What an endorsement is and when you need one
An endorsement on your driving licence is a permission code that allows you to drive a specific type of vehicle or perform a specific driving task that your current licence does not cover. The most common endorsement is for towing a trailer or caravan — your basic car licence does not automatically give you the right to tow, even if your car is capable of it. Other endorsements cover minibus driving, large goods vehicles, or passenger-carrying work.
You cannot straightforward start towing or driving these vehicles because you own a car licence. The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) must add the code to your licence first. The process differs depending on which endorsement you need, but all routes require you to pass a test, provide medical information, or both.
Key Takeaways
- Endorsements are added to your licence by the DVLA after you pass the required test or meet the stated conditions for that endorsement type.
- The most common endorsement is category BE, which allows you to tow a trailer or caravan with a car — this requires a practical test.
- You must send your current licence to the DVLA along with the correct process form and fee when you request an endorsement.
- Processing takes around four weeks from the date the DVLA receives your process, though this varies depending on how quickly you complete any required tests.
- Some endorsements require a medical examination or eyesight check before the DVLA will add them to your licence.
Identify which endorsement you need
The endorsement code you need depends on what you want to drive or do. Category BE is for towing a trailer or caravan with a standard car — this is the most common endorsement for private drivers. Category C1 is for driving medium-sized goods vehicles (between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes). Category D1 is for driving minibuses (between 9 and 16 passenger seats). If you want to drive larger vehicles or carry more passengers, you will need a different category altogether, which moves beyond a straightforward endorsement into a full licence category change.
Check what your current licence allows by looking at the categories listed on the back of your photocard. If the endorsement you need is not listed, you will need to add it. The DVLA website has a full table of all endorsement codes and what each one covers — this is the fastest way to confirm which one applies to your situation.
Gather the documents you will need
You will need your current photocard driving licence, a completed process form (form D2 for most endorsements, though some require form D4 for minibus or goods vehicle work), proof of your identity and address, and the process fee. The fee varies by endorsement type — check the DVLA website or the form itself for the exact amount, as this changes periodically.
If the endorsement requires a medical examination (which is common for minibus or goods vehicle work), you will also need to book an appointment with an approved medical examiner and pay their fee separately. This is not part of the DVLA fee. If you need a practical test (which applies to category BE), you will book this through an approved driving instructor or test centre after you have submitted your process.
Keep copies of everything you send to the DVLA. Write your driving licence number on the back of any documents you post, as this helps them match your process to your record.
Complete and submit your process form
read the correct form from the DVLA website or request it by phone. For towing (category BE), you need form D2. For minibus or goods vehicle work, you need form D4. Read the form carefully — it will tell you exactly what documents to include and where to send them.
Fill in every section that applies to you. If a section does not explore, write "N/A" rather than leaving it blank — this shows the DVLA you have read it and made a deliberate choice. Sign and date the form. If you are explore for an endorsement that requires a medical examination, the form will include a section for the doctor to complete; do not fill this in yourself.
Include your current photocard licence, a cheque or postal order for the fee (the DVLA does not accept card payments by post), and any other documents listed on the form. Post everything to the address shown on the form — this is usually the DVLA office in Swansea. Do not send your process to a local council or post office; they cannot process it.
Complete any required medical examination or test
If your endorsement requires a medical examination, the DVLA will send you a list of approved medical examiners in your area after they receive your process. You book and pay for this appointment yourself — the cost is not included in the DVLA fee. The examiner will check your eyesight, hearing, and general fitness to drive the type of vehicle you want to operate. They will complete a form and send it back to the DVLA.
If you need a practical driving test (for category BE, for example), you will book this through an approved driving instructor or test centre. You cannot take the test until the DVLA has processed your initial process and confirmed you are ready. The test centre will tell you when you are may be able to access to book. You pay the test fee directly to the test centre, not to the DVLA.
Track your process and receive your updated licence
The DVLA will send you a letter confirming receipt of your process. Keep this letter — it contains a reference number you can use to check progress on the DVLA website. Processing normally takes around four weeks from the date they receive your process, but this can be longer if you need to complete a medical examination or if the DVLA needs to contact you for more information.
Once everything is complete and approved, the DVLA will send you a new photocard licence with the endorsement added. Your old licence will be returned to you at the same time. Destroy the old licence — do not keep it, as it is no longer valid. Check the new licence carefully to make sure the endorsement code is correct and all other details match your records.
What to do if your process is refused or delayed
If the DVLA refuses your process, they will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include failing a medical examination, failing a practical test, or providing incomplete information. If you fail a test, you can usually retake it after a waiting period — the test centre or medical examiner will tell you when you are may be able to access to try again.
If your process is delayed beyond four weeks, contact the DVLA using the reference number from your receipt letter. They can tell you what stage your process is at and whether they need any additional information from you. If you need to drive the vehicle before your endorsement is processed, you cannot do so legally — you must wait for the DVLA to add the endorsement to your licence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tow a trailer before my BE endorsement is approved?
No. Towing without the endorsement on your licence is illegal, even if your car is capable of towing and you have passed the test. You must wait for the DVLA to send you the updated licence with the code added. If you are stopped by police before the endorsement is on your licence, you can be fined and your vehicle may be seized.
How much does an endorsement cost?
The DVLA fee varies by endorsement type and changes periodically. Check the process form or the DVLA website for the current fee. Medical examinations and practical tests are paid separately to the examiner or test centre, not to the DVLA.
What if I fail the practical test for category BE?
You can retake the test after a waiting period, usually around two weeks. You will need to pay the test fee again. The test centre will tell you when you are may be able to access to book your next attempt and what areas you should practice before retaking it.
Do I need to renew my endorsement when my licence expires?
No. Once an endorsement is added to your licence, it stays on all future licences you receive. When you renew your licence (usually every 10 years), the endorsement will automatically appear on the new photocard.
Can I add multiple endorsements at the same time?
Yes. If you need more than one endorsement, you can include them on the same process form and pay one combined fee. However, if each endorsement requires a different test or medical examination, you will need to complete all of them before the DVLA can issue your updated licence.