A pre-2013 Irish category B gives no extra towing. The old rule also capped the trailer at the car’s unladen weight, so anything it allows the current B rule allows too. A BE granted before 19 January 2013 is different: it carries code 79.06 and covers trailers over 3,500 kg.

Category B

The current rule: a trailer up to 750 kg, or heavier where car and trailer together are 3,500 kg or less (S.I. 6/2013). The pre-2013 version required the same 3,500 kg and also that the trailer "does not exceed the unladen weight of the drawing vehicle" (S.I. 6/2013). It is narrower, so it gives no extra right. Farming press and forums often say otherwise.

Category BE

BE gained on or after 19 January 2013 covers a trailer up to 3,500 kg (S.I. 483/2011). BE granted before then "be regarded ... as a driving licence in respect of category BE with the code 79.06" (S.I. 657/2016), which covers trailers over 3,500 kg. Check your licence for 79.06 next to BE.

Code 96

An Irish B with code 96 covers a trailer over 750 kg where car and trailer together are up to 4,250 kg (S.I. 6/2013).

The next EU directive

Directive (EU) 2025/2205 will let category B tow up to 4,250 kg combined after training or a test, and keeps all pre-2013 rights. Member States must adopt it by 26 November 2028 and apply it from 26 November 2029 (the Directive, Art. 21). Ireland had not transposed it in November 2026, so Towsheet does not apply it yet.

Questions

Does a pre-2013 Irish B licence let me tow more?
No. The pre-2013 rule is narrower than the current one, so it adds nothing.
What does 79.06 mean on my Irish licence?
It is the code for BE held before 19 January 2013: category BE where the trailer can exceed 3,500 kg.
When does the new EU licence directive change Irish towing?
Ireland must apply it from 26 November 2029 at the latest. It had not been transposed in November 2026.

Sources

Guidance, not legal advice. Towsheet is independent and not connected with the DVLA, DVA, RSA or NDLS.