Last Updated on With motorhome ownership becoming more and more popular in the UK, it’s no wonder you’re asking yourself “What licence do I need to drive a motorhome?” UK licence categories are not always straightforward, but we’re here to make it easier for you. This guide explains everything you need to know about the licences needed for driving motorhomes of different sizes and weights.
Understanding Driving Licences for Motorhomes
Before you hit the road, it’s crucial to understand the requirements set out by UK licence categories. The driving licence you hold, and when you obtained it, determines what motorhome you’re legally allowed to drive. It all comes down to two key factors: the date you passed your test and the weight of the vehicle. Additionally, it’s important to consider:
- The size of the campervan.
- Whether you plan to tow a trailer.
- If your licence covers international driving.
What Driving Licence Do I Need?
When it comes to driving motorhomes, it’s not just about size. The Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of the vehicle also plays a key role. MAM refers to the total weight of the vehicle, including the load it’s carrying. You’ll need to know this figure when determining whether your licence allows you to drive the vehicle safely.
Licence Requirements Based on Test Date
If you can drive a motorhome on your licence largely depends on when you passed your driving test and the weight of the vehicle. If you passed your test before 1 January 1997, you have more flexibility with larger vehicles. If you passed after this date, you may need to take additional tests to drive heavier motorhomes.
Passed Before 1 January 1997
Drivers who passed their test before 1 January 1997 are automatically allowed to drive motorhomes with a MAM of up to 7,500kg. This is because older licences include Category C1, which allows you to drive medium-sized vehicles without the need for additional tests. If you’re wondering, “Can I drive a motorhome with a car license?” the answer is yes, but only if your vehicle is below 7,500kg MAM.
Your licence may also include Category C1E, which allows you to tow a trailer up to 750kg behind your motorhome. This licence covers most motorhomes available on the market, like VW campervans and Swift motorhomes, but you might need further qualifications for some of the bigger RV-style vehicles out there.
Passed After 1 January 1997
If you earned your licence after 1 January 1997, you are allowed to drive motorhomes that weigh up to 3,500kg MAM under a standard car driving licence. While this covers most smaller motorhomes, you may need further qualifications for heavier models.
If your motorhome exceeds the 3,500kg limit, you’ll need to pass additional tests to drive it legally. So, if you’re asking, “Can I drive a van on my licence if it’s over 3,500kg?” you’ll need to make sure you hold the right entitlements.
Driving Larger Motorhomes Over 3,500kg
For larger motorhomes, like Bailey motorhomes, that exceed 3,500kg, you will need to obtain a Category C licence. This is the entry-level HGV licence, also known as an LGV or Rigid Body licence. It’s necessary if your motorhome has a MAM over 3,500kg, and you will need to pass a test to add this category to your licence.
What about towing a trailer or car behind your larger motorhome? Well, you’ll also need the Category CE licence. This additional entitlement allows you to drive heavier vehicles with a trailer.
Driving American RV-Style Motorhomes
American RV-style motorhomes are typically much larger and can exceed the 7,500kg limit. To drive one of these behemoths, you’ll need both Category C and Category CE licences. These licences are similar to those required for driving Class 1 Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), so if you’re considering driving an RV, additional tests are a must.
Given the size of these vehicles, they are often equipped with features that make handling them easier. These include automatic transmissions and advanced braking systems. However, the sheer size and weight of these vehicles mean that even experienced drivers may need additional training.
Licences for Different Motorhome Sizes
Motorhomes come in various sizes, and different categories of the UK licence are required depending on the vehicle’s weight. From smaller campervans to large RV-style motorhomes, it’s essential to know which licence you need to stay within legal limits. It’s also important to note that your licence may need to be updated or renewed as you age, especially if you’re over 70 years old.
Category B – Smaller Motorhomes
The most common licence category is Category B, which allows you to drive smaller motorhomes or campervans that weigh less than 3,500kg. Most modern motorhomes are designed to meet this limit, ensuring that drivers with a standard car licence can legally operate them. This category is particularly suitable for weekend trips or short getaways, as smaller motorhomes are easier to park and manoeuvre.
So, can you drive a van on a car licence? As long as the van or motorhome falls under 3,500kg MAM, your Category B car licence covers it. This is particularly useful if you’re just getting started with motorhome adventures and aren’t ready to drive larger, heavier vehicles. These vehicles also tend to have lower running costs and can fit into most campsites without special arrangements.
