Think you can drive any motorhome on a standard car licence? It depends on the vehicle.
Some motorhomes can be driven on a standard car licence, while others require additional licence entitlement depending on their weight. The key figure to look at is the vehicle’s Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM), and for some drivers, when they passed their driving test can also make a difference.
Before you book your next motorhome getaway, it’s worth knowing exactly what you’re allowed to drive. In this guide, we’ll explain the different licence requirements, how to choose a motorhome that’s right for your licence, the difference between C1 and C licences, age requirements and what you need to know if you’re planning to take your motorhome abroad.
If you don’t have time to read the whole article:
Before booking a motorhome, check
- Your driving licence – find out which vehicle categories you’re entitled to drive.
- The motorhome’s MAM – check the MAM shown for the vehicle you’re interested in. (all Easyhire motorhomes are less than 3,500kg).
- Make sure they match – the motorhome’s MAM must fall within the weight limit of your licence entitlement.
For more information on all of the above, continue reading…
Licence Requirements to Drive a Motorhome
The good news is that many motorhomes can be driven on a standard car licence. However, the licence you need depends on the motorhome’s Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) and, in some cases, when you passed your driving test.
What is MAM?
MAM stands for Maximum Authorised Mass. In simple terms, it is the maximum legal weight of the motorhome when fully loaded. This includes the vehicle itself and the maximum load it is permitted to carry.
This is an important distinction when choosing a motorhome. The figure you need to consider is the vehicle’s MAM, rather than simply how much it weighs when it is empty.
Which licence do I need?
For most people who passed their car driving test on or after 1 January 1997, the basic rules are:
- Up to 3,500kg MAM: you can drive the motorhome with a Category B car licence.
- Over 3,500kg and up to 7,500kg MAM: you need Category C1 entitlement.
- Over 7,500kg MAM: you need Category C entitlement.
These weight limits are set out in the current GOV.UK guidance for driving a motorhome.
It’s therefore worth checking your licence before booking, particularly if you’re interested in a larger motorhome. You don’t necessarily need a specialist licence for every larger-looking motorhome, but you do need to make sure the vehicle’s MAM falls within the entitlement you hold.
When browsing the EasyHire fleet, all of our vehicles are below the 3,500kg threshold.
What if I passed my driving test before 1 January 1997?
There is an important exception for drivers who passed their car driving test before 1 January 1997.
If you were awarded a Category B car licence before this date, you will usually have additional C1 entitlement on your licence. This can allow you to drive vehicles with a MAM between 3,500kg and 7,500kg without having to take a separate C1 driving test.
However, this entitlement is subject to different rules when your licence expires or is renewed. DVLA guidance confirms that pre-1997 drivers retain their additional C1 entitlement until their licence expires or it is revoked for medical reasons. When the entitlement is subsequently renewed or reapplied for, the higher medical standards applicable to Group 2 drivers apply.
If you passed your test before 1997, it’s therefore important to **check the categories and entitlements actually shown on your driving licence**, rather than assuming what you can drive.
If you’re unsure about your licence, you can check your driving licence information through GOV.UK before booking. The Government’s guidance is the best source for checking your individual entitlement, particularly if you have older licence categories or additional restrictions.
Important: Driving licence rules can depend on your individual circumstances, including when you passed your test and any restrictions or medical requirements attached to your licence. Always check your own licence entitlement before driving a motorhome.
How Do I Know Which Motorhome Is Right for My Licence?
Every motorhome has its own Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM), so you shouldn’t assume that two vehicles of a similar size will necessarily have the same licence requirements. One motorhome might have a MAM of 3,500kg, while another could be above this threshold, meaning the licence entitlement required to drive them may be different.
The good news for EasyHire customers is that all of the motorhomes in the EasyHire fleet are under the 3,500kg MAM threshold, meaning a standard Category B licence is generally sufficient to drive them, subject to your individual licence entitlement.
When choosing a motorhome, it’s still important to check the MAM displayed on the vehicle listing and make sure it falls within the limits of your licence.
Remember, MAM is not the same as the motorhome’s empty weight. MAM is the maximum authorised weight of the vehicle when fully loaded, which is why it’s the figure you need to check against your driving licence entitlement.
