You want to enjoy the flexibility of travelling in your motorhome and are wondering: what driving licence do you need for a motorhome? Whether you’re looking at small models or large motorhomes, here you’ll find a clear and concise guide to the driving licence you’ll need.
Which driving licence applies to motorhomes
Are you planning to go on holiday in a motorhome but aren’t sure if your driving licence is valid for this? Whether it’s a small campervan or a larger motorhome, your driving licence category determines which type of motorhome you’re allowed to drive. Here you can find out which driving licence categories are required for which vehicle types and what you need to bear in mind.
A Category B driving licence allows you to drive vehicles with a maximum authorised mass of up to 3.5 tonnes.
For towing a trailer, this means:
The same rules apply to this extension of driving privileges as to a Category B driving licence, with the addition that the combination may have a maximum authorised mass of 4.25 tonnes.
To obtain the extension, a one-day training course must be attended.
Obtaining the separate BE driving licence, known as the trailer licence, allows for a maximum authorised mass of 7 tonnes. Both the towing vehicle and the trailer may each weigh up to 3.5 tonnes. This licence can only be obtained by taking additional driving lessons and passing a test.
The C1 licence takes you into the heavy-duty category. If you want to drive a large motorhome weighing up to 7.5 tonnes, you will need this lorry or motorhome driving licence. You may also tow a trailer weighing up to 750 kg.
| Scenario | Driving licence required |
| Motorhome up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight | Category B or old Category 3 |
| Vehicle combination (motorhome + trailer) up to 4.25 t | B + code 96 |
| Motorhome 3.5–7.5 t gross vehicle weight | Class C1 or old Class 3 |
| Vehicle combination over 7 t – 12 t GVW | C1E or BE for ≤ 7 t GVW |
| Motorhome over 7.5 t GVW | Class C (CE if a trailer is required) |
Within the EU, travelling in a motorhome with a German driving licence is generally permitted.
In countries such as the USA, Canada, South Africa and South America, you are on the safe side with an international driving permit, as the German driving licence is not accepted everywhere during police checks in these countries.
An international driving permit is mandatory in Australia and New Zealand. The German licence is not valid there at all.
The B96 licence category is an extension of category B, which allows you to drive a combination of vehicles with a maximum authorised mass of up to 4.25 tonnes. However, you will need to complete a one-day training course – a practical test is not required.
Driving without the required driving licence is a criminal offence. Intentional driving without a licence is punishable by up to one year’s imprisonment or a fine; driving without a licence through negligence is punishable by up to 180 daily fines. In addition, points may be recorded in Flensburg or fines imposed. High penalties and loss of insurance cover may also result when driving abroad.
The minimum age depends on the driving licence category:
Whether you’re driving a small motorhome or a large one – with the right driving licence, you’ll be safe on the road. Our handy guide shows you exactly which driving licence category applies to your motorhome.
