Driving A Camper Van: What Your Car License Allows

If you're planning a road trip and fancy hiring a campervan, you might be wondering if you can drive one with a regular car licence. The good news is that, in the UK, you absolutely can—as long as the campervan weighs 3,500 kg or less. This is because a standard driving licence covers categories B, B1 and, BE, which are suitable for vehicles up to this weight. Most campervans are designed with a Maximum Allowable Mass (MAM) of 3,500 kg, so they're accessible to all drivers. However, if you want to drive a larger vehicle, you may need to take an additional test to add a C1 category to your licence.

Driving licence category

The driving licence category you need to drive a campervan depends on several factors, including the weight of the vehicle, your age, and when you passed your driving test. Here is a breakdown of the driving licence categories and their respective requirements:

Category B Licence

A Category B driving licence, also known as a standard driving licence, allows you to drive a campervan or motorhome weighing up to 3,500 kg. This category typically includes most modern campervans and motorhomes, as manufacturers often design their vehicles with a Maximum Allowable Mass (MAM) of 3,500 kg to ensure maximum accessibility to drivers. A Category B licence also enables you to drive cars, small motorhomes, and campervans, making it a versatile option.

Category C1 Licence

If you want to drive a campervan or motorhome with a MAM between 3,500 kg and 7,500 kg, you will need a Category C1 licence. This category includes some of the larger motorhome models available. To obtain a Category C1 licence, you will need to take a theory and practical test, and a medical assessment may also be required. The cost of obtaining this licence will depend on the number of practical lessons you take.

Pre-1997 Licences

It is important to note that if you obtained your driving licence before 1 January 1997, your licence may include a C1 entitlement. This means you can drive motorhomes weighing up to 7,500 kg without needing to apply for a separate Category C1 licence. However, this entitlement will be removed if you renew your licence using the standard renewal procedure when you turn 70 years old. To retain your C1 entitlement, you will need to fill out specific forms and undergo a medical assessment.

International Driving Licence

While a standard driving licence is sufficient for driving campervans within the UK, if you are planning to travel outside the EU, it is recommended to obtain an International Driving Licence. This is a compulsory document in certain countries, such as Australia's Northern Territory, South Africa, and Namibia. Having an International Driving Licence can make it easier to navigate police checks and avoid any issues related to your domestic driving licence not being in English.

International driving licence

An International Driving Permit (IDP), also known as an International Driving Licence, is a document that translates your identifying information into different languages. It is recognised in 150 countries worldwide and contains your name, photo, and driver information. It is useful if your licence is not in English.

The IDP is not a replacement for your national driving licence, but an addition to it. To obtain an IDP, you must apply before travelling in the same country that issued your national driving licence. In the US, the American Automobile Association (AAA) is the only entity authorised by the US Department of State to issue IDPs. The process costs $20 and requires two original passport pictures, a valid driver's licence, and an application form. In the UK, the IDP costs £5.50 or €15 and is valid for three years.

Most countries require visitors to have an IDP if they want to drive outside of their home country. Many countries require an IDP to drive legally, and fines for driving without one can be costly. However, in some countries, your national driving licence may be sufficient. For example, in Canada and Mexico, a US state driver's licence is valid. In the UK, a regular car licence will allow you to drive a campervan as long as it weighs less than 3,500 kg.

Driving test date

In the UK, you can drive a campervan on a regular car licence, but the type of campervan you can drive depends on a few factors: when you passed your test, the weight of your campervan, and your age.

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 with a maximum weight of 3,500 kg. Most modern campervans and motorhomes are designed with a Maximum Allowable Mass (MAM) of 3,500 kg, making them accessible to all drivers. Examples include the Volkswagen California (3,080 kg) and the Volkswagen Grand California 600 (3,500 kg).

If you want to drive a campervan weighing more than 3,500 kg, you will need to pass an additional driving test to add the C1 category to your licence. This is necessary for larger models such as the Grand California 680, which weighs 3,880 kg.

