Motorhome driving licence

Table of contents

• 1. Overview: which licence you need for which motorhome

  • 1.1 Category B driving licence

    • 1.1.1 Which motorhome with a category B licence?

    • 1.1.1.1 Motorhome licence 3.5 tonne limit

    • 1.1.1.2 BE licence extension

  • 1.2 Motorhome licence category C1

    • 1.2.1 3.5 to 7.5 tonnes

    • 1.2.2 C1 requirements and costs

    • 1.2.3 Difference between B and C1

  • 1.4 B96 motorhome licence: what is permitted?

    • 1.4.1 B96: extension - what do you need to do?

    • 1.4.2 EU changes for motorhome licences: the 4.25 t rule

    • 1.4.2.1 The 4.25 t rule vs. B96 extension

  • 1.5 Additional tests: what you should know

  • 1.6 7.5-tonne extension: what is it needed for?

  • 1.6.1 HGV category C licence: is it worth it?

  • 1.7 Cost overview for various motorhome licences

• 2. Abroad: which licence for a motorhome holiday

  • 2.1 US motorhome driving licence: what do you need to know?

• 3. Caravan vs. motorhome: which licence?

  • 3.1 Tips for choosing the right driving school

• 4. Conclusion

Overview: which licence do you need for which motorhome?

Motorhomes are a great way to combine freedom and comfort. But before you take your motorhome across Europe or the world, you need to make sure you have the right driving licence .

In this blog post you will find out which licence category is required for which motorhome and how to get it. Your licence category matters a lot - one important factor is whether you are driving a light or heavy vehicle. You can also find the rules at the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport.

Driving a motorhome with a category B licence

Which motorhomes fall under category B?

With your category B driving licence you can drive motorhomes up to a maximum authorised mass of 3.5 t. This covers most compact models designed for two to four people. These vehicles handle much like a regular car, which makes getting started as a new motorhome driver quite straightforward.

The 3.5-tonne limit

It is important to know that with a category B licence 3.5 tonnes is the maximum limit of the total mass. If you want to take a lot of equipment, bikes or luggage, the permitted total weight of your motorhome can be reached quickly.

Always check the permitted total mass in the vehicle registration document to avoid unpleasant surprises. Category B licence is a good starting point for many beginners.

Motorhome licence BE

With a BE licence you can drive combinations where the trailer weighs more than 750 kg , as long as the total combination does not exceed the technically permitted total weight of the towing vehicle.

The BE training includes both practical driving lessons and a test where you must demonstrate safe driving and manoeuvring with a trailer. Costs are typically between 500 and 1,000 euros.

Motorhome licence category C1

Motorhomes between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes

The category C1 is the next step when your motorhome weighs more than 3.5 t. These vehicles usually offer more comfort, more living space and a more complete fit-out. They are well suited to families or long-term travellers. Your category C1 licence also lets you drive other heavy vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes.

Requirements and costs for C1

To get the category C1 licence you must be at least 18 years old, pass a medical examination and complete additional driving hours. Costs are typically between 1,500 and 2,000 euros.

One advantage: the category C1 licence also lets you drive other medium-weight vehicles. This makes the licence particularly versatile.

What is the difference between category B and C1?

The difference between a category B licence and a C1 licence is mainly the permitted total weight of the vehicles you are allowed to drive.

With category B you are limited to vehicles up to 3.5 t. This makes it well suited to smaller motorhomes that handle like a regular car. Once your vehicle weighs more than 3.5 t, you need a C1 licence.

A C1 licence lets you drive motorhomes weighing between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes. These models often offer more comfort and are suited for longer holidays better suited. A C1 licence is also required if you want to drive larger vehicles or heavier loads.

The two classes also differ in their requirements: For the C1 class you need an additional medical examination and regular renewals, while the class B is already included in the standard driving licence for cars and does not require any additional steps.

So if you want more space and equipment, or are travelling with a larger group, it is worth investing in a C1 driving licence. For short trips with compact vehicles, however, class B the best choice.

Here you can find more information on driving licence class C1.

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Motorhome driving licence B96: what is permitted?

The B96 licence extension is a useful option if you want to drive vehicle combinations up to 4.25 t. It is particularly useful if you are towing a caravan combination.

The training is less extensive than for the C1 licence and often takes just one day. With costs between 300 and 500 euros, this extension is an affordable way to extend your driving licence.

What do you need to do for the B96 extension?

For the B96 extension there is no classic theory or practical test like you know from regular driving school. Instead, you complete a special driving safety course at a driving school, which takes around 7 to 9 hours. In it you learn to handle caravan vehicle combinations up to 4.25 tonnes safely.

