License Requirements for Driving a Motorhome in the UK – What You Need to Know

Thinking about hitting the road in a motorhome? The biggest question is usually "Do I need a special licence?" The short answer: most everyday motorhomes can be run on a standard Category B licence, but there are clear limits. Knowing those limits helps you avoid fines, insurance trouble, or being turned away at a campsite.

What licence do you need for a typical motorhome?

In the UK, a Category B (full car) licence covers vehicles up to 3,500 kg maximum authorised mass (MAM) and no more than eight passenger seats. Most rental and purchase options fall under this bucket, so if your motorhome’s technical plate lists a MAM of 3,500 kg or less, your regular car licence is all you need.

Check the vehicle’s V5C registration document or ask the dealer for the MAM. If it’s listed as 3,400 kg, you’re good to go. Even if the vehicle feels heavy, the legal limit is what matters, not the weight you perceive on the road.

When you might need a larger licence

If the MAM exceeds 3,500 kg, you’ll need a Category C1 licence. That’s the same licence you’d need for a small lorry or a larger campervan. Getting a C1 involves a practical driving test in a vehicle of that size, plus a medical check to confirm you meet health standards.

Another situation that triggers a C1 requirement is towing a trailer that weighs more than 750 kg when combined with the motorhome’s weight. The total combined weight (motorhome + trailer) must stay under 3,500 kg for a B licence. If it goes over, you’re back to needing a C1 or a B+E (if you’re only over the trailer limit but still under 3,500 kg for the motorhome alone).

So, before you book a holiday, double‑check the numbers: motorhome MAM, trailer MAM, and the combined weight. A quick glance at the V5C can save you a lot of headache later.

Finally, remember that the licence rules apply across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. If you’re driving abroad, EU countries generally follow similar limits, but always verify the local rules before you cross the border.

Bottom line: most UK motorhomes are covered by your ordinary car licence. Only the big, heavy rigs or heavy tow setups push you into the C1 category. Knowing the weight limits, checking the paperwork, and confirming your licence status keeps your road trip smooth and legal.