What Licence Do I Need to Drive a Motorhome in the UK?

If you are planning to buy a motorhome or explore the latest motorhomes for sale, it’s very important to understand what licence you need before you make a decision.

Licence Requirements for Motorhomes

In the UK, the type of licence you need depends on the vehicles MAM (Maximum Authorised Mass). This is the total weight of the motorhome when it is fully loaded.

• You can drive motorhomes with a MAM of up to 3,500kgs on a standard Category B licence.
• To drive motorhomes with a MAM between 3,500kgs and 7,500kgs, you will be required to have a Category C1 licence.
• To drive motorhomes over 7,500kgs you will need a Category C licence.

Understanding these requirements early will help you confidently explore motorhome sales.

How do I know what type of driving licence I have?

The date you passed your test matters when determining what type of driving licence you have and whether you have a Category B or Category C1 licence.

• If you passed your standard driving test before 1st January 1997, you will most likely have a C1 entitlement on your licence, which will allow you to drive vehicles with a MAM of up to 7,500kgs.
• If you passed your driving test after 1st January 1997, you will have a standard Category B licence, which means you are limited to drive vehicles with a MAM of under 3,500kgs.

If you fall under having a category B licence and would like to drive a motorhome over 3,500kgs, you will have to take an additional test to upgrade to Category C1 or Category C licence.

Still unsure on what licence you have? – follow the steps on the UK Government Website.

Shopping for a motorhome in your licence category

If you’re visiting one of the River Motorhomes showrooms, our team will be happy to talk you through any questions you have around licensing requirements and help you understand what you’re eligible to drive.

When browsing online, each motorhome listing should clearly show the vehicle’s weight, making it easier to identify what fits your licence. On our website, you can also take a quick test to match you with suitable vehicles, or filter our stock by weight to see only the motorhomes you’re able to drive.

At River Motorhomes, we know the journey starts the moment you begin browsing. That’s why we make sure every customer has a clear understanding of what they can and can’t drive, and we’re always happy to explain the regulations.

If you need help finding the right motorhome, simply visit one of our showrooms or get in touch so we can help you take the next step!