A significant public petition is calling on the government to overhaul driving licence rules for motorhomes and campervans in England. The campaign has already attracted more than 4,000 signatures and is rapidly gaining support.
What the Petition Demands
The petition, directed at the Labour Party government, seeks to permit holders of a standard Category B car licence to operate motorhomes with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of up to 4,250kg. This would mark a substantial increase from the current legal limit of 3,500kg.
Campaigners argue that the existing law unnecessarily restricts the size and weight of vehicles available to most drivers. They also highlight that many motorhomes slightly over the 3,500kg threshold are automatic, a feature which could be particularly beneficial for some drivers with disabilities.
The Current Rules and Proposed Changes
Under present UK driving laws, the situation is clearly defined:
- A Category B licence allows you to drive a motorhome weighing 3,500kg or under.
- To drive a vehicle between 3,500kg and 7,500kg, a driver must obtain a Category C1 licence.
- Acquiring a C1 licence involves passing a separate theory and practical test, and usually requires a medical assessment.
Notably, drivers who passed their test before 1 January 1997 typically already have entitlements to drive medium-sized vehicles. The petition aims to extend similar freedoms to those who passed after that date, bringing the UK in line with proposed changes being considered by the European Union.
Next Steps for the Campaign
The petition had reached 4,268 signatures at the time of reporting. According to official parliamentary petition rules, the government is obliged to respond once a petition secures 10,000 signatures. If it achieves 100,000 signatures, the matter will be considered for debate in Parliament.
This movement reflects a growing demand from the motorhome and campervan community for greater flexibility and alignment with international standards, potentially making larger, more accessible vehicles a viable option for a wider range of people.
