Driving Licence for a Caravan — What Do You Need?

One of the most common questions from people interested in campervan travel: What driving licence do I need for a caravan? Good news — in the vast majority of cases, a standard category B driving licence is sufficient.

Category B driving licence — basic rules

A category B driving licence allows you to drive vehicles up to a total weight of 3,500 kg. This includes most campervans commonly offered for rent, including the VANWAYS Rimor Kilig 695.

VANWAYS campervan specifications

• Type: Rimor Kilig 695
• Total weight: under 3,500 kg — driveable with licence B
• Dimensions: 6.97 × 2.34 × 3.04 m
• Gearbox: automatic
• Drive: front-wheel, diesel

Age restriction

At VANWAYS we require a minimum driver age of 23. This restriction comes from insurance conditions and is standard at most campervan rental companies in the Czech Republic and abroad.

Driving a caravan abroad

A Czech category B driving licence is valid in all EU and EEA countries. For travel outside the EU, an international driving permit may be required. Some countries have specific rules for campervans:

• France: Mandatory reflective vest and warning triangle in the cabin
• Italy: Reduced speed limit on motorways for vehicles over 3.5 t (doesn't apply to our vehicle)
• Scandinavia: Mandatory daytime running lights (standard on most modern vehicles)
• Croatia: Motorway tolls are paid at toll gates

Category C licence — when is it needed?

A category C licence is only needed if the campervan exceeds a total weight of 3,500 kg. This applies only to large, luxury "liner" type motorhomes. Standard campervans (including VANWAYS) comfortably fit within this limit.

Towed caravan vs. motorhome

Note the difference: a motorhome/campervan is a standalone vehicle driven with licence B. A towed caravan (trailer) attached to a car may require B+E licence if the combined weight exceeds 3,500 kg. At VANWAYS we rent a motorhome — licence B is all you need.

Insurance and driving licence when renting a caravan

When renting the VANWAYS campervan, vehicle insurance is included in the price. Insurance covers travel throughout Europe. For valid insurance you need a valid category B driving licence and must meet the minimum age of 23.

We recommend checking before international travel that you have the European Accident Statement form (included in vehicle documents) and the Green Card as proof of insurance. We provide both documents during handover.

Practical tips for campervan drivers

Driving a campervan is not complicated but requires respect for the larger vehicle dimensions. Here are some practical tips:

• Adjust your speed — a campervan has a higher centre of gravity, be more careful in curves and wind
• Watch the height — the VANWAYS campervan is 3.04 m tall, watch for height restriction signs
• Longer braking distance — maintain greater distance from the vehicle ahead
• Mirrors are key — regularly check rear-view mirrors, especially when changing lanes
• Park thoughtfully — choose larger car parks with enough manoeuvring space
• Plan fuel stops — not all petrol stations have enough room for a campervan

Speed limits for campervans in Europe

Speed limits for campervans under 3.5 tonnes are identical to cars in most European countries:

• Czech Republic: urban 50 km/h, rural 90 km/h, motorway 130 km/h
• Germany: urban 50 km/h, rural 100 km/h, motorway no limit (130 recommended)
• Austria: urban 50 km/h, rural 100 km/h, motorway 130 km/h
• Croatia: urban 50 km/h, rural 90 km/h, motorway 130 km/h
• Italy: urban 50 km/h, rural 90 km/h, motorway 130 km/h
• France: urban 50 km/h, rural 80 km/h, motorway 130 km/h

Always follow local traffic signs. At VANWAYS we provide a summary of rules for countries you plan to visit during handover.

Many people interested in caravan rental ask: How does driving a campervan feel? The answer is simple — surprisingly easy. The VANWAYS Rimor Kilig 695 is built on a Fiat Ducato chassis, the most widespread platform for campervans in Europe. Driving is very similar to a larger van — with the added benefit of a comfortable living space behind you.

First kilometres behind the wheel

During handover in Prague-Velka Chuchle we explain everything thoroughly and recommend getting used to the vehicle dimensions in the first few kilometres. The 9-speed automatic gearbox significantly simplifies driving — no need to focus on gear changes, you can fully concentrate on the road. Most of our clients get used to driving the campervan within the first 15-20 minutes.

Parking a campervan

Parking is where beginners feel most uncertain. The VANWAYS campervan is equipped with parking sensors and reversing camera, making parking much easier. Some practical tips:

• In cities park at larger supermarket car parks or park-and-ride facilities. Explore city centres on foot or by public transport.
• At attractions look for bus parking areas — they are spacious enough for a campervan.
• At campsites motorhome pitches are always sized appropriately, no worries.
• Use apps like Park4Night to find suitable caravan parking spots.

Refuelling a campervan

The VANWAYS Rimor Kilig 695 runs on diesel. The fuel tank holds approx. 75 litres, meaning a range of approximately 600-750 km on a full tank at 10-12 l/100 km consumption. When refuelling, avoid the smallest petrol stations in narrow streets — choose larger stations on main roads or motorways with plenty of manoeuvring space.

Mandatory equipment by country

Each European country has specific mandatory vehicle equipment requirements. The VANWAYS campervan comes with complete mandatory equipment for European travel, including:

• Reflective vests — for all passengers (mandatory in most EU countries)
• Warning triangle — standard breakdown equipment
• First aid kit — complete first aid set
• Spare bulbs — replacement bulb set for all lights
• Fire extinguisher — mandatory in some countries (Greece, Belgium, Poland)

During handover we provide an overview of specific rules for countries on your planned route. With VANWAYS you can be sure your category B driving licence for caravan is sufficient and the campervan meets all legal requirements for safe European travel.

When travelling with a campervan across Europe, it is important to know the motorway toll systems in different countries. With a category B driving licence for caravan you drive a vehicle under 3.5 tonnes, meaning you pay the same tolls as passenger cars.

Vignettes (sticker-based tolls)

Some countries require a motorway vignette:

• Czech Republic: electronic vignette — 10-day approx. 310 CZK, monthly approx. 440 CZK
• Austria: digital vignette — 10-day approx. 250 CZK, 2-month approx. 700 CZK
• Slovenia: e-vignette — 7-day approx. 400 CZK, monthly approx. 750 CZK
• Switzerland: annual vignette — approx. 1,000 CZK (valid all year)
• Slovakia: electronic vignette — 10-day approx. 300 CZK

Toll systems (pay per section)

Other countries charge tolls per section driven:

• Croatia: toll gates on motorways — Prague to Split approx. 1,200 CZK one way
• Italy: toll gates — Brenner Pass to Tuscany approx. 800-1,200 CZK
• France: toll gates — Paris to Cote d'Azur approx. 1,500-2,000 CZK
• Germany: no tolls for vehicles under 7.5 t — motorways are free

Navigation and route planning with a campervan

For safe campervan travel we recommend setting vehicle dimensions in navigation. The VANWAYS Rimor Kilig 695 is 3.04 m tall — some underpasses, tunnels and parking garages may be low. Google Maps and specialised campervan apps allow entering vehicle dimensions and automatically route via suitable roads.

More useful navigation tips:

• Download offline maps — mountains and coastlines may have weak signal
• Use caravanning apps — Park4Night, CamperContact for finding campsites and services
• Plan refuelling — not all petrol stations are accessible for larger vehicles
• Avoid narrow mountain roads — check in advance whether the road is suitable for campervans

With proper preparation and a valid category B driving licence for caravan, travelling across Europe with the VANWAYS campervan is simple and worry-free. During handover we provide all necessary information about tolls and recommended routes.