Driving A Camper Van: What Your Car Licence Allows

If you're planning a road trip and fancy taking a campervan, you may be wondering if your driving licence will cut it. The good news is that in most cases, you can drive a campervan with a standard car licence. However, there are a few things to keep in mind, including the weight of the vehicle, when you passed your test, and your age.

Driving a camper van in the UK

If you're planning a road trip in the UK and fancy doing it in style with a camper van, you're probably wondering if you can drive one with a standard car licence. The good news is that, in most cases, you absolutely can! However, there are a few things to keep in mind, including the weight of the camper van, when you passed your test, and your age.

Weight of the Camper Van

The weight of the camper van is a crucial factor in determining whether you can drive it with a standard car licence. In the UK, if your camper van weighs 3,500 kg or less, you're good to go with a standard driving licence (Category B). This is because most camper vans are designed with a Maximum Allowable Mass (MAM) of 3,500 kg, making them accessible to a wide range of drivers.

However, if you're looking at larger models that weigh between 3,500 kg and 7,500 kg, you'll need to upgrade your licence to a Category C1. And for the real behemoths that weigh over 7,500 kg, a Category C licence is required. It's worth noting that only the very largest American RV-style motorhomes typically exceed 7,500 kg.

Test Pass Date

The date you passed your driving test also plays a role in determining which camper vans you can drive. If you obtained your driving licence after 1 January 1997, your standard licence covers categories B, B1, and BE, allowing you to drive camper vans up to 3,500 kg. On the other hand, if you passed your test before this date, your licence includes a C1 entitlement, enabling you to drive motorhomes up to 7,500 kg.

Age

Age is another important consideration when it comes to driving a camper van in the UK. Once you turn 70, a licence renewal is required, which may involve a medical assessment to maintain your C1 entitlement. Alternatively, you can fill in a form D2 and ask your doctor to complete a medical report (form D4) to avoid losing this entitlement.

So, there you have it! You're now equipped with the knowledge to hit the road in a camper van on your next UK adventure. Just remember to check the weight and size limits of your vehicle, and you'll be all set to explore the country in style.

Licence requirements

The licence requirements to drive a campervan or motorhome depend on your age, the date you passed your driving test, and the vehicle's maximum authorised mass (MAM). MAM refers to the total weight of the vehicle, including the maximum load it can carry safely. This is also known as the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW).

If you passed your driving test after 1 January 1997, your standard driving licence will cover categories B, B1, and BE, allowing you to drive a campervan or motorhome with a MAM of up to 3,500 kg. Most modern campervans and motorhomes are designed with a MAM of 3,500 kg to ensure maximum accessibility for all drivers.

On the other hand, if you passed your driving test before 1 January 1997, your licence automatically includes a C1 entitlement. This means you can drive a motorhome with a MAM of up to 7,500 kg.

If you want to drive a motorhome with a MAM between 3,500 kg and 7,500 kg but passed your driving test after 1 January 1997, you will need to obtain a Category C1 licence. This requires passing a theory and practical test and undergoing a medical assessment.

For even larger vehicles with a MAM of over 7,500 kg, you will need a Category C licence, which falls under the Class 1 Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) licence category.

When travelling internationally, it is recommended to carry an International Driving Licence, especially in countries like Australia's Northern Territory, South Africa, and Namibia, where it is compulsory.

Driving tests and qualifications

In the UK, the type of licence you need to drive a motorhome or campervan depends on your age, the date you passed your test, and the vehicle's maximum authorised mass (MAM). MAM refers to the vehicle's weight plus the maximum load it can carry and includes the weight of the fuel and, in the case of electric vehicles, the batteries.

If you passed your driving test after 1 January 1997, you can drive a campervan weighing up to 3,500 kg with a standard driving licence. This is because the standard driving licence issued from this date covers categories B, B1, and BE, which are suitable for any campervan up to this weight. Most modern campervans and motorhomes are designed with a Maximum Allowable Mass (MAM) of 3,500 kg to allow maximum accessibility to all drivers. To drive a larger vehicle, you will need to pass an additional driving test to add the C1 category to your licence.

If you passed your driving test before 1 January 1997, your licence likely includes a C1 entitlement, allowing you to drive a motorhome weighing up to 7,500 kg. To retain this entitlement when renewing your licence at age 70, you will need to fill in form D2 and ask your GP to complete a medical report form D4, for which they may charge a fee.

When renting a campervan, some companies may require you to have held your driving licence for at least one year, and the minimum age for renting is typically 21 years old, although some companies cater to younger drivers.

