Can I drive a motorhome without a C1?
Licence requirements
To drive a motorhome with a MAM of between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes, you need a category C1 licence. To drive a motorhome with a MAM of over 7.5 tonnes, you need a category C licence. Check which vehicles you can drive and the licence and age requirements for towing.
To drive the smaller motorhomes and campervans weighing less than 3,500kg, your car driving licence (category B) will usually be sufficient.
A typical motorhome falls into Category B on your driving licence. If you have this, you can drive motorhomes with maximum weights up to 3,500kg – in other words, the majority of motorhomes. However, if you want to drive motorhomes between 3,500kg to 7,500 kg you will need C1 entitlement on your licence.
The standard driving licence issued to a driver passing the test today covers categories B, B1 and BE. This means you can drive a vehicle up to 3,500kg (B) and tow a trailer up to 3,500kg behind it. As a result, many new motorhomes are built with a Maximum Allowable Mass (MAM) of 3,500kg.
Category C1
You can drive vehicles between 3,500 and 7,500kg MAM (with a trailer up to 750kg).
If you want a C1 licence, you need to undergo a separate assessment to be sure that you comply with the medical standards. This assessment will need to be done by a doctor. You can get a D4 DVLA form from most post offices or simply order it online.
Provided that motorhome drivers have passed the relevant tests and the vehicle is used in a private capacity then they are exempt from the requirements to use a tachograph or obtain a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) that normally applies to professional drivers of large vehicles.
'C1 and 'C' licences
If the vehicle has a MAM between 3.5 tonnes and 7.5 tonnes then a category 'C1' LGV driving licence is needed, however, if the (MAM) is more than 7.5 tonnes then a category 'C' LGV driving licence is needed.
While a class A motorhome can reach lengths of up to 40 feet, the smaller class C's typically top out at about 28 feet. The shape of the class C resembles a van cab with an attached camper in place of the class A's bus-like figure. The average weight of a mini-motorhome is between 10,000 and 12,000 pounds.
There's no reason why you shouldn't be able to drive a larger motorhome once you reach the age of 70, but there are licence requirements you'll have to meet. Those licensing requirements depend on the size of the motorhome you want to drive.
How do I pass my C1 driving test?
Applying for a C1 driving licence involves completing three theory tests. These include a multiple-choice test, hazard perception test and a case study. The multiple-choice test has 100 questions covering how to safely and proficiently drive large vehicles. The pass mark required is 85 out of 100.
Once you reach 70, you must renew every 3 years. You can change the licence photo at the same time as renewing your licence. You cannot use this service to renew a C1 (medium-sized vehicles) or D1 (minibus) entitlement - you must do this by post.
Category C1 is for goods vehicles between 3500kgs MAM and 7500kgs MAM and is a subcategory of Category C. Subcategory C1 vehicles may be coupled with a trailer up to 750kgs MAM allowing a combination of up to 8.25 tonnes MAM. However, the 750kgs MAM trailer weight limit is an absolute limit.
- With a category C1 licence, you can drive any van up to the weight of 7.5 tonnes, which gives you plenty of scope for lots of different vehicles. ...
- If you're looking to drive professionally, the C1 licence is a great place to start.
Class C1. This class allows people who have already turned 18 to drive a lorry between 3.5 and 7.5 t. In practice, it is primarily required as a preliminary stage for the class C1E. Minimum age: 18.
Not complicated at all, right? It's basically an upgrade on the standard C1 license, which means it can only be taken once the driver has already completed their C1 test and got the license. A category C license allows drivers to drive vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, but must not exceed 32 tonnes.
Driving a Motorhome at the age of 70 or over
If you use the standard renewal procedure your C1 entitlement will be suspended and you will no longer be able to drive motorhomes between 3,500kg and 7,500kg until you have passed a medical.
What is the difference between a Class 1 and Class 2 Lorry Licence? A Class 1 C+E lorry is an articulated vehicle that bends in the middle and can weigh up to 44 tonne. A Class 2 lorry is any rigid vehicle over 7.5 and up to 32 tonne.
The cost of a Category C1 Driving Test is £115.00. It is necessary for candidates wishing to attain a Category C1 Licence to first attain a Driving Standards Agency L.G.V. Theory Pass Certificate. The Theory Test consists of 100 multiple choice questions and you will be required to correctly answer 85.
Class A vehicles are not actually classified at campervans, but rather motorhomes.
What theory test do I need for C1?
The final step you must complete before attending our a C1 training course is to sit and pass your LGV theory test, which can be booked online at the DVSA's website, or by calling the DVSA booking line on 0300 200 1122.
The question is – do you need a special license to drive an RV in Canada? In general, you can drive an RV or motorhome in all provinces with a standard driver's license. You don't need any special license to operate a motorhome.
