What Type of Driver's License is Required to Drive an RV?
2 Answers
Driving an RV requires the following types of driver's licenses: 1. For self-propelled RVs with a length of 6m or more or seating capacity of 20 or more, an A1 license is required; 2. For self-propelled RVs with a length of less than 6m or seating capacity between 9 and 20, a B1 license is required; 3. For self-propelled RVs with a length of less than 6m or seating capacity of 7 or fewer, a C1 license is required; 4. For towable RVs with a length of 6m or more and a total weight of 12,000kg or more, an A2 license is required; 5. For towable RVs with a length of 6m or more and a total weight between 4,500kg and 12,000kg, a B2 license is required; 6. For towable RVs with a length of less than 6m and a total weight of less than 4,500kg, a C1 license is required.
Last year I started getting into RVs, and during my self-drive trip to Tibet, I learned about the license requirements—it all depends on the vehicle's size and weight. For small RVs under 6 meters in length and within 4.5 tons in weight, a regular C1 driver's license is sufficient. The one I drove fits this category, and the manual transmission was quite easy to handle. However, if the RV is larger and heavier, exceeding 4.5 tons for example, you’ll need to upgrade to a B1 or A1 license, which requires additional testing and medical exams. I must remind everyone not to risk driving oversized vehicles beyond your license class—mismatched licenses can lead to fines or even accidents. When checking vehicle specs, always review the certification parameters to avoid trouble. After all, safe travel comes first, and having the right license makes the journey worry-free.