On the other hand, if you passed your driving test before 1 January 1997, your licence automatically includes the C1 category. This means you can drive a motorhome with a MAM of up to 7,500 kg. This covers all but the largest American-style RV campers.

Age Requirements

Age is another important factor. Once you turn 70, you must renew your licence and pass a medical assessment to continue driving heavier motorhomes. If you follow the standard renewal procedure, you may lose your C1 entitlement, restricting you to driving motorhomes under 3,500 kg unless you pass a medical assessment.

To retain your C1 entitlement, you can fill in form D2 and ask your GP to complete a medical report (form D4). However, your GP may charge a fee for this service. This process will need to be repeated every three years.

International Requirements

When driving a campervan abroad, the licence requirements may vary. In some countries, such as Australia's Northern Territory, South Africa, and Namibia, an International Driving Licence is compulsory. In other countries, such as Canada and the USA, an International Driving Licence is not generally required, except when booking with certain rental companies.

It is recommended to always carry an International Driving Licence when travelling outside the EU to be prepared for police checks and avoid any potential issues.

Motorhome weight

The weight of a motorhome is a key factor in determining whether you can drive it with a standard car licence. Here's everything you need to consider:

Motorhomes are categorised based on their Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM), also known as the Maximum Allowable Mass or permissible maximum weight. This refers to the total weight of the vehicle, including its load capacity. The weight limit for driving a motorhome with a standard car licence is typically 3,500 kg or 3.5 tonnes. Most modern motorhomes and campervans are designed with a MAM of 3,500 kg to ensure accessibility for all drivers.

Licence Requirements:

If your motorhome weighs less than 3,500 kg, you can drive it with a standard car licence, specifically a Category B licence. This licence allows you to drive vehicles in categories B, B1, and BE and tow a trailer with a MAM of up to 750 kg.

However, if your motorhome weighs between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes, you will need a Category C1 licence. A motorhome exceeding 7.5 tonnes requires a Category C licence.

Age Considerations:

The date you obtained your licence also matters. If you passed your driving test before 1 January 1997, your licence includes a Category C1 entitlement, allowing you to drive motorhomes up to 7,500 kg. After this date, the standard licence only covers vehicles up to 3,500 kg.

Additionally, as you age, your licence renewal process may impact your ability to drive heavier motorhomes. When you turn 70, a licence renewal is required, which may result in the loss of your C1 entitlement unless you pass a medical assessment or submit specific forms.

Weight and Licence Verification:

To verify the weight of your motorhome, check the owner's manual or look for a plate or sticker with the MAM information. To confirm your licence entitlements, you can visit the UK Gov website and enter your driving licence details, national insurance number, and postcode.

In summary, while a standard car licence allows you to drive motorhomes weighing less than 3,500 kg, weight is not the only factor. The date of your licence and your age can also impact your ability to drive heavier motorhomes. Always ensure you have the proper licence for the vehicle you intend to drive to stay within legal boundaries.

Age

If you are over 70 years old, you must renew your UK driving licence. This means that if you previously had C1 entitlement, you will no longer be able to drive a motorhome or campervan that weighs between 3,500 kg and 7,500 kg unless you pass a medical exam. To maintain your C1 entitlement, you can fill in form D2 and ask your GP to complete a medical report form D4, although this may incur a charge.

Drivers aged 21-79 years can hire a campervan or motorhome, provided they meet the usual driving licence criteria. It is important to note that some companies do not hire to undergraduates and/or students under 25 years of age.

Additionally, the date you passed your driving test also plays a role. If you passed your test after 1 January 1997, you will have a standard driving licence covering sections B and B1, allowing you to drive a motorhome weighing up to 3,500 kg. If you passed before this date, you will have an additional C1 entitlement, enabling you to drive a motorhome weighing up to 7,500 kg.

Frequently asked questions