How to get a C1 licence for a motorhome

To drive your motorhome or campervan and head off on exciting road trips and adventures, you might need to have a C1 licence. In this guide, we share what a C1 licence is, why you might need one, how to get a C1 licence, and how much it costs.

Read on to find out all you need to know!

What is a C1 licence?

A C1 licence is a driving licence that allows you to drive a medium-sized vehicle. In accordance with UK government guidelines, a C1 licence covers vehicles weighing between 3500 and 7500kg.

Do you need a C1 licence for a motorhome or campervan?

If your motorhome or campervan has a maximum load weight of between 3500 and 7500kg, you will need to have a C1 licence to drive it legally. There are smaller motorhomes and campervans that weigh less than 3500kg which you can drive with a category B licence. This is the licence you’ll have if you drive a car.

Related: Do I need a special licence to drive a motorhome or campervan?

Different types of C1 licences

When it comes to C1 licences, there are two types: C1 and C1E. The difference between these is that a C1 licence allows you to tow a trailer up to 750kg in weight whereas you can tow a heavier trailer with a C1E licence. This may not be applicable to driving a motorhome or campervan but is worth keeping in mind should you want the option to tow a trailer over 750kg in weight in the future.

Steps to get a C1 licence for a motorhome

There are a few steps to follow to get your C1 licence. Essentially, you’re upgrading your category B licence, so you must already have one of these to apply. You’ll also need to be 18 years of age or older.

1. Complete a medical assessment

Obtaining a C1 licence to drive a motorhome requires a medical test. You can request a D4 form from the DVLA, or pick one up from the Post Office, which must be completed by a doctor. There are two parts to this assessment: medical and visual. If your doctor is unable to complete the visual assessment, you can take this to an optician.

There are three parts to the D4 medical assessment:

• Eye test
• Blood pressure test
• Medical questionnaire

The medical questionnaire will look into your medical history and any medications you’re taking. These tests are in place to ensure it’s safe for you to drive a category C1 vehicle.

2. Get provisional entitlement for a C1 licence

Providing you have passed your car driving test and have a category B licence, you can apply to get provisional entitlement for a C1 licence. If you apply for a C1 licence, this only enables you to drive medium sized vehicles between 3500 and 7500kg with a trailer up to 750kg. However, if you apply for a category C licence, you’ll receive provisional entitlement for categories C1, C1+E, C, C+E, so it’s worth considering which vehicles you might drive in the future.

You can apply for your provisional entitlement via a D2 form. You can request this from the DVLA or Post Office at the same time as your D4 medical assessment form. Complete this form and send both back to the DVLA for review.

3. Take your C1 theory test

A C1 theory test consists of two parts. Part one also has two parts: multiple-choice questions and hazard perception. The multiple-choice part of the test requires you to answer 100 questions related to driving a C1 vehicle. You need to answer at least 85 of these questions correctly to pass. You have an hour and 55 minutes to complete the 100 questions. For hazard perception, you’ll be shown a video and will need to click the mouse when you see a potential hazard. You need to score 67 out of 100 points to pass this part of your C1 theory test.

Part two of your C1 theory test is focused on case studies. You’ll be shown seven case studies and will be asked multiple-choice questions about each one. This test lasts an hour and 15 minutes, and you’ll need to score 40 out of a possible 50 points to pass.

Your results will be given at the test centre, so you’ll know whether you can proceed to the fourth and final step.

4. Take your C1 practical test

The last thing you have to do to get your C1 licence is to take your practical test. This is very similar to your car driving test and will start with some questions from your examiner to assess your knowledge of vehicle safety. You’ll also be asked to perform a reversing task which you usually do after the questions. Finally, you’ll head out onto the road for around 50 minutes to show your examiner that you’re able to drive a medium-sized vehicle safely and confidently.

If you pass your practical test, your licence will be upgraded to C1 and you’ll be able to legally drive your motorhome or campervan and start planning trips and adventures.

How much does a C1 licence cost?

There is a range of costs involved with gaining a C1 licence. These include:

• Part 1a - Multiple-choice questions - £26
• Part 1b - Hazard perception - £11
• Part 2 - Case studies - £23
• Practical test - £115

You’ll need to pass your practical test within two years of passing your theory test, so this gives you time to save up for your practical test should you need to. If the two year period lapses, you’ll be required to pay to take your theory test again.

Specialist motorhome insurance through Ripe

As well as making sure you have the right licence to drive your motorhome, motorhome insurance provides additional peace of mind when you hit the road.

Specialist motorhome and campervan insurance through Ripe allows you to build your policy so you can tailor your cover to suit you and protect your motorhome against things like theft, fire, flood, and accidental damage.

Motorhome insurance through Ripe also offers optional add-ons, including enhanced windscreen cover, personal accident cover, continental Europe cover, legal expenses cover, and key cover.

Find out more about specialist motorhome and campervan insurance through Ripe and get a free online quote today.