If you’re unsure about the MAM or whether your licence covers a particular EasyHire vehicle, contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
You can also check your individual driving licence entitlement through GOV.UK. If you’re still unsure, it’s best to confirm your eligibility before your holiday rather than discovering there is a problem when you come to collect the motorhome.
Choosing the right motorhome for your holiday
Your driving licence is an important starting point, but it isn’t the only thing to consider when choosing a motorhome.
Think about how many people are travelling, the number of berths you need, the amount of storage available and the layout and facilities that will make your trip comfortable.
EasyHire offers a range of motorhomes and campervans, from 2-berth, 4-berth and larger 6-berth motorhomes, giving you different options depending on the type of holiday you’re planning.
Once you’ve found a vehicle that suits your needs and falls within your licence entitlement, you can check its availability and continue with your booking.
What’s the Difference Between B, C1 and a C Licence?
You may have come across the different licence types, but what’s the difference?
Category B
A standard Category B car licence allows you to drive vehicles with a MAM of up to 3,500kg. This is the licence category most relevant to EasyHire customers, as all vehicles in the EasyHire fleet are under the 3,500kg threshold.
If the motorhome you’re looking to hire has a MAM of 3,500kg or below, a standard Category B licence will generally be sufficient, subject to your individual licence entitlement.
Category C1
A Category C1 licence allows you to drive vehicles with a MAM between 3,500kg and 7,500kg, with a trailer of up to 750kg.
For motorhome hire, C1 is the category you’ll generally need if the motorhome you’re interested in has a MAM above 3,500kg but no more than 7,500kg.
For example, if a motorhome has a MAM of 4,000kg, you would need to have C1 entitlement on your driving licence to drive it.
Category C
For motorhomes, C1 is generally the relevant category for vehicles between 3,500kg and 7,500kg MAM, while Category C is required for motorhomes with a MAM over 7,500kg.
In the context of motorhomes, Category C becomes relevant when the vehicle has a MAM of more than 7,500kg.
So, while both licences cover vehicles above 3,500kg, C1 is designed for the 3.5 to 7.5 tonne range, whereas Category C covers heavier vehicles too.
Which one would I need for a motorhome?
If you’re looking at a vehicle, the easiest way to establish which category you need is to check the MAM displayed on its vehicle listing and compare it with the categories on your driving licence. (All Easyhire motorhomes are below the 3,500kg threshold).
If the motorhome is within the weight limit of your existing licence, you won’t need to obtain a higher category simply because it is a larger motorhome.
Do I need both C1 and C?
No. You don’t need to hold separate C1 and C entitlements for different motorhomes.
If you obtain Category C, this covers vehicles over 3,500kg, so it also covers the weight range that falls within C1. However, for someone who only wants to drive a motorhome between 3,500kg and 7,500kg, obtaining C1 may be the more appropriate route.
How Do I Get a C1 Licence?
If you’ve found a motorhome you’d like to hire but its MAM is above the limit covered by your current driving licence, you may need to obtain Category C1 entitlement before you can drive it.
Getting a C1 licence involves a few steps, but you don’t need to become a professional HGV driver simply to drive a heavier motorhome for your own holiday.
Check that you need C1
Before starting the process, check your driving licence and the MAM of the motorhome you want to drive.
If you already have C1 entitlement, you won’t need to apply for it again. This can be particularly relevant if you passed your car driving test before 1 January 1997, as you may already have C1 entitlement on your licence.
If you don’t have C1 and the motorhome you want to drive has a MAM between 3,500kg and 7,500kg, you’ll generally need to obtain the entitlement before driving it. (gov.uk)
Apply for provisional C1 entitlement
If you have a full car licence, you can apply for provisional C1 entitlement.
You’ll need to complete a D2 application form and a D4 medical examination report. The D4 must be completed by a doctor, and the medical examination checks that you meet the medical standards required for the licence category.
There is no DVLA application fee for the provisional entitlement itself, although you’ll normally need to pay for your medical examination.
Take the C1 tests
Once you have your provisional C1, you’ll need to complete the relevant testing before you can obtain the full category.
