Licence categories
7,500 kg motorhome: do you need C1 or C?
A motorhome with a maximum authorised mass of exactly 7,500 kg may fit C1, subject to the passenger and vehicle-class limits.
A motorhome with a maximum authorised mass of 7,500 kg is within C1’s upper limit if it is not classified as D1/D and meets the passenger limit. Above 7,500 kg, C1 is insufficient and category C must be assessed. Use the figure in the registration document, not the motorhome’s actual weight on a trip.
C1 includes the 7,500 kg threshold
Category C1 covers motor vehicles above 3,500 kg and no more than 7,500 kg, other than D1/D vehicles, designed for no more than eight passengers besides the driver. Exactly 7,500 kg is included. A motor caravan can fit this category if its classification and seating match the requirements.
If the registration document gives a maximum authorised mass above 7,500 kg, category C is required to be assessed, subject to vehicle classification and passenger capacity. Do not confuse authorised mass with tare or actual weight: a lightly loaded motorhome remains subject to the category set by its registered maximum.
Check seats, trailer and licence codes
Read the motorhome document for category, maximum mass and approved seats, then compare it with the categories on your licence. C1 includes a trailer whose maximum authorised mass is up to 750 kg. If the motorhome tows a heavier trailer, assess C1E or another category using the towing vehicle and authorised combination masses.
A C1 licence with code 97 also limits the holder to vehicles not subject to tachograph rules. If that code appears, check it before driving. Licence endorsements may narrow the entitlement even when the motorhome’s mass falls within C1.
Example
A motorhome registered at 7,500 kg with no more than eight passengers besides the driver may fit C1 if its classification confirms the category and there is no incompatible code. The same motorhome approved at 7,501 kg exceeds the C1 range and requires C to be assessed. A campsite scale reading does not change the registration figure.
Quiz Patente Ufficiale helps review licence categories with theory quizzes and mistake review. For a heavy motorhome, check maximum authorised mass, seats and endorsements on the official documents.
Quiz Patente Ufficiale helps review theory quizzes and categories; check a motorhome’s authorised mass, seats, trailer and licence codes.
Frequently asked questions
Does C1 cover a motorhome with exactly 7,500 kg authorised mass?
Yes, if the other C1 vehicle-class and passenger requirements are met and no incompatible restriction applies.
Can I drive a motorhome above 7,500 kg with C1 if it is empty?
No. The category is based on maximum authorised mass; above the threshold, assess category C.