Frequent Inquiries from Novice Motorhome Operators
In the UK, driving a motorhome requires careful consideration of your driving licence and the vehicle's weight. The key factor determining your eligibility to drive a motorhome is the date you obtained your driving licence, particularly in relation to the 1997 cutoff.
If you passed your car driving test on or after January 1, 1997, you can drive a motorhome up to 3,500 kg maximum authorised mass (MAM) using a Category B licence. This is the standard weight limit for petrol and diesel vehicles.
However, if you passed your driving test before January 1, 1997, you are allowed to drive motorhomes up to 7,500 kg MAM without needing any additional licensing categories. When you reach age 70, you need to apply to the DVLA regularly (every three years) and undergo medical checks to keep this entitlement; otherwise, your entitlement reverts to 3,500 kg vehicles only.
From June 10, 2025, there is a special provision for electric or hydrogen-powered motorhomes. Holders of a Category B licence can drive zero-emission vehicles weighing up to 4,250 kg, a higher limit than the standard 3,500 kg for petrol/diesel vehicles.
To ensure you are legally allowed to drive a motorhome in the UK, it's essential to check your driving licence date and the motorhome's weight. For motorhomes with an unladen weight of more than 3050kg, specific speed limits apply, but these are not detailed in this article.
When loading a motorhome, heavy items should be stowed low down and close to the floor, medium-weight items below head height, and lightweight items in overhead lockers. When parking, check signage for how to proceed, as a standard UK parking space measures 4.8 x 2.4m and most 'vans will need more than one parking bay. It's also important to be aware that many public car parks have height barriers of approximately 1.85-2m, making them inaccessible to most motorhomes.
For more information about motorhome driving, including tips for beginners, visit the Back to Basics - Driving category. To stay updated on motorhome-related news, reviews, and features, subscribe to the newsletter or magazine. For recommendations on the best motorhome sites to visit, consult the guide to the best motorhome sites.
Future Publishing Limited disclaims any liability in connection with the use of the information provided in this article. Always ensure you comply with all local regulations and laws when driving a motorhome.
- For individuals who passed their driving test in the UK on or after January 1, 1997, they can drive motorhomes with a maximum authorized mass (MAM) of up to 3,500 kg using a Category B licence, which is the standard weight limit for petrol and diesel vehicles.
- Those who passed their driving test before January 1, 1997, can lawfully drive motorhomes with a higher weight limit of up to 7,500 kg MAM, provided they undergo periodic medical checks with the DVLA to maintain this entitlement.
- As of June 10, 2025, drivers with a Category B licence will be eligible to drive electric or hydrogen-powered motorhomes weighing up to 4,250 kg, a higher limit than the standard 3,500 kg for petrol/diesel vehicles.
- When deciding to travel in a motorhome, it's crucial to verify your driving licence date and the motorhome's weight to ensure you are legally allowed to drive in the UK, as specific speed limits may apply to motorhomes with an unladen weight of more than 3,050 kg.
- Loading a motorhome requires careful consideration—heavier items should be stored low down and close to the floor, medium-weight items should be placed below head height, and lightweight items should be placed in overhead lockers, ensuring a safe and organized interior.
- When selecting motorhome travel destinations, refer to the guide to the best motorhome sites for recommendations, consult the newsletter or magazine for regular updates on motorhome-related news, reviews, and features, and make use of the tips for beginners available in the Driving category on Back to Basics for a smoother, more enjoyable motorhome lifestyle.