The process includes a theory test and a practical driving test for the C1 category. The theory test covers areas including vehicle safety, road knowledge and hazard perception, while the practical test assesses your ability to drive a larger vehicle safely.
You may also want to consider taking lessons with an instructor who specialises in C1 vehicles. Driving a larger motorhome is different from driving a car, particularly when it comes to the vehicle’s size, positioning and manoeuvring.
Once you’ve passed
After successfully completing the required tests, you’ll have full C1 entitlement added to your driving licence.
You’ll then be able to drive vehicles within the C1 weight range, including suitable motorhomes with a MAM between 3,500kg and 7,500kg, subject to any conditions or restrictions on your licence. (gov.uk)
If you’re considering a heavier motorhome for a future holiday, remember that obtaining C1 doesn’t automatically cover every large vehicle. Always check the MAM of the particular motorhome you intend to drive.
Do I need C1 just to hire a motorhome?
Not necessarily.
Many motorhomes have a MAM of 3,500kg or below, meaning they can generally be driven on a standard Category B licence.
C1 is only relevant if the motorhome you want to drive falls above the Category B weight limit and you don’t already have the appropriate entitlement.
This is why checking the MAM of your chosen motorhome before booking is so important. It allows you to establish whether your existing licence is sufficient or whether you need additional entitlement.
If obtaining a C1 licence isn’t something you want to do, there are also motorhomes that may be suitable for drivers with a standard Category B licence. Check the MAM shown on each vehicle listing when comparing your options.
How Do I Get a C Licence?
For most people hiring a motorhome for a holiday, a Category C licence won’t be necessary. However, if you want to drive a motorhome with a MAM above 7,500kg, you will need Category C entitlement on your driving licence. (gov.uk)
Category C is a higher vehicle entitlement than C1 and allows you to drive larger vehicles over 3,500kg. For a motorhome, it becomes relevant once the vehicle’s MAM exceeds 7,500kg.
How do I get a Category C licence?
The process is similar to obtaining C1 entitlement.
You’ll need to:
- Apply for provisional Category C entitlement – you’ll normally need to complete a D2 application form and a D4 medical examination report. The medical examination is required because Category C is a Group 2 licence category. (gov.uk)
- Pass the required theory test – If you already hold C1 because you passed a C1 driving test, you do not need to take another theory test when upgrading to Category C. However, if your C1 entitlement was automatically granted when you passed your car test, you will need to take the relevant theory test before taking the Category C test.
- Take a practical driving test – you’ll need to demonstrate that you can safely control and drive a Category C vehicle.
Once you’ve passed the required tests, Category C entitlement will be added to your driving licence.
Do I need Category C to drive a large-looking motorhome?
Not necessarily.
The size or appearance of a motorhome isn’t what determines the licence you need. Its MAM is the important figure.
For example, a large motorhome with a MAM of 7,500kg or below may only require C1 entitlement, whereas a motorhome exceeding 7,500kg requires Category C.
If you’re unsure which licence you need for a particular vehicle, check your driving licence entitlement or contact us to know the specific MAM before booking.
How Old Do You Need to Be to Drive a Motorhome?
Your age can affect which motorhomes you’re able to drive, particularly if you need a higher licence category such as C1 or C.
For most people with a standard car licence, there is no upper age limit for driving a motorhome. What matters is that you hold the correct licence entitlement and continue to meet the relevant requirements for driving safely.
How old do you need to be to drive a motorhome?
If you’re driving a motorhome that falls within the limits of a standard Category B car licence (under 3,500kg MAM), you can generally drive it from the age of 17.
If the motorhome requires Category C1 (over 3,500kg and under 7,500kg MAM), the minimum age is generally 18. If it requires Category C (over 7,500kg MAM), the normal minimum age is 21, although there are exceptions for drivers who hold or are undertaking the relevant Driver CPC qualification.
For most people hiring a motorhome for a holiday, the important thing is therefore to check both your age and your licence entitlement against the MAM of the motorhome you’re considering.
Can I drive a motorhome after I turn 70?
Yes. There is no upper age limit for driving, provided you continue to meet the relevant requirements.
