Motorhome over 3500 kgs
Does anybody know if you can drive a motorhome over 3500kgs on a car licence or do you need to take a lorry test ?
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It depends on the categories your current licence allows.
As, JV says, when you passed your test has a bearing as does whether you are over 70.
See -
https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/advice-and-training/advice-for-beginners/driving-licences/
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I can. Easy, just check your licence. There are plenty of places around that will train and help you get the qualifications if not. I guess even this site would be able help.
Bit of a nonsense really, given that I have only ever driven cars and never anything over 3.5 but that's the ass law.
BTW, I am safe, no incidents so far but then again, I did take a familiarisation course.
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The law is a bit odd here - presumably because it wasn't drafted with us in mind. Are they ever?
I've just traded a van rated at 3500kg which, had I wished to retain my C1+E licence at the age of 70, I could have had uprated to 3880kg. I have bought one originally rated for up to 4250kg and had it downplated to 3500kg. In both cases no alteration to the vehicle was needed - it's purely a paper exercise. So in practice I shall be driving a vehicle designed to be over 3500kg, but because of the licence categories, it has to rated below that.
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No need to give up entitlements at age 70. Just pass the medical test.
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I suggest you check out >these pages< about driving licences and medical conditions and down load and read what the medical examination requires after 70 to keep you C1 category which you will find >here<.
Hope it helps you make your mind up.
peedee
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If you can live with a lower payload, it is also possible to get the vehicle downplated to 3500kg. Can make the loading somewhat critical, so it's worth doing your sums first.
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Hi Wye, I had the oldies medical last May, and passed!! My birthday was in July but I was advised on this site that it took DVLA months to process the medical info and issue new licence. Nothing like that in reality. I had my eyes tested in January and my optician completed that part of the form for me in May, no charge. Had the medical at 9am on a Saturday morning in my GP surgery in May, no charge, but was told previously that a £89 charge would apply. The medical took 30 minutes and covered all the basics such as BP, weight, urine, full exam on the couch and loads of questions about lifestyle, incl alcohol intake! The doc had to fill the huge form in as we went through the checks, but providing you dont have any serious problems you will pass. As my doc said at the time, it is a great MOT and worthwhile.
I posted the forms by registered post and had my new plastic licence back in 5 days and can still drive anything upto 7.5 tonne. But will have to do it all again in 2 years and a bit, unless I buy a new flashy streamlined all singing all dancing German super lightweight van, at only 3500 kg, and that is not likely!
Dont be put off, go for it.
BillC
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Hi BB,
I totally agree with you about the Bailey above. No point in buying a new van that is not fit for purpose.
when I saw the ferry cancellations at Poole this morning I thought of you. Thought you were leaving about now.
BillC
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Just for clarity I would add that when we mention "grandfathered" C1+E entitlement on licenses, they are restricted C1+E unless you have passed your full C1+E test. This is indicated as a restriction in column 12 on the rear of your license under C1+E code 107 which means the maximum combined weights of vehicle and trailer cannot exceed 8250kg. If you have full C1+E by passing your test and other requirements this restriction (107) is removed and you are permitted a combined weight of 12000kg.
I point this out as a friend of mine was towing a car and googled what category C1+E permitted him to drive and tow, but did not read the section which mentions the 107 restriction which meant he had been driving illegally for years
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The best thing you can do is to phone and ask the DVLA.
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