The course consists of a theoretical section covering the basics, and a practical section where you practise driving and manoeuvring a combination of a car and caravan . At the end you receive a certificate that is used to enter the extension in your driving licence.

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Motorhome driving licence changes in the EU - the 4.25 t rule

2023 saw the introduction of new EU regulations that allow, under certain conditions, motorhomes up to 4.25 t with a class B driving licence.

These changes are particularly relevant for those who want to use larger motorhomes with modern technology such as solar panels or electric systems.

The EU recognised that modern motorhomes are often made heavier by additional equipment such as solar panels, larger water tanks or electric drives. To address these developments, the weight limit for the class B driving licence was relaxed.

In certain cases, drivers can now motorhomes with a permissible total weight of 4.25 tonnes provided the vehicles meet certain technical standards.

The 4.25 tonne driving licence rule: what is the difference from the B96 extension?

The new regulations are not directly linked to the B96 extension but they complement it.

While B96 applies specifically to combinations and vehicle combinations of car and caravan up to 4.25 tonnes, the new EU regulations allow driving a single motorhome weighing up to 4.25 tonnes, i.e. without a trailer, with a standard class B licence.

What you should know about additional tests for a motorhome driving licence

If you are thinking about extending your existing driving licence, there are some additional tests you should know about.

For class B96, which covers vehicle combinations up to 4.25 t, a one-day course without an extensive theory test as mentioned.

The situation is different for the C1 driving licence: here, in addition to practical driving lessons also theory tests and medical examinations required.

These additional tests are designed to prepare you for driving larger or heavier vehicles safely. They are a worthwhile investment if you regularly travel with a motorhome or a vehicle combination. For motorhomes close to the 3.5 t limit in particular, it is advisable to check whether an extension is needed.

Extension for 7.5 tonne vehicles: what do you need it for?

If you want to drive a heavier motorhome you will need a C1 or C driving licence. Vehicles weighing 7.5 t are often luxury motorhomes with plenty of storage space and generous living areas.

However, these vehicles are difficult to manoeuvre and require more practice. Ask your driving school about the costs and requirements.

Class C: Is a truck licence worth it for motorhomes?

A Class C driving licence can make sense if you regularly drive large and heavy vehicles. The Class C covers vehicles over 7.5 tonnes and lets you drive the largest motorhomes or even custom-built vehicles .

This is especially appealing for campers who want maximum freedom and comfort and don't want to compromise on equipment.

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Motorhome driving licence costs at a glance

Here is an overview of the costs for the different licence classes:

• Class B: Standard car driving licence.

• Class BE: 500 to 1,000 euros, incl. practical test.

• B96: 300 to 500 euros for the extension.

• C1: 1,500 to 2,000 euros incl. medical examination costs.

• Class C: 2,000 to 3,000 euros, as the training is more extensive.

Driving licence for a motorhome holiday abroad

If you want to take your motorhome to abroad you should familiarise yourself with the applicable licence rules. In all European countries, for motorhomes with a total weight of up to 3,500 kg, a standard car driving licence is sufficient.

However, there are country-specific differences in the regulations regarding the required licence classes for motorhomes with a total weight of more than 3.5 t. The respective national traffic authorities are reliable sources of information on the special rules. For example, for Spain you can check here: Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), for Italy here: Ministero delle Infrastrutture e dei Trasporti or for France here: Service Public.

Also motoring clubs provide information on national and regional special rules. For example:

• ADAC (Germany): ADAC.de

• OEAMTC (Austria): oeamtc.at

• TCS (Switzerland): tcs.ch

Motorhome driving licence in the USA: what do you need to know?

In the USA the rules are relaxed for motorhomes. In most states, a standard car driving licence (often called "Class D") is sufficient, even for larger motorhomes. Some states do have restrictions above a certain weight (e.g. over 11,793 kg / 26,000 lbs). You should therefore check the exact requirements in the relevant state before you travel, especially if you want to rent a larger motorhome . The rental company can give you the information you need.

A central point of contact for licence guidelines and vehicle requirements for the respective states in the USA, e.g. California, is the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles).

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Motorhome versus caravan: which licence do you need?

A motorhome is self-contained, while a caravan depends on a towing vehicle. If you want to drive a caravan combination , the B96 extension is a useful addition. Motorhomes on the other hand require depending on the weight either a Class B or C1.

Choosing the right driving school: tips

A good driving school is essential. Make sure it has experience with motorhomes and uses modern vehicles for training. Ask about specialist courses for motorhomes or trailers.

Conclusion: freedom on four wheels

A motorhome gives you the freedom to explore the world at your own pace. With the right driving licence and good preparation you can enjoy your adventure without worries. Whether you prefer a compact model or a large luxury motorhome, the right driving licence is the key to unforgettable journeys.