Are you thinking of buying a new motorhome or hiring one for the holidays? If so, read on to find out about the licensing entitlements you might require to drive safely and legally.
The UK has legal limits on the size and tonnage of the motorhome or campervan you can drive using a regular driving licence. This will also depend on your age and the year in which you received your licence.
Driving Licence Entitlement
If you passed your driving test before 1st January 1997, you are entitled to drive a motorhome or campervan of any size between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes. Technically, your licence already includes the C1 category required to drive ‘medium sized vehicles’ which fit nicely within the ‘maximum authorised mass’ (MAM) quoted above.
To drive a motorhome over 7.5 tonnes MAM, you’ll need a category C licence no matter when you passed your driving test.
Maximum motorhome dimensions
Motorhomes registered in the UK cannot be more than 12 metres long and 2.55 metres wide. If it has Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA), you will receive a certificate. This is often for ginormous military vehicles, ambulances and coaches though, so you’ll see these once in a blue moon. IVAs are allowed a width maximum of 2.6 metres.
There is no height limit, but if the vehicle is over 3 metres tall, the height must be on a notice that is visible to the driver at all times – beware Britain’s low bridges!
When measuring the width and length, dont include:
- The driving mirrors
- Rear collision protection buffers
- Awnings
- Steps and roof ladders
Septuagenarians (those over 70) Take Note
If you are driving a motorhome at the age of seventy, your mature years will require you to undergo a medical in order to drive any vehicle over 3500kg – or 3.5 tonnes. If you fail the medical, however, there is a completely legit way to ‘downplate’ your vehicle and reduce its official MAM. Expect to pay more road tax but if it’s the only option to save your beloved motorhome, then grasp it with both hands and take off into the great green yonder!
Glenns Motorhomes purvey campervans, motorhomes and cars in Nottingham, Chesterfield and Derby. All of our pre-owned motorhomes have been thoroughly checked by our experienced team of mechanics for their safety and reliability. We even offer on-commission sales if you’re looking for a professional sales team to handle the sale of your beloved motorhome. For more information about any of our services, contact our friendly team today. We’re always happy to help
