- IStock / City Presse

When choosing your new motorhome, several factors come into play. However, beyond the technical and aesthetic characteristics, you will also have to pay attention to the administrative implications. Indeed, the driving license required to get behind the wheel of a motorhome depends on the total authorized weight (GVWR) of the model.

However, rest assured, the vast majority of these houses on wheels are less than 3.5 tons. These machines are therefore assimilated to light vehicles and their driving requires only a B (car) license. In this case, a trailer not exceeding 750 kg is allowed. If it exceeds this weight, the sum of the total GVWR (motorhome + trailer) must not exceed 3.5 tonnes.

Luggage station on the side of the road

Additional 7-hour training entitles the holder to an additional “96” grade on the B license, which makes driving vehicles accessible with a total GVWR (vehicle + trailer) exceeding 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 4.250 tonnes. If your trailer weighs more than 750 kg and the assembly exceeds the indicated threshold, you will need to obtain a BE license by passing a theoretical and practical test.

Be vigilant regarding the PTAC of your vehicle before setting off: take into account the empty weight of the motorhome mentioned on the registration document and add the weight of the luggage and equipment that has been added to it so as not to exceed the authorized weight. Because the kilos add up very quickly and, in the event of a control, if the PTAC is not respected, you will be fined and must, before leaving, leave the excess load on the side of the road .

The heavyweight category

As soon as your motorhome exceeds 3.5 tonnes (without the trailer), it falls into the category of heavy goods vehicles and requires taking the exam to obtain the dedicated C1 driving license, the validity of which is much shorter (5 years until the driver is 60, 2 years until 76 and only 1 year beyond).

For people who obtained their B license before January 20, 1975, it is possible to have it converted free of charge into "B79" by the prefecture of their department to allow driving a heavy vehicle camper van (greater than 3.5 tons). If a trailer is hitched to it, however, it must not exceed 750 kg.

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  • Driver's license
  • Automotive
  • Truck
  • Camping
  • Tourism
  • Legislation