Once you reach 70, you’ll need to renew your driving licence every three years. If you’re only driving a motorhome covered by your Category B entitlement, the standard Group 1 renewal rules apply.
However, if you have C1 entitlement and want to continue driving a motorhome that requires C1, there are additional medical requirements. C1 falls within Group 2, meaning you’ll need to meet the relevant medical standards to retain that entitlement.
This is particularly important for drivers who passed their car test before 1 January 1997, as they may have C1 entitlement automatically included on their licence.
If you’re approaching or over 70 and planning to hire a motorhome above 3,500kg MAM, it’s worth checking your licence and C1 entitlement well before your trip to make sure everything is up to date.
What happens to my C1 entitlement when I turn 70?
This is particularly important if you passed your car driving test before 1 January 1997 and have C1 entitlement as a result.
Pre-1997 drivers were generally given additional C1 entitlement automatically, allowing them to drive vehicles between 3,500kg and 7,500kg. However, once you reach 70, retaining this entitlement involves meeting the higher medical standards that apply to Group 2 drivers.
If you want to keep your C1 entitlement after turning 70, you must renew it separately by post rather than through the standard online renewal service. A medical report is also required. GOV.UK confirms that C1 entitlements must be renewed by post when renewing a licence at 70 or over.
This doesn’t mean you have to stop driving a motorhome when you turn 70. It simply means that, if you want to continue driving a motorhome that requires C1 entitlement, you need to make sure your C1 entitlement has been properly renewed and that you meet the relevant medical standards.
What if I’m over 70 and only have a Category B licence?
If the motorhome you’re planning to hire falls within the limits of your Category B entitlement, turning 70 does not prevent you from driving it.
You’ll need to renew your driving licence at 70 and every three years afterwards, but there is no general upper age limit for driving.
The important distinction is whether the motorhome you’re considering requires only Category B or a higher category such as C1.
Check your licence before booking
If you’re over 70, or approaching your 70th birthday, check your driving licence carefully before booking a motorhome.
In particular, check:
- Which licence categories you currently hold
- Whether your C1 entitlement is still valid, if you have it
- The MAM of the motorhome you’re considering
- Whether you need to complete any medical or renewal requirements
If you’re unsure about your entitlement, GOV.UK provides the latest guidance on renewing your licence and retaining C1 entitlement.
For peace of mind, it’s worth checking these details before your holiday, so you know that both you and the motorhome you’ve chosen are covered by your licence.
Can I Take a Motorhome to Europe?
Yes. If you’re planning a European road trip, you can take an EasyHire motorhome across the Channel and continue your holiday in Europe.
EasyHire allows travel to European destinations at no extra cost, with European breakdown and roadside assistance included with your hire.
However, there are a few things to check before you set off.
Do I need an International Driving Permit?
If you have a valid UK photocard driving licence, you can generally drive in EU countries, as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, without an International Driving Permit (IDP).
However, requirements can vary between countries, so GOV.UK recommends checking the specific rules for every country on your route. An IDP may be required in some circumstances, particularly if you’re travelling outside the countries listed above or hold a different type of UK driving licence.
What about insurance and other requirements?
Booking with us includes fully comprehensive insurance and European breakdown and roadside assistance.
You’ll also need to make sure you have the correct documentation and equipment for the countries you’re visiting. Rules can vary, including requirements for items such as warning triangles, reflective clothing, headlight converters and environmental stickers.
EasyHire does not provide EU travel conversion kits, so you’ll need to arrange one before travelling or purchase one at the outbound port or Channel Tunnel terminal.
If you’re taking a hired vehicle abroad, check with us before travelling to make sure you have all the necessary hire documentation, including any documentation required for taking the vehicle outside the UK.
Check before you travel
European driving rules can vary from country to country, so check the latest GOV.UK guidance and the requirements for each country on your route before setting off.
Ready to Choose Your Motorhome?
Now you know what licence you need, you can browse the EasyHire fleet and find a motorhome that’s suitable for both your licence and your holiday. Check the MAM listed for each vehicle, then consider the number of berths, layout, facilities and space you’ll need for your trip.
