Lesson
Vehicle loading
Loads, passengers and towing change how a car behaves. You are responsible for making sure everything is secure.
Key rules to know
- The driver is responsible for making sure children under 14 wear a seat belt or use the correct child restraint.
- Never put a rear-facing baby seat in front of an active airbag.
- A roof rack or heavy load affects handling and fuel use. Remove a roof rack when not in use.
- When towing, check your licence allows it and do not exceed the vehicle's maximum towing weight.
How it applies on the road
Carrying a heavy load
You may need to increase tyre pressures and adjust headlight aim. Check the handbook.
A trailer starts to snake
Ease off the accelerator gently and slow down. Do not brake hard or steer sharply.
Common mistakes
- Assuming passengers aged 14+ are the driver's responsibility — they are responsible for themselves.
- Speeding up to straighten a snaking trailer.
Official sources
Content written and reviewed by Rob Cordina. Last reviewed: October 2026. Our practice questions are original, written from the Highway Code — they are not official DVSA questions. Always check the latest Highway Code.