Medium-Sized Vehicles
Medium-sized motorhomes are those with a MAM between 3,500kg and 7,500kg. If your motorhome falls within this range, you’ll need a Category C1 licence to drive it legally. Here’s what you need to know about these UK licence categories:
Category C1
For those upgrading from smaller vehicles, it’s common to ask, “What licence do I need to drive a motorhome of this size?” In this case, a Category C1 licence is your answer. A Category C1 licence entitles you to drive motorhomes with a MAM between 3,500kg and 7,500kg. With this entitlement, you can also tow a trailer up to 750kg.
This category is especially useful for those who want to upgrade from a smaller motorhome to something more spacious, while still keeping the vehicle under 7,500kg. These motorhomes often offer more amenities such as larger kitchens and bathrooms. By the way, we’ve got a guide on how to get a C1 licence, if you’re interested.
Category C1E
If you need to tow a heavier trailer, you’ll require a Category C1E licence. This allows you to drive a vehicle in the C1 category with a trailer that weighs over 750kg. However, the combined weight of both the vehicle and the trailer can’t exceed 12,000kg.
Motorhomes that fall under this category often include larger storage areas, which can be helpful for long-distance travellers who need to carry more luggage or supplies. With a C1E licence, you’ll also have more flexibility when it comes to towing additional vehicles, such as a small car or boat. Fishing trip, anyone?
Large Vehicles
For the largest motorhomes and American-style RVs, a Category C or Category CE licence is required. These categories cover vehicles over 3,500kg and provide the necessary entitlements to tow heavier trailers. If you plan to drive internationally, particularly in Europe, you may also need to check whether these licences are recognised in the countries you plan to visit.
Category C
With a Category C licence, you can drive vehicles weighing more than 3,500kg. This category is essential for those driving large motorhomes or RVs that exceed the standard car licence limit. You’ll also be allowed to tow trailers weighing up to 750kg.
Motorhomes in this category often resemble commercial vehicles in size and handling. They may come with additional features such as more powerful engines, air suspension, and enhanced safety systems to help with driving such large vehicles over long distances.
Category CE
A Category CE further licence extends your entitlements, allowing you to tow heavier trailers behind a Category C vehicle. If you’re planning to tow a car behind your motorhome, this additional entitlement is crucial. It’s particularly useful for those who plan extended road trips and want the convenience of having a secondary vehicle for local exploration.
Key Takeaway
Understanding the different UK licence categories is key to enjoying your motorhome adventures without legal issues. By keeping track of your vehicle’s MAM and ensuring you have the correct entitlements, you’ll be ready to hit the open road. If you’re still wondering, “What licence do I need to drive a motorhome?” the answer depends entirely on two factors:
- When you passed your test (before or after January 1997).
- The weight of the motorhome you intend to drive.
FAQs
What size motorhome can you drive on a car licence?
Motorhomes that can be driven on a car license aren’t really governed by ‘size’ they’re mainly governed by the 3500KG weight limit a modern car license has. If you took your driving test before January 1997 you will have a C1 entitlement which means you can drive motorhomes up to 7500KG. If you took your test after January 1997 you wouldn’t have been given the C1 entitlement. Also, if you have turned 70 years old and not provided the correct D4 medical form, your C1 entitlement will have been suspended. If you want to drive a motorhome over 3500KG, ensure you have a C1 entitlement on your license. If the motorhome is 3500KG or below you can drive it on any car license.
What is the heaviest vehicle you can drive on a car licence?
If the motorhome is 3500KG or below you can drive it on any car license. If you want to drive a motorhome over 3500KG, ensure you have a C1 entitlement on your license.
What vehicle category is a motorhome?
Motorhomes can fall into multiple vehicle classes as they vary from small micro campervans to large coach based vehicles. They can be classed as ‘Diesel car’, ‘Van with Windows’, ‘Motor Caravan’, ‘Private Light Goods’, ‘Private Heavy Goods’. The most important thing to pay attention to is the weight and the entitlements you have on your license.
What size motorhome can a 70 year old drive?
Age doesn’t restrict what you can or cannot drive. At 70 years old you will have to prove you are medically capable of driving vehicles which fall into some license classes or you will automatically have those entitlements suspended. Provided that you’re are medically fit, not taking medications which may affect your ability to drive, have good eyesight and provide all the necessary information on a D4 medical form; turning 70 years doesn’t affect your existing license entitlements.
