Driving license reform

All motorhomes up to 4.25 t should be able to be driven with a B driving license. The dimensions of motor caravans with 3.5 t or 4.25 t are generally identical. Motorhomes from 3.5 t to 4.25 t usually only have a more powerful chassis with modified running gear. The overall appearance of 4.25 t motor caravans is identical to 3.5 t motor caravans. The driving behavior of motor caravans also has a direct influence on road safety. Motor caravans are generally driven during the day, for private purposes and at “vacation speeds”. The road safety of motor caravans is excellent.

EU presented proposal for the new directive in March 2023

On March 1, 2023, the EU Commission published its draft for the 4th Driving License Directive. Among other things, the draft contains fundamental changes to the B driving license and the applicable weight limits. For example, the Commission proposes that the B driving license extended to 4.25 t should only apply to zero- and low-emission vehicles.

The extension of the B driving license to 4.25 t, which the ECF has been calling for for many years, is good news, as motor caravan fans have long been waiting for a concrete solution to this last problem for privately used vehicles.

Council and European Parliament vote for B driving license for motorhomes up to 4.25 t

The appointment of the rapporteur and the shadow rapporteurs for the driving license directive in May 2023 marked the beginning of the hot phase of EU legislation, in which the European caravanning industry was intensively involved via the national associations and in a coordinating role via the ECF.

In its general approach of 4 December 2023, the Council proposed that the B driving license for all motor caravans should be extended to 4.25 t. Provided that a training course, test or both (depending on implementation in the member states) has been completed, as with the B96 combination driving license. The EU Parliament also voted in favor of the extension to 4.25 t for motor caravans in its first reading on 28 February 2024. According to the EP, a two-year previous possession of a B driving license should be sufficient for the upgrade to 4.25 t.

The framework conditions are currently being negotiated in the so-called trilogue between the Commission, Council and Parliament, which is necessary before the new driving license directive can be adopted.

The Caravanning Industry Association welcomes the positions of the Council and the EU Parliament, which are aimed in particular at allowing motor caravans up to 4.25 t to be driven with a category B driving license, thus reinstating a result of the first reading of the 3rd Driving Licence Directive from 2005. Simple, consumer-friendly regulations are necessary to enable people to enjoy a climate- and family-friendly vacation.