on.

Please read below fundamental information on towing a horse float that every green P plater must obey every time. 

Transporting a horse: the towed van

When transporting a horse as a green P plater, we do not recommend using a larger van, but a small horse trailer that is more stable and easier to tow. The van is more particularly used by individuals:

• Unlike the truck, it is less expensive.
• It only requires an extended warranty at the insurance level. You can also opt for a specific multi-risk van contract.
• However, it is essential to have a powerful vehicle (4×4 type, utility and/or large high-end vehicle) to tow a one or two-seater van. To do this, simply install a hitch kit to your vehicle.
• Nevertheless, do not neglect to respect the legislation when it comes to towing a van with horses. So pay attention to the Total authorized load, that is to say, the weight of the trailer added to the weight of the horse.

The van is bulkier than a small truck because it is longer taking into account the car (8 to 9 meters for both):

• If you have one horse or even two horses at most, the van is more practical and more economical than the truck.
• However, it is more difficult to manoeuvre a van than a truck. It’s a bit like driving with a hitched trailer.

There are different ranges and qualities of the van. However, all of them offer reliable, secure and comfortable solutions for your equine:

1. Top-of-the-range vans also offer a saddlery space to store all your equipment.
2. Some very spacious vans called oblique vans allow the horse to travel obliquely and not in the direction of the road. This has the advantage of being able to place 3 or 4 horses.
3. You can also install a camera in the van to see if the horse is travelling correctly.

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of a van:

Benefits:

• more economical to buy than a truck;
• less restrictive than the truck, because you have the possibility of detaching it and moving more freely with your car.

Disadvantages:

• obligation to hold an E license;
• over long distances, the van consumes much more than the truck;
• more risk of overturning on the road compared to the truck.

Towing with a green P plater: choose the small horse truck

The small trucks which flourish in the car parks of the competitions are acclaimed as well by the professionals as by the individuals because they are very practical. However, they are not accessible to all budgets, knowing that at the price of the truck, it is necessary to add maintenance and insurance thereof.

The truck (light vehicle) has the following characteristics:

1. It is less bulky than a car with a van, measuring around 5 to 6 meters.
2. It is also easier to drive.
3. This truck less than 3.5 tons has nothing to envy to the van.
4. It is very comfortable, both for the rider and for the horse.
5. In addition, these mobile homes are well bodied to transport horses. We can distinguish them in all shapes and colours. Many of these small trucks have nice finishes and options like:

• a saddlery;
• berths for riders;
• a camera to monitor the horses.

Other questions you may be interested in

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The horse truck has advantages and disadvantages to be aware of:

Benefits:

easier and more pleasant to manoeuvre than a van;

• better handling, therefore less risk of overturning;
• license B required, so no need to pass the license E (for a truck over 3.5 tonnes, obligation to have the license C heavy goods vehicles);
• less fuel-intensive than a van over a long distance.

Disadvantages:

• purchase price much higher than that of a van;
• can only be used for transporting horses: a car is essential to go about your daily business;
• take care not to exceed the GVW of 3,500 kg, which is not easy when you have two horses.

How to carefully tow a horse float

Whether it is a van or a truck, the horse does not travel lying down but standing on its 4 limbs. Throughout the trip, his sole purpose is to seek stability. It is therefore essential, in order not to tire and stress the animal:

• to drive calmly at constant speed;
• anticipate braking and taking roundabouts.

The horse has an excellent memory. Therefore, if the trip did not go well, you will have great difficulty getting it to board your truck or van again.

It is a good idea to follow certain tips so that the embarkation of your horse in its transport goes as smoothly as possible:

1. First of all, do not forget to put protections on the limbs of your horse.
2. Then, without getting excited, face the horse by positioning yourself a few meters behind the trailer.
3. Hold the lead with the horse straight facing the entry of the wind.
4. Pull the lanyard discontinuously and gently on the horse.
5. Once the horse gets into the truck or van, praise it.

Good to know: you never tie a horse before the recoil bar is put on and the rear door (or the bridge) is properly closed.

Conclusions

We remind you, that as a green P plater you can tow a horse float. Drive slowly and cautiously. As you begin to drive with a trailer, become familiar with the overall dynamics of the vehicle and the trailer as a whole. 

Test the brakes and learn how to calculate stopping distances. Pay close attention to traffic signs, take curves at low speeds, and generally change direction with subtlety.

If you have any questions or comments on the content, please let us know!

FAQ on Can a green P plater tow a horse float?

Can you tow a caravan on your green PS?

If you hold a green P licence you can tow a caravan that weighs 750 kgs or less. Red P licence holders cannot legally tow a caravan or trailer. 

Can P2 drivers tow a trailer?

Yes, P2 drivers can tow a trailer, as long as they don’t go above the limit and display the P licence clearly at the rear of the trailer. 

What speed can green P platers go?

The speed limit for green P platers is 100km/h and they have to display the P signs on the front and the back of the vehicle. 

Can a green P plater tow a caravan?

Yes, a green P plater can tow a caravan, as long as one does not exceed the limit of 750kg in the first year of holding the driver’s licence. Otherwise, there are no restrictions when it comes to towing a caravan on a P2 (green) licence. 

What speed can green P platers go?

The speed limit for green P platers is 100km/h and they have to display the P signs on the front and the back of the vehicle. 

References

• Licence stages in Australia
• A complete guide to towing a caravan