When travelling outside the EU, it is recommended to carry an international driving licence, especially in Australia's Northern Territory, South Africa, and Namibia, where it is compulsory. In North America, Australia, New Zealand, Namibia, and South Africa, a regular class B (class 3) driving licence is sufficient to rent and drive campervans, even if the vehicles are heavier than 3.5 tonnes.

International driving licences

In most cases, a standard driving licence will allow you to drive a camper van. However, there are a few key factors to consider when determining whether you can drive a camper van with a car licence:

• Location: The requirements for driving a camper van vary by country. For example, in the UK, a standard driving licence (Category B) is sufficient to drive a camper van weighing up to 3,500kg. In the US, Canada, and Ireland, you must be at least 21 years old and have held your licence for more than a year. In Europe, the minimum age requirement is 18 years old, and in the UK, drivers must be at least 25 years old with two years of licensed driving experience.
• Vehicle Weight: The weight of the camper van is an important factor. A standard driving licence typically allows you to drive a vehicle weighing up to 3,500kg. If you want to drive a heavier vehicle, you may need an additional qualification or a different licence category, such as a C1 licence.
• Test Pass Date: If you obtained your driving licence after a certain date, your licence may have different entitlements. For example, in the UK, if you passed your test after 1 January 1997, your standard licence covers categories B, B1, and BE, allowing you to drive camper vans up to 3,500kg. Licences obtained before this date include a C1 entitlement, allowing you to drive vehicles up to 7,500kg.
• Age: Age is also a factor in determining your eligibility to drive a camper van. In some countries, you must be over 18 or 21 years old to rent a camper van. Additionally, as you reach the age of 70, a licence renewal and medical assessment may be required to maintain certain driving entitlements.

Now, let's focus on international driving licences:

When travelling with a camper van, an international driving licence may be required or recommended, depending on the country you are visiting. Here are some important points to consider:

• English-speaking Countries: In English-speaking countries like the UK, US, Canada, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand, an international driving licence is generally not required if your domestic licence is in English. However, it is always good to have one as a backup.
• European Countries: If you are travelling within the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), your domestic driving licence will typically be accepted without the need for an international one. This includes countries like Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and the UK.
• Non-English speaking Countries: When travelling outside the EU or EEA, particularly to countries where English is not the primary language, it is recommended to carry an international driving licence. This will ensure that your licence information is easily understandable by local authorities.
• Compulsory Regions: In certain regions, an international driving licence is compulsory. For example, in Australia's Northern Territory, South Africa, and Namibia, you must have an international driving licence. EU citizens travelling to Namibia also need to carry one.
• Rental Companies: Some rental companies may have specific requirements. For instance, when renting a camper van from Apollo in the US, you will need an international driving licence.
• Police Checks: For long-distance travel, it is advisable to obtain an international driving licence to streamline police checks and avoid any language barriers or lengthy explanations.
• Obtaining an International Driving Licence: The process of obtaining an international driving licence can vary depending on your country of residence. In some countries, it may take a few days and cost around 5.50 GBP or 15 Euros. It is valid for three years and can provide peace of mind during your travels.

Driving a camper van at 70+ years old

If you're 70 or older and want to drive a camper van, there are a few things you need to know. Firstly, you can drive a camper van with a standard car licence as long as it weighs less than 3,500 kg. This is because a standard driving licence allows you to drive vehicles in categories B, B1 and BE, which covers most camper vans. Keep in mind that if you want to drive a larger camper van that weighs between 3,500 kg and 7,500 kg, you will need a Category C1 licence.

Now, when it comes to driving at 70+, you will need to renew your driving licence. The DVLA will send you a D46P application form about 90 days before your 70th birthday. Fill out the form and submit it along with your current driving licence photocard. You may also need to provide a passport-style photo, so check the form for this requirement. Renewing your licence by post can take up to three weeks, but it's faster to renew online through the GOV.UK website. Keep in mind that if you go with the standard renewal procedure, you may lose your C1 entitlement, which means you won't be able to drive camper vans weighing between 3,500 kg and 7,500 kg.

To avoid losing your C1 entitlement, there's an alternative process. Fill in form D2 on your renewal documents and ask your GP to complete a medical report form D4. This process might incur a charge as it's considered a private appointment. Once the DVLA is satisfied that you can drive safely, you're good to go. However, this process will need to be repeated every three years.

It's important to note that driving a motorhome over 7,500 kg will require an HGV licence with C and CE entitlements. These are very large vehicles and not common in the UK or Europe.

In summary, driving a camper van at 70+ is possible, but you'll need to ensure your licence is up to date and you have the correct entitlements for the weight of the vehicle you wish to drive.

Frequently asked questions