What kind of driver's license is required for an RV?

[AliceMarie]

When the length of the RV exceeds 6 meters or the passenger capacity is 20 or more, an A1 driver's license is required. For RVs shorter than 6 meters or with a passenger capacity between 9 and 20, a B1 driver's license is needed. Below are some relevant tips: First, stay calm when driving an RV: remain composed and unflustered during the journey, and follow standard procedures. When encountering oncoming traffic or approaching intersections, proactively reduce speed in advance and avoid impulsive driving. Maintain a calm mindset as a beginner: since you're just starting out, situations like the RV stalling or driving at a slower speed may occur, which might prompt other drivers to honk or flash their lights. Stay patient in such scenarios. Pay attention to driving duration: avoid fatigue driving caused by prolonged periods behind the wheel, as it poses significant risks. Monitor the time and take breaks when necessary before continuing, or have an experienced co-driver to alternate shifts.

[Teresa]

Recently, while researching RV travel, I paid special attention to driver's license requirements. I found that it mainly depends on the type of RV: For motorhomes under 6 meters in length and with a total weight under 4.5 tons, a regular C1 license is sufficient, and many small RVs meet this standard. Towing an RV is more complicated—a C1 license only allows towing light trailers under 4.5 tons; anything heavier requires upgrading to a C6 license. I specifically checked the upgrade requirements: you must be at least 20 years old and have held a C1/C2 license for at least one year. After registration, you need to pass practical tests like reversing and right-angle turns in the second exam section. I've heard that reversing with a trailer is particularly challenging. Nowadays, many provinces allow direct C6 testing, so I plan to sign up at a driving school on a weekend—after all, traveling freely in an RV is my dream!

[Barry]

Attention to friends who often go on self-driving tours, the issue of RV driving licenses needs to be discussed by category. For ordinary small RVs like Type B or Type C, a basic C1/C2 license is sufficient. However, if you want to drive a luxury RV over 6 meters or operate a trailer RV, the requirements are different. Let’s focus on trailer RVs: according to the new regulations, trailers with a total weight between 700kg and 4.5 tons now require a C6 license. I just upgraded to a C6 license last year, spending half a month at a driving school practicing trailer reversing and mountain road curve driving. During the test, you must keep the speed under 30 km/h and avoid excessive deviation when turning. I recommend planning to buy a trailer RV to get the C6 license early; the upgrade costs around 3,000 to 4,000 yuan, much simpler than an A2 license. Recently, the authorities have been strictly checking this on the roads, so don’t risk driving without a license.

[McHadley]

As a mother of two, I specifically inquired about RV driving licenses before our family camping trip. Small RVs can be driven with a C1/C2 license, but for the trailer RV we chose, a special license is required. The traffic authorities said trailers are divided into two types: light trailers (total weight under 4.5 tons) can be driven with a C1 license, but an additional C6 endorsement is mandatory. There are requirements for this endorsement: the main vehicle license must be held for at least 1 year, and the driver must be over 20 years old. During the test, I was most afraid of the reverse parking—excessive trailer sway could easily lead to failure. Now, when traveling with the kids, we follow all regulations strictly, even equipping child seats. I recommend moms buying trailer RVs to choose automatic transmissions—they’re much easier to handle.