Older drivers towing a caravan or motorhome on a staycation holiday could be caught out by complicated driving licence rules, according to a leading expert.
It is “essential” that elderly motorists hoping to get behind the wheel of heavy campervans and motorhomes have the correct licence at all times.
However, there are several different renewal dates across the age spectrum which could confuse many middle age and older road users.
To transport a heavy model over 3.5 tonnes, road users must have a C1 entitlement on their driving licence.
Younger motorists under 44 can renew this one every five years but this increases to yearly renewals at middle age.
Older drivers are then handed a separate set of rules with the entitlement only needing to be renewed every three years.
Max Schmidt, head of camper tour operator, CamperDays has warned that road users didn’t want to fall foul of the rules.
Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, he said: “Those who received their standard driving licence before January 1, 1997, automatically received a C1 category licence, but drivers since have only been able to secure the C1 entitlement through additional driving, eyesight and health tests.
“The C1 category licence has to be renewed regularly, but how frequently depends on the driver’s age. C1 licence holders under 44 must renew their licence every five years, but those aged 44+ must renew annually.
“Once the driver reaches 70, it’s automatically expired but can be reissued for an additional three years at a time following successful D4 medical and vision assessments.”
GoTowing warns drivers caught towing without the correct licence could face a fine of up to £5,000 and could be issued up to nine penalty points.
According to the Camping and Caravanning Club, vehicle owners can check their maximum towing capacity in seconds
The Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) can be found on the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate on the side of vehicles.
The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) must be deducted from the Gross Train Weight (GTW) which will leave the MAM.
Max added: “A road trip is widely considered to be the epitome of carefree travel, but it’s important to be clued up on the rules of driving campervans and motorhomes to avoid hitting a dead end.
“The correct licence to drive a motorhome or campervan is essential, and it’s dependent on the driver’s age and the vehicle’s maximum authorised mass (MAM).
“Vehicles in the UK are split into various weight categories. The standard driving licence will allow drivers to operate category B vehicles, which most campervans and motorhomes fall into.
“This means that the majority of road trippers won’t require an additional licence, however for vehicles heavier than 3.5 tonnes an additional C1 entitlement is required.”
