“I am very happy that I learned how to tow as I did most of the towing in our 10-plus years on the road,” she said. “I was able to avoid many potential accidents in that time just by knowing my towing capacities.”

Dean P was not automatically against the idea of a compulsory towing course.

“All these courses and requirements would have to be initially voluntary though … or at least have a long lead-in,” he said. “And the courses must be available to undertake at a reasonable cost.”

Tom A was insistent that towing courses should be compulsory.

“As should some type of education on weight distribution for packing vans and how that can affect handling,” he said.

Dereck R said it might be worth considering a general ‘towing license endorsement’ for anything over 750kg.

“Current driver education for a private car license does not cover fundamentals about vehicle dynamics,” he said. “Which is probably why we see so many single-vehicle caravan accidents.”

Angela McC agreed.

“A course, if nothing else, gives: knowledge, time to practice the backing, manoeuvring and parking skills away from traffic,  pedestrians and spectators,” she said.

And someone who needed no persuading of the benefit was Phil G who actually used to teach these courses. “Everyone can benefit from undertaking a course no matter what knowledge and experience they think they have,” he said.Phil.

Chris M said the course he took was invaluable.

“Courses like these might save your life!” he said. “We towed our van all the way to Cape York tip and then did the full ‘lap of Oz’ a year later.”

Jack W agreed.

“Many new vanners have no idea how to back a caravan let alone control it in an emergency,” he said

Lindsay H thought the potential benefits went beyond acquiring driving skills.

“It would also enable new caravanners to check the compatibilities of van size to tow vehicle and speed to weight ratios,” he said.

Tom J thought new caravanners should also have to acquire a combination licence, similar to that required to drive a semi-trailer.

“After all, they are articulated and most are above the 4.5 tonne limit required for a car,” he said.

David B said he certainly thought plenty of caravanners could do with being taught how to reverse in to a site when they get to the park they are going to stay at.

“Other glaring examples we have noticed over 15 years of towing vans is the number of vanners that don’t have correct rear vision mirrors on their rigs,” he said. “And, for those few that do have them and don’t use them – please check them every so often to make sure what is coming up behind you!”

Are you a Grey Nomad member yet? Click here to find out about the discounts, competitions and other benefits on offer.