scotjimland
LIFE MEMBER
- Jul 25, 2007
- 2,250
- 9,766
- Funster No
- 15
- MH
- A Woosh bang
In spite of mounting pressure from groups demanding changes to the license system for motorhome drivers, the Driver Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has announced that no changes will be made to the current system.
Currently, the C1 license is required for motorhome drivers with vehicles over 3.5 tonnes and is held by commercial vehicle drivers.
Motorists who passed their test after 1 January 1997 were denied the addition of this on their license, in comparison to drivers prior to 1997 who were automatically granted the C1 license.
This has left many people infuriated that if they wish to drive a larger motorhome, they will need to take commercial vehicle training, which includes driving a 7.5-tonne lorry.
Calls for a different category which would include larger motorhomes have been quashed by the DVLA, with the current rules set out by EU legislation.
A DVLA spokesperson explained: “There are no plans to introduce a motor home specific category.”
“A motorhome falls within the definition of a goods vehicle, which is defined in Section 3 of The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 as a ‘motor vehicle or trailer constructed or adapted for use for the carriage or haulage of goods or burden of any description’.
“If a trailer has a maximum authorised mass (MAM) between 3.5 tonnes and 7.5 tonnes a category C1 driving licence is needed; if the MAM exceeds 7.5 tonnes a category C driving licence is required. Category C+E entitlement is required for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes with a trailer over 750kg.”
Currently, the C1 license is required for motorhome drivers with vehicles over 3.5 tonnes and is held by commercial vehicle drivers.
Motorists who passed their test after 1 January 1997 were denied the addition of this on their license, in comparison to drivers prior to 1997 who were automatically granted the C1 license.
This has left many people infuriated that if they wish to drive a larger motorhome, they will need to take commercial vehicle training, which includes driving a 7.5-tonne lorry.
Calls for a different category which would include larger motorhomes have been quashed by the DVLA, with the current rules set out by EU legislation.
A DVLA spokesperson explained: “There are no plans to introduce a motor home specific category.”
“A motorhome falls within the definition of a goods vehicle, which is defined in Section 3 of The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 as a ‘motor vehicle or trailer constructed or adapted for use for the carriage or haulage of goods or burden of any description’.
“If a trailer has a maximum authorised mass (MAM) between 3.5 tonnes and 7.5 tonnes a category C1 driving licence is needed; if the MAM exceeds 7.5 tonnes a category C driving licence is required. Category C+E entitlement is required for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes with a trailer over 750kg.”