In order to be allowed to a drive with a trailer, you need to have at least a standard Dutch category B driving license. Depending on the vehicle you are driving and the trailer you want to tow, a category BE or B+ driving license (trailer driving license) may be required.
Driving licence, category B
With a category B driving license you are always allowed to drive with a trailer up to a weight of 750 kg. In this case, the 750 kg is the cumulative weight of the empty trailer + load. For example, if you have a trailer that weighs 200 kg on its own, and you want to transport 500 kg of debris with it, all you need is a category B driving license.
Restrictions
A category B driving license might also be enough for towing a trailer weighing more than 750 kg. In that case, you need to consider the total weight of your car (including passengers) and that of your loaded trailer. For a legitimate use of your category B driving license, this total weight may not exceed 3500 kg. There is an additional restriction. Your loaded trailer cannot be heavier than the total weight of your car, including passengers. For example, if you have a trailer that weighs 1450 kg including load and a car that weighs 1380 kg including load and passengers, you are not allowed to drive with just a category B driving license. In that case, you will have to make the trailer lighter, or shift weight from the trailer to the car. Another thing to always take into account if you want to tow a loaded trailer that weighs more than 750 kg, is to check the maximum weight your car is allowed to tow according to the car manufacturer, which can be found in the manual of your towbar, on your registration certificate or in the instruction manual of your car.