Can You Drive A Camper Van On A Car Licence?

Last Updated on August 30, 2023 by Mosabbir

So, you’ve decided that you want to hit the open road and explore in a camper van. But is a camper van classified as a car? In this blog post, I’m going to be answering the question “can you drive a camper van on a car licence”.

It’s an interesting question and one that a lot of people seem to wonder about, so I figured I would put together a quick post on it. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at whether you can drive a camper van on a car licence or not.

Can You Drive A Camper Van On A Car Licence – A Quick Answer

can you drive a camper van on a car licence

The good news is that in most cases, you can drive a camper van on a regular car licence. Here’s what you need to know about getting behind the wheel of a camper van.

  • The requirements for driving a camper van vary from country to country, so it’s important to do your research before hitting the road. In general, however, you should be able to drive a camper van on a regular car licence as long as the vehicle falls within certain weight and size limits.
  • In the UK, for example, you can drive a camper van on a car licence as long as the vehicle weighs no more than 3,500kg and is no longer than 7 metres. If the vehicle exceeds these dimensions, you’ll need to obtain a special license.
  • It’s also worth noting that some countries have age restrictions when it comes to driving a camper van. In Australia, for example, you must be 21 years of age or older to drive a camper van on a car licence.
  • Once you’ve sorted out the legalities of driving a camper van, it’s time to start planning your trip! When packing for your adventure, keep in mind that you’ll likely have limited space, so it’s important to pack smart.
  • A good rule of thumb is to bring only the essentials and leave room for plenty of snacks. When it comes to clothes, pack versatile items that can be mixed and matched to create different looks. And don’t forget to bring along some comfortable walking shoes!

Read more: Best Ways to Wash Clothes While Camping

The Pros And Cons Of Driving A Camper Van On A Car Licence

can you drive a camper van on a car licence

Hopefully, you must have got an idea on can you drive a camper van on a car licence, now we’ll explore the pros and cons of driving a camper van on a car licence so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s right for you.

The Pros 

There are several advantages to driving a camper van on a car licence.

  1. First and foremost, it’s cheaper than getting a commercial licence. If you’re driving a camper van for personal use, there’s no need to shell out the extra money for a commercial licence.
  2. Secondly, it’s less paperwork—all you need is your regular driver’s licence and registration.
  3. Finally, suppose you only plan on driving your camper van occasionally or during the summer months. In that case, it’s much easier to simply stick with your car licence instead of going through the hassle of getting a commercial licence.

The Cons 

However, there are also some disadvantages to driving a camper van on your regular car licence. For starters, your insurance rates will likely be higher than if you had commercial insurance. This is because insurers see camper vans as more likely to be involved in accidents than regular cars.

Additionally, if you’re pulled over by the police while driving your camper van, they may treat it as if it were a commercial vehicle—meaning you could be subject to higher fines and penalties if you’re found to be breaking traffic laws.

Finally, some campgrounds and RV parks won’t allow vehicles without commercial insurance to stay overnight—so be sure to check before parking your camper van for the night!

Read more: Best Mini Ovens For Camping in the UK

Different Types Of Camper Drivers

When you’re learning how to drive a camper, it’s important to know the different types of camper drivers out there. Depending on the type of camper you have, you will fall into one of three categories: Class A, Class B, or Class C.

Class A Drivers

Class A drivers are the ones who typically drive the biggest campers. These RVs can range in length from 25 feet up to 45 feet.

Class As is equipped with all the bells and whistles, including full kitchens, spacious bedrooms, and plenty of storage space. If you’re planning on taking long trips or even living in your RV full-time, then a Class A is probably the best option for you.

Class B Drivers

Class B drivers are the ones who drive what’s commonly referred to as a “campervan.” These vehicles are smaller than your typical RV, but they’re still large enough to include basic amenities like a kitchenette and a bed.

Class Bs are perfect for couples or small families who want to enjoy the outdoors without all the extra space (and weight) that comes with a larger RV.

Class C Drivers

Class C drivers fall somewhere in between Class A and Class B. These RVs are usually around 30 feet long and come with most of the same features as Class A (full kitchen, bedroom, etc.).

However, they’re not as big or cumbersome as Class A, which makes them easier to drive and park. A Class C is probably right for you if you’re looking for an RV that strikes a good balance between size and amenities.

Read more: Caravan Security Tips

Conclusion:

In a nutshell, an answer to “can you drive a camper van on a car licence” is yes, you can drive a camper van on a car licence as long as the vehicle is not more than 7.5 meters in length and doesn’t weigh more than 3,500 kilograms.

If it does, you’ll need to get a special one-day or six-month permit from your local DVLA office. You also won’t be able to tow a trailer with a car licence – for that, you need a B+E entitlement added to your driving licence which allows you to tow trailers weighing up to 3500kg.