Looking to take your campervan on the trip of a lifetime? Begin your journey the right way by ensuring you’ve taken all the necessary safety and legal precautions, starting with holding the relevant driving licence.
Determined by the driver’s age, the date they passed their test, and the campervan weight, our expert team explains which UK driving licence you need to legally get behind the wheel of your camper.
Can you drive a campervan on a car licence?
Yes, most campervans can be driven with a standard UK car driving licence (Category B). However, the vehicle’s maximum authorised mass (MAM) must be 3,500kg or less, in accordance with the latest government guidelines.
Plus, the driver’s age and when they passed their driving test can also have an impact on which car licence they require.
For individuals that passed their driving test before January 1st, 1997, it’s likely they hold C1 and C1E entitlements as part of their licence, more commonly known as ‘grandfather rights’.
While these rights allow the holder to operate larger motorhomes of up to 7,500kg MAM, they must be renewed when the holder turns 70 to remain valid, and every 3 years after this if they want to continue driving in the UK.
This renewal process was introduced to ensure drivers meet the necessary health and eyesight standards for safe driving.
What if your campervan exceeds the licence weight limit?
For campervans with a MAM of above 3.500kg but not in excess of 7,500kg, you will need to hold a Category C1 licence, while drivers of campervans weighing over 7,500kg MAM should have a Category C licence.
As mentioned above, drivers with ‘grandfathers rights’ may be entitled to drive campervans in excess of the 3,500kg MAM. Holders of standard Category B licences that passed their test after January 1st, 1997, however, won’t be.
What type of campervan can you drive with a standard UK driving licence?
Many campervans can be easily driven with a standard Category B driving licence in the UK – as long as they have a MAM of 3,500kg or less. This includes our new Landseer Ford Custom 2.0, as well as many Volkswagen Transporter and Fiat Ducato campervans.
Understanding weight limits: MAM explained
To ensure you’re in compliance with UK law and can stay safe while on the road in your campervan, having a clear understanding of MAM (also known as Gross Vehicle Weight) is crucial.
As the total permissible weight of the vehicle or trailer (including the vehicle or trailer’s load), MAM determines both the type of driving license required and the legal limits for towing.
Failure to abide by UK legislation on MAM can result in vehicle damage and create unsafe driving conditions.
Licence categories and what they mean for campervan drivers
While most campervans fall into the Category B classification, it’s important to understand the impact that the vehicle fuel type and category can have on the overall MAM weight limit and your ability to legally tow a trailer.
| Licence type | Weight limit (in MAM) |
| Category B (petrol and diesel) | 3,500kg |
| Category B (electric and hydrogen) | 4,250kg |
| Category BE | 3,500kg with a trailer |
| Category C | 3,500kg with a trailer up to 750kg |
| Category C1 | 3,500-7,500kg with a trailer up to 750kg |
| Category C1E | C1 category vehicles with a trailer over 750kg (combined MAM cannot exceed 12,000kg) |
How to check your licence permissions online
To check your UK licence permissions online, head to the official government page which allows you to view and share your diving licence information.
All you need is your driving licence number, National Insurance number, and the postcode associated with your driving licence.
No special licence needed
At Landseer Leisure, we want to make seeing the sights as easy as possible. That’s why our new Landseer Ford Custom 2.0 has a MAM of under 3,500kg, ensuring it can be easily driven by holders of the standard Category B driving licence.
Despite being easy to operate for the typical driver, this camper is equipped with a wide range of off-grid features, making it anything but ordinary.
From a gas-free Clayton LPSII 2500w 230v lithium power system to twin induction hobs and a “pop-top” roof and bed system, this vehicle expertly combines comfort with self-sustainability.
Ready to get behind the wheel of our latest campervan? Speak to our helpful team today on 01772 429763.
If now isn’t a good time, pop your enquiry in an email and send it to info@landseerleisure.com. Or, reach out online!
