Embrace the motorhome lifestyle with confidence

There’s nothing quite like the freedom of the open road – discovering new destinations, enjoying spontaneous stopovers, and bringing your home comforts along for the ride.

For many, motorhoming offers the perfect blend of adventure and convenience. But whether you’re a total novice or transitioning from a car to something significantly larger, confidence behind the wheel is key to staying safe - and legal.

That’s where the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Motorhome Manoeuvring Courses come in. Tailored for all skill levels, these relaxed, informal sessions provide a supportive environment to gain practical driving skills and a solid understanding of how to handle a motorhome safely.

Know your vehicle’s limits

Beyond driving skills, every motorhomer should understand their vehicle's weight limits. Getting this wrong can result in poor handling, insurance issues, or even legal penalties.

Here are the key terms to know:

• Mass in running order (MRO or MIRO): The standard weight of your motorhome from the factory, excluding personal kit and extras. It may include a 90% tank of fuel, essential liquids and the driver (up to 75kg).
• Maximum technically permissible laden mass (MTPLM): The absolute legal limit when fully loaded with people, belongings, water, and fuel.
• Maximum axle weight (MAW): The load each axle can safely carry – crucial for weight distribution.
• Actual laden weight (ALW): The real-world weight of your motorhome as loaded for travel – only measurable at a weighbridge.
• Gross train weight (GTW): Important if you plan to tow. This is the combined limit of the motorhome and trailer.

If in doubt, head to your local weighbridge. It’s a small step that could prevent a big problem.

Must-have safety equipment

Before you head off, make sure your motorhome is properly equipped:

• Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS): Mandatory on newer models but always check your tyre pressures manually too. 

• Levelling ramps or hydraulic jacks: These keep your van stable and ensure appliances function correctly.

• Wheel chocks: Add an extra layer of safety when parked.

• Fire safety kit: Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, a fire blanket, and a dry powder extinguisher are non-negotiable. 

• Breakdown essentials: Include a high-vis vest, warning triangle, gripper mats, and a first-aid kit.

UK driving licence and speed limit basics

Understanding your driving licence entitlements is vital. If you passed your test before 1 January 1997, you can usually drive up to 7,500kg MTPLM as long as you have a C1 entitlement on your licence. If you passed on or after that date, your standard Category B licence covers up to 3,500kg. To drive anything heavier, you’ll need C1 entitlement or higher. To drive a large RV, whose weight exceeds 7,500kg, a Category C licence is necessary.

Speed limits can also vary. If your motorhome’s unladen weight is under 3,050kg and it's registered as a motor caravan on the V5C Registration Certificate, it follows standard car speed limits. Heavier vehicles may be subject to lower limits - so always double-check before you set off. Visit www.gov.uk/speed-limits for the latest legal speed limits.

Why a manoeuvring course matters

Unlike driving a car, operating a motorhome - particularly one over 6 metres - requires a fresh set of skills. Forward and reverse manoeuvring, cornering, checking blind spots and mirrors, as well as maintaining appropriate road positioning, all need careful attention.

The Caravan and Motorhome Club's Motorhome Manoeuvring Course covers:

• Reversing techniques
• Safe turning and parking
• Pre-journey safety checks
• Practical driving advice with an experienced instructor

Some sessions even include an optional on-road component, giving you real-world practice in a calm, guided environment. And if you're not quite ready to commit, free Taster Sessions at national shows are a great way to dip your toes in. But be warned - spaces go quickly, so book early! 

Taking the time to attend a Motorhome Manoeuvring Course isn’t just for beginners - it’s for anyone who values safety, skill, and stress-free travel. Combine that with a solid grasp of your vehicle’s weights and essential safety gear, and you’re ready to embrace motorhoming with confidence.

Visit our Motorhome Manoeuvring Course page to discover the Motorhome Course locations. Or call 01342 488 363 and speak to one of the Club’s Training Team, who can answer any questions you may have.