Renewing your C1 or D1 licence categories
If you wish to renew your C1 or D1 licence categories, you cannot renew your licence online and must send the filled in reminder form by post. You must also include the 'medical examination report' (DLM1 form) filled in by a doctor, in support of your application.
There is no special caravan licence or trailer licence needed for towing; it all depends on how heavy the load is that you want to tow. If it is heavy, you may need to upgrade your licence by taking a driving test for the correct category. This depends on what category test you passed and when you passed it.
You need a different licence to drive heavier vehicles. A category C1 licence allows the holder to drive vehicles that weigh between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes, while a category C1 E covers vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes with a trailer over 750kg and combined weight of up to 12,000kg.
Class C's are fairly simple to drive, not so different than a moving van or truck. They are a great choice for family camping, short and long excursions, and even shuttling the kids and their soccer team to practice.
Class C RVs are built on chassis similar to a pickup truck or a box truck. For the Class Cs, the engine is always in the front. Though they are often rear-wheel drive, you will see 4x4s, like the Omni Super C diesel. Most designs feature the signature cab-over design that provides storage or sleeping space.
Class C RVs will be easier to drive—often feeling like a van or small moving truck. The larger Class As are more similar to driving a bus. If you are looking to switch drivers, you will want to make sure that both drivers are comfortable driving whichever Class you choose.
Lorry, bus and minibus licence holders
This affects you if you have passed driving tests for categories C1, C, D1, D, C1E, CE, D1E or DE. Once you've been issued with a 5 year licence you'll need to renew the licence when it expires - the licence expiry date is shown in 4b.
Roughly speaking, anywhere between 100,000 and 200,000 miles could be considered high mileage. An RV in the higher mileage range may or may not need some patching up. As you would expect with any vehicle, the more it has been cared for, the less worn parts it is likely to have.
How old does a motorhome have to be to be MOT exempt?
Historic campervan MOT exemption
If your campervan was registered more than 40 years ago it is not mandatory to have an MOT but you may wish to voluntarily get an MOT for your campervan.
You have 1 hour and 55 minutes to answer 100 multiple-choice questions. Before the test starts you'll get: instructions on how the test works. the chance to do some practice questions to get used to the screens.
Step 2: Provisional C1 licence
In order to make this application, you will need to complete a D2 Application Form, which can be obtained from your local post office, or can be ordered online from the DVLA. There is NO FEE to pay and 10-15 working days later, you should receive your new licence.
You should get your driving licence within 3 weeks of DVLA getting your application. It can take longer if your health or personal details need to be checked. You automatically lose your HGV or bus licence if you lose your car licence.
If you passed your practical car test (licence category B) before January 1, 1997, you also acquired licence categories BE, C1, C1E, D1 and D1E (see below for entitlements). However, drivers who passed their car test after January 1, 1997, receive a driving licence with entitlement to drive category B vehicles only.
You're allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8,250kg maximum authorised mass (MAM). You can also drive a minibus with a trailer over 750kg MAM.
To tow a caravan over the age of 70, you have to hold the B+E licence category prior to your licence expiry, you will retain the entitlement when your licence is renewed. If you don't hold the correct licence, you'll have to pass a driving test to make sure you are qualified to tow a caravan.
C1 is a little more restrictive than a Category C, as it only lets you drive vehicles between 3,500 and 7,500kg MAM (with a trailer up to 750kg).
You need to have a C1 Category licence to drive a 7.5-tonne lorry. This hgv licence is not the same as a Category B car licence, however, you might be able to get a C1 licence automatically if you have a normal car licence, depending upon the date that you got your driving licence.
If you passed your driving test on or after January 1997 you can drive vehicles up to 3,500kg MAM, with up to 8 passenger seats, plus a trailer up to 750kg. You can also tow heavier trailers if the vehicle and trailer MAM is not more than 3.500kg.
Why do I need a C1 licence?
If you want to drive a van, truck or large goods vehicle under 7.5 tonnes, you will be required to pass a C1 driving test.
Once you've passed your practical test, you'll receive your full C1 driving licence within 10-15 days. After this, you can only apply for a provisional trailer (+E) licence. If you wish to drive a 7.5-tonne lorry professionally, then you'll have to complete a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) training too.
You can drive a van up to 3,500kg if you have a standard car driving licence. View your driving licence information to check what types of vehicles you can drive.
Not complicated at all, right? It's basically an upgrade on the standard C1 license, which means it can only be taken once the driver has already completed their C1 test and got the license. A category C license allows drivers to drive vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, but must not exceed 32 tonnes.
Yes, it is permissible to move solo tractor units around on Category C licences.
C1 Light goods vehicle between 3500kg MAM and 7500kg MAM. C1+E Light goods vehicle between 3500kg MAM and 7500kg MAM with trailer. D1 Minibus with up to 16 passenger seats.