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If you've never driven a motorhome before, you might have questions like, do I need a special license? Or, does it have a reversing camera? Let us take you through both what you need and what it's like to drive a motorhome.
What you need
The good news is, you don't require a special driver's license to hire and drive a motorhome. A valid full driver's license is enough.
The minimum age for hiring a motorhome is typically 21, however some rental companies allow drivers as young as 18 to hire a motorhome. The type of vehicles available and the price of the rental may be different for younger drivers. When you make a search, you can specify your age to see what's available.
Driving a motorhome
These days, most motorhomes are very similar to driving a car. They usually have an automatic transmission, power steering and reversing cameras, which make the transition from a smaller vehicle to a larger vehicle a bit easier. Of course, depending on the motorhome, there can be a significant size difference to your typical car, so you will need to take this into account when making turns and parking. To help, your motorhome will have large side mirrors to make it easier to see behind the vehicle while driving.
Here are some general tips for driving a motorhome:
- Make sure to adjust your seat and mirrors before you start driving. The more comfortable you are, the easier it will be to drive.
- If possible, practice driving in an open area, like an empty car park before you hit the road.
- Allow extra space between you and other vehicles, as motorhomes can take longer to slow down.
- Make sure you're aware of the vehicles height, as there may be parking buildings or other areas the motorhome won't fit.
- Allow other vehicles to overtake by utilising slow vehicle lanes and rest stops.
- Be careful in high winds, as the can effect motorhome more than cars.
Frequently asked questions
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Do I need a special driver's license when hiring an RV?
No, a valid, full driver's license will be enough.
Do motorhomes have automatic or manual transmissions?
These day, most motorhomes have automatic transmissions, but there are still some you can hire with a manual transmission. There are 2 ways you can check which transmission a vehicle has before you book. Once you've made a search:
- Filter by Automatic or Manual transmission under 'Features' to the left of the search results.
- Click on 'Vehicle Details / Depot Info / Rental Terms' and look under 'Vehicle Specifications.
Can you walk around in a motorhome while driving?
This will depend on the seatbelt requirements of the country/state you're driving in. However, our advice is to always stay seated with your seatbelt fastened while the motorhome is in motion. If you're not aware of them already, make sure to check the laws before you travel to your destination.
What is the 2-2-2 rule?
The 2-2-2 rule is all about getting the most out of your motorhome road trip. It means limiting your travel to a maximum of 200 miles a day, checking into your campground or holiday park at 2pm, and staying for at least 2 days. The idea is to make sure you're well rested and get to enjoy the places and sites you've driven to see, rather than spending all your time in your RV.
Some people have a 3-3-3 rule, or even a 4-4-4 rule. It's entirely up to you.
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