Camping guides
C1 licence motorhome UK: complete application guide
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It’s a daydream familiar to most # vanlife folk: cruising along the open road in a nice big motorhome, loads of space for your family, friends and kit… and maybe even enough room to consider going on the road full time! But if you’re dreaming big, you’ll need to learn how to get a C1 licence for a motorhome.
That’s because there are specific driving licence requirements for vehicles of a certain size. Here’s how to secure a C1 licence in the UK so that you can live large on the road!
What is a C1 licence for a motorhome?
A C1 licence allows you to drive a vehicle weighing between 3,500kg and 7,500kgmaximum authorised mass (MAM). In contrast, a standard driving licence (Category B) in the UK only lets you drive a vehicle weighing up to 3,500kg. Many motorhomes and almost all campervans fall into the “up to 3,500kg or lighter” category – but if you want to drive one of the bigger motorhomes on the market, you’ll need a C1. Vehicles over 7,5000kg are covered by a C or D licence.
The one exception to having to get a C1 licence is for drivers who passed their driving tests before 1 January 1997, as licences issued before then had a C1 entitlement already included. However, this isn’t a lifelong entitlement: to keep the C1 licence after 70 years of age, drivers in this category must pass a medical and vision assessment (known as a D4). A D4 is required for all drivers, regardless of age, to obtain C1 entitlement.
How to get a C1 licence for a motorhome
Like a standard B licence, getting a C1 licence involves taking a practical test – in this case, the C1 7.5 tonne driving test – as well as a theory test in three parts. And as with obtaining a standard driving licence, there are paperwork and legal requirements to meet too, including the D4 medical. That said, it’s all fairly straightforward. Here’s how to get a C1 licence for a motorhome:
1. Check that you’re eligible
A C1 licence can only be given to drivers who:
are over 18
already have a full and valid B licence
2. Take a medical assessment
Because of the size and weight of C1 vehicles (which include lorries and HGVs as well as motorhomes and RVs), drivers are held to a higher medical standard and will need their fitness to drive assessed by a doctor.
This is the medical examination report for a lorry or bus driving licence (known as the D4 form), which covers general medical fitness as well as vision.
Ask your GP or find a private doctor. You may need to go to an optician for the vision assessment part of the form.
3. Apply for a C1 provisional licence
Next, apply for a provisional licence to drive a 7.5-tonne vehicle. A D2 form is the application pack for a lorry, minibus or bus driving licence:download a D2 form from the DVLA or pick one up at most post offices.
Send the completed D2 form, along with the D4 medical assessment and your current licence, to the DVLA. If everything’s correct, your licence will be returned with a new provisional entitlement for a C1 licence.
This allows you to start learning to drive a 7.5-tonne vehicle under the supervision of a driver who’s held a full C licence (any category) for three years or more (and who passed their driving test after 1 January 1997). The easiest way to do this is to look for motorhome and campervan training courses.
4. Book your theory test
A C1 licence theory test is done in three parts:
Multiple choice: 100 questions; pass mark 85 (cost: £26)
Hazard perception: 19 one-minute clips; pass mark 67% (cost: £11)
Case study: 50 questions; pass mark 80% (cost: £23)
You’ll need your driving licence number, an email address and a card for payment. You also must have lived in England, Wales or Scotland for at least 185 days in the last 12 months before the day you take your test, or in Northern Ireland for five months before taking a test there.
5. Book your practical test
Finally, book your practical test. This costs £115 and will be in two parts: an assessment of driving and safety skills, and a practical demonstration section, to show you can load/unload the vehicle safely and make emergency assessments where needed. You can pass the first part with 15 or fewer minor faults, as long as no serious faults are made.
That’s it – once you’ve passed your test, your newly updated licence should be with you within 10-15 working days!
Why do I need a C1 licence for larger motorhomes?
So you know how to get a CI licence for a motorhome, but why do you need one? Larger motorhomes (and vehicles like lorries, buses etc.) require some additional skills to drive, which won’t be covered in a standard category B driving licence.
The extra weight, bigger size and extra care needed when manoeuvring all mean that drivers need to be properly assessed before hitting the road in a vehicle with a MAM of over 3,500kg. You’ll need the correct licence for your insurance to be valid too.
Check out ourfirst-time motorhome hire in the UK blog for tips on driving larger (Class A) motorhomes safely.
How long does a C1 licence last?
A newly issued C1 licence is valid for between one and five years, depending on the age of the driver and when the licence was issued:
Drivers 44 years and under
C1 valid for five years.
Drivers over 44
C1 valid for one year.
Drivers over 70
As above, drivers given a car licence before 1 January 1997 received a C1 licence automatically. This is automatically removed after a driver reaches the age of 70, unless he or she provides the DVLA with a D4 medical and vision assessment form. This will renew the C1 licence for another three years.
Your licence expiry date will be on your licence (section 4b).
The DVLA will send you an “application for renewal of lorry and bus entitlement” (D47PU) form 56 days before your driving licence runs out.
Hire a large motorhome with your C1 licence
Now that you know how to get a C1 licence for a motorhome, the road trip possibilities are endless! Set off on a family trip or with a group of mates – a bigger motorhome means lots more space and plenty of sleeping berths.
Have a look at some of ourUK motorhomes for hire to find the large motorhome that’s perfect for your trip – we have motorhomes to suit all budgets (and many don’t even need a C1 licence!):
Need some more tips? We’re experts on finding the best places to set up camp too. For instance, check out our favourite motorhome campsites in Norfolk and motorhome campsites in the Lake District for some travel inspiration! Plus, the best places to go in a motorhome in Scotland is just one of our many destination guides.
And if you want to buy a motorhome to hire out, why not think big? Many holidaymakers gravitate towards larger motorhomes thanks to the extra space and room for amenities!
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