What Licence Do I Need to Drive a Motorhome?

If you're thinking about buying a motorhome or campervan, one of the first things to check is whether your current driving licence allows you to drive it.

For most standard motorhomes weighing up to 3,500kg MAM, a Category B car licence is enough. Larger motorhomes may require a C1 licence.

Can I Drive a Motorhome on a Car Licence?

Yes, in most cases.

If you passed your driving test from 1 January 1997 onwards, a standard Category B licence generally allows you to drive a vehicle with a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of up to 3,500kg.

This means many popular 3.5 tonne motorhomes and campervans can be driven on a normal car licence.

If you passed your car test before 1 January 1997, you may have additional entitlements that allow you to drive heavier vehicles. Check the categories shown on your driving licence to confirm what you can drive.

What Is MAM?

MAM stands for Maximum Authorised Mass.

It is the maximum weight of the vehicle when fully loaded, including the vehicle itself, passengers and everything you're carrying.

You'll find the MAM listed in the specifications of a motorhome.

It's particularly important when choosing a motorhome because going over the vehicle's permitted MAM can be illegal, regardless of how much physical space or storage the vehicle has.

Do I Need a C1 Licence to Drive a Motorhome?

If your motorhome has a MAM of more than 3,500kg and up to 7,500kg, you'll generally need a Category C1 licence.

Can I Drive a 4 Tonne Motorhome on a Car Licence?

For a standard petrol or diesel motorhome, no, not if you only have a Category B licence obtained from 1 January 1997 onwards.

A 4 tonne motorhome has a MAM above 3,500kg, meaning you'll generally need C1 entitlement.

However, drivers who passed their test before 1997 may have C1 entitlement already, depending on their licence.

What Is the Difference Between B and C1?

The easiest way to remember the difference is:

Category B: Vehicles up to 3,500kg MAM.

Category C1: Vehicles over 3,500kg and up to 7,500kg MAM.

This makes your driving licence an important consideration when choosing between a standard 3.5 tonne motorhome and a larger vehicle.

Can I Drive a Campervan on a Normal Driving Licence?

In many cases, yes.

If the campervan has a MAM of 3,500kg or less, you can generally drive it with a Category B licence.

Always check the vehicle's MAM rather than simply assuming that every campervan can be driven on a car licence.

What Licence Do I Need for a Motorhome?

Before buying a motorhome, check both your driving licence entitlement and the vehicle's MAM.

If you're looking for a motorhome that you can drive on a standard car licence, many 3.5 tonne motorhomes could be suitable.

At Abacus Motorhomes, we have a wide selection of new and used motorhomes and campervans in different sizes and layouts.

Browse our latest motorhomes and campervans and find the right vehicle for your next adventure.

For the latest official information, you can also check which vehicles you can drive on GOV.UK