Can I drive a motorhome on a car licence?
One question, your answer in 20 seconds.
It is its MAM (gross vehicle weight), on the manufacturer's plate or in the handbook.
Not the mass in running order: the maximum allowed, fully loaded.
Towing a caravan? Which licence for a caravan
In short
You can drive a motorhome or campervan on a car licence (B) if its maximum authorised mass (MAM) is 3,500 kg or less. From 3,501 to 7,500 kg, you need licence C1, which drivers who passed their car test before 1 January 1997 already have. The 2025 EU directive opening licence B to motorhomes of up to 4,250 kg does not apply in Great Britain.
· Official sources: Driving licence categories, Directive (EU) 2025/2205 on driving licences
- Campervan
3,300 kgLicence B - Low-profile
3,500 kgLicence B - Large A-class
4,400 kgLicence C1
Where to find your motorhome's MAM
Look at the manufacturer's plate or the handbook: the maximum authorised mass is given in kilos. Do not confuse it with the unladen weight.
- MAM
- Maximum authorised mass, fully loaded. This is what sets the licence.
- Unladen weight
- Not to be used for the licence.
How your licence is worked out
For a motorhome as for a campervan, only the maximum authorised mass (MAM) counts: the most the vehicle may weigh when fully loaded, as set by the manufacturer. Its actual weight on a weighbridge does not change the licence.
| Licence | Condition (maximum authorised mass, MAM) |
|---|---|
| Licence B | MAM of 3,500 kg or less. This is the case for most campervans and low-profile motorhomes. |
| Licence C1 | MAM from 3,501 to 7,500 kg: large A-class and heavy coachbuilt motorhomes. Theory and practical tests, plus a medical. Already included if you passed your car test before 1 January 1997. |
| Licence C | MAM over 7,500 kg: heavy goods vehicle motorhomes, very rare. |
If you tow a trailer behind the motorhome (motorbike trailer, small car), the towing rules apply as well, and you must stay within the motorhome's train weight.
Will a car licence cover 4.25-tonne motorhomes?
In the European Union, Directive (EU) 2025/2205 on driving licences, published in the Official Journal of the EU on 5 November 2025, will let licence B cover motorhomes of up to 4,250 kg, after training, a test or both. EU countries must apply it by 26 November 2029 at the latest.
This EU directive does not apply in Great Britain. Here, licence B still covers motorhomes of up to 3,500 kg. Above that, you need C1 (up to 7,500 kg), which is already on your licence if you passed your car test before 1 January 1997. We will update this page if the rules change.
Examples
Campervan
MAM of 3,300 kg: licence B, with 200 kg to spare.
Low-profile motorhome on a light chassis
MAM of 3,500 kg: licence B, with no margin at all.
A-class motorhome on a heavy chassis
MAM of 4,400 kg: licence C1, already included if you passed your car test before 1 January 1997.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive a motorhome on a car licence?
Yes, if its maximum authorised mass (MAM) is 3,500 kg or less. This is the case for most motorhomes and campervans.
What licence do I need for a motorhome over 3.5 tonnes?
You need licence C1, which covers vehicles of up to 7,500 kg. Above that, you need licence C.
I passed my car test before 1997: can I drive a 7.5-tonne motorhome?
Yes. A licence B obtained before 1 January 1997 also includes C1 and C1E: motorhomes of up to 7,500 kg, and up to 8,250 kg with a trailer. Check that C1 appears on your licence. After 70, you need a medical report (D4) to renew it.
Where do I find my motorhome's MAM?
On the manufacturer's plate or in the handbook. It is the most the vehicle may weigh when fully loaded. Do not confuse it with the unladen weight.
Will a car licence soon cover 4.25-tonne motorhomes?
An EU directive of 2025 allows this in the European Union, with training or a test. It does not apply in Great Britain: the limit for licence B remains 3,500 kg.
Do I need a special licence for a campervan?
No. A campervan can be driven on licence B as long as its MAM is 3,500 kg or less, which is almost always the case.
Can I load my motorhome beyond its MAM?
No. The MAM is the most your motorhome may weigh when loaded, whatever your licence covers. Weigh your motorhome fully loaded before you set off.
Official sources (2)
Guide only (rules as at 21 October 2026). It does not replace official advice.