Mobile catering is one of the fastest-growing food business trends in the UK. From bustling high streets to music festivals, a catering trailer can be the perfect way to serve everything from artisan coffee to gourmet burgers — offering an affordable and flexible route into the food industry without the costs of a permanent premises.
But before you hook up your trailer and hit the road, there’s one crucial question to answer: Do you actually need a special driving licence to tow a catering trailer in the UK?
The short answer is: it depends on your trailer size, your vehicle, and the type of licence you hold. And that’s not the only paperwork you’ll need — running a catering trailer also comes with a list of other licences, registrations, and safety checks to stay legal and compliant.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
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What type of driving licence you need
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Weight limits and towing rules
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Other licences and certificates you must have
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Safety and compliance essentials
By the end, you’ll know exactly what’s required so you can focus on serving great food — without worrying about roadside surprises or fines.
1. Do You Need a Special Driving Licence for a Catering Trailer?
For most catering trailers, your standard Category B driving licence (the one you get for cars) is enough — but it depends on when your licence was issued and the combined weight of your vehicle and trailer.
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Licences issued after 1 January 1997 – You can tow a trailer as long as the combined Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of your vehicle and trailer is up to 3,500 kg.
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Licences issued before 1 January 1997 – You usually have “grandfather rights”, which allow you to tow a combined MAM of up to 8,250 kg.
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Zero-emission towing rules – From June 2025, if your towing vehicle is electric or hydrogen-powered, the combined MAM limit increases to 7,000 kg.
Category BE
You can drive a vehicle with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of 3,500kg with a trailer.
The size of the trailer depends on the BE ‘valid from’ date shown on your licence. If the date is:
- before 19 January 2013, you can tow any size trailer within the towing limits of the vehicle
- on or after 19 January 2013, you can tow a trailer with a MAM of up to 3,500kg within the towing limits of the vehicle
In short: most catering trailers will be fine on a standard car licence, but always check the weight limits for your specific setup.
2. Other Licences and Certificates You Need for Your Catering Trailer
Even if your driving licence is enough for towing, there are other legal requirements before you can start trading:
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Food business registration – You must register your catering trailer with your local council at least 28 days before you start trading.
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Street trading licence – Required if you’re selling from public spaces like streets or markets.
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Food hygiene training – Level 2 for food handlers; Level 3 for managers or supervisors.
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Gas safety certificate – Annual inspection for any gas appliances in your trailer.
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Electrical safety check – PAT testing or electrical inspection for appliances and wiring.
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Insurance – Public liability insurance is strongly advised to protect against claims.
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Allergen compliance – You must follow Natasha’s Law for allergen labelling and provide information to customers.
3. Quick Checklist – Catering Trailer Paperwork (UK)
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Driving licence – A standard Category B licence is fine for most catering trailers, within weight limits. -
Food business registration – Register with your local council 28 days before trading.
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Street trading licence – Needed if selling in public spaces.
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Food hygiene training – Level 2 for handlers, Level 3 for managers.
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Gas safety check – Annual inspection for gas appliances.
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Electrical safety check – PAT testing or inspection for electrical systems.
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Insurance – Public liability cover is recommended.
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Allergen rules – Follow Natasha’s Law and clearly communicate allergens.
Conclusion
Starting a mobile food business with a catering trailer is an exciting way to serve customers anywhere, from busy town centres to local events. The good news is that for most setups, your standard UK driving licence will be enough — but that’s just the first step. You’ll also need to register your food business, meet hygiene and safety standards, and get the right local licences before you can start trading.
By making sure you have all the correct paperwork in place, you can focus on what really matters: serving great food, building your reputation, and growing a successful mobile catering business without unexpected setbacks.
Contact Us
At Foremost Trailers, we design and build high-quality catering trailers to meet your exact needs — whether you’re just starting out or expanding your mobile food business. Our expert team can help you choose the right size, layout, and equipment so you’re ready to hit the road with confidence.
Call us: 01384-882014
Email us: hi@foremosttrailers.co.uk
Let’s get your catering trailer business on the road!