A motorhome driving license often brings many questions for the (novice) motorhome driver. In this way they become acquainted with concepts they have never heard of. Eventually they can no longer see the forest for the trees. And it is a mystery whether they must have a B, C, C1, D or D1 driving license. In short, this depends on the maximum weight of the motorhome and the maximum number of people that the motorhome can transport. To explain it clearly to you, we provide an overview of relevant concepts, we go deeper into driving license B, we explain all driving licenses in more detail and we conclude with our own requirements for renting a motorhome. To work!
Rent motorhomes
What concepts do you need to know?
Maximum draw weight: a typical term when you search for information about a motorhome driving license. It means quite literally saying the words themselves. Namely: the (maximum) weight that a car is allowed to tow. This can be found on the registration certificate of a car. You then have to look at the braked weight on this proof.
Mass roadworthy: this is about the mass of the vehicle in running order (and therefore: unladen) condition. That includes coolant, fuel (90% full), spare wheel, tools and driver of 75 kg. This can also be found on the registration certificate.
Mass empty weight: also known as the weight of the vehicle without passengers and cargo. The road tax is also determined on the basis of this weight. How did you calculate this? Take the mass curb weight and subtract 100 kg from this. That is the standard set by the government.
Maximum payload: this is also quite literally what the word indicates. The maximum weight of items and people that can be carried in a motorhome. Calculated by deducting the mass in roadworthy condition from the permitted maximum mass.
Permissible maximum mass: the maximum permitted weight of a loaded trailer or caravan.
What kind of motorhome can you drive with a B driving license?
Most car drivers go for a motorhome driving license B – also known as a 'regular' driving licence. This allows you to drive a vehicle up to a maximum weight of 3.500 kg. You can also drive a vehicle that is suitable for transporting a maximum of 8 people. If it concerns a heavier vehicle or a vehicle that transports more than 8 people, you must have a larger driver's license. It is rare for motorhomes to provide transport for more than 8 people.
What kind of driving licenses are there?
Motorhome driving licence: as mentioned, there are different driving licenses: a driving license B, C, C1, D and D1. A driving license B is sufficient for an average passenger car. This is often sufficient for smaller motorhomes as well. Is it a heavier camper? Then it may be necessary to obtain a C(1) driving license. And if the vehicle can transport more than 8 people, even a driver's license for a bus (driving license D) must be obtained. To give you a clear overview, we have placed all relevant information below.
|
max. weight motorhome |
max. number of seats (not including yourself) |
Drivers license |
|
Up to 3.500 kilos |
8 |
Driving License B |
|
Between 3.500 and 7.500 kilos |
8 |
C1 driving license |
|
More than 7.500 kilos |
8 |
Driver's license C |
|
Nvt |
9 to 16 |
Driving license D1 |
|
Nvt |
More than 16 |
Driver's license D |
What requirements do you have to meet for renting a motorhome from us?
In short: a motorhome driving license is usually sufficient with a B driving license. We hereby set the additional requirements that you are at least 25 years old and must have had a valid Dutch driving license for at least 5 years. Non-Dutch drivers must be in possession of a valid international driving license that can be applied for in the country of origin. We also expect the tenant to follow our instructions closely. For example, we recommend driving a maximum speed of 100-110 km/h.
