FabSwingers.com forum: What campervans are you allowed to drive?! Confused

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

This isnt a swinging question...but iv done loads of google searches and iv confused myself so just thought i might try asking here.

My mum wants to hire a campervan to take us on holiday in october half term...but shes heard that she wont be allowed to drive one without a lorry driving licence?!

Iv done some searches but i cant work it put because it says on some places you can but other you can, depending on how big it is and also how old you are?! Soooo many different rules...im really confused

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

You can drive anything under 3.5 ton on a car license

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By *9alMan
over a year ago

Bridgend

"This isnt a swinging question...but iv done loads of google searches and iv confused myself so just thought i might try asking here.

My mum wants to hire a campervan to take us on holiday in october half term...but shes heard that she wont be allowed to drive one without a lorry driving licence?!

if you passed the test a long time ago you can drive anything up to 7.5 tonne if you passed the test more recently limited to 3.5tonne that is still a reasonable sized camper van , the hire firm should be able to advise as they will want to look at the license anyway

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"You can drive anything under 3.5 ton on a car license"

So it doesn't matter about how big it is, just how heavy it is?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Depending on when her test was passed, pre 1997 she can drive up to 7.5t, post Jan 1st 1997 she can only drive up to 3.5t. Most campers for hire in the UK are below 3.5t.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"You can drive anything under 3.5 ton on a car license

So it doesn't matter about how big it is, just how heavy it is?"

Yes exactly that. As flyhigher said depending on what year you passed your test if it's before 97 she can drive a 7.5 tonne truck.

After 97 3.5 tonne van.

Most vans are just below 3.5 to ensure most can still drive them.

Check with hire company before you hire the van to be sure

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Hmm shes 38 and didnt pass till she was 25 so only 3.5t then. Thanks for the advice both. Think i get it now

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By *ee04Man
over a year ago

Essex

It depends on the class, your licence has the class of vehicles you can drive on the back. Check this against the class of vehicle and remember it’s your responsibility not the hire company. I have heard of people hiring vans, minibuses etc that have come unstuck and been prosecuted.

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By *ertwoCouple
over a year ago

omagh

"It depends on the class, your licence has the class of vehicles you can drive on the back. Check this against the class of vehicle and remember it’s your responsibility not the hire company. I have heard of people hiring vans, minibuses etc that have come unstuck and been prosecuted. "
Mini bus comes under PSV and has a different licence, Most campers are under the 3-5t limit but check the weight with your hire company. Also if she intends a trailer behind she will also need a licence to cover that. The hire company is also liable if it does not check you have a licence for the vehicle, They must check to make sure you are covered by insurance before letting you on the roads of the UK. No licence = no insurance.

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By *ee04Man
over a year ago

Essex

"It depends on the class, your licence has the class of vehicles you can drive on the back. Check this against the class of vehicle and remember it’s your responsibility not the hire company. I have heard of people hiring vans, minibuses etc that have come unstuck and been prosecuted. Mini bus comes under PSV and has a different licence, Most campers are under the 3-5t limit but check the weight with your hire company. Also if she intends a trailer behind she will also need a licence to cover that. The hire company is also liable if it does not check you have a licence for the vehicle, They must check to make sure you are covered by insurance before letting you on the roads of the UK. No licence = no insurance."

You only need a PSV for a minibus if your using it to take paying passengers. If it’s for private use you do not need a PSV dependent on the class most licences issued after 1997 state B & B1 providing the camper falls into one of them your ok

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Got it now thanks everyone. Someone kindly sent a link to check her licence on to see what she can drive

good news is there are some options, bad news is they are a lot smaller and probably won't be very suitable for me, mum, brother 14 sister 16 so we are now looking at canal boats hahahahaha......shive me timbers

Thanks for your help everyone xx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Got it now thanks everyone. Someone kindly sent a link to check her licence on to see what she can drive

Thanks for your help everyone xx"

Whittington wharf narrow boats are good and reasonable price.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Look on your / pink licence.

Flip it over its tells u what u can drive

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Shame about the motorhome but there's plenty of Midland waterways to enjoy

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