If you’re thinking about buying or hiring a motorhome, one of the first questions that might come to mind is whether you can drive it with your current licence or whether you’ll need a special licence. The good news is that most motorhomes on the road don’t require anything more than a standard car licence. That said, there are some important rules to be aware of, especially if you’re looking at larger models or planning to load up with extra gear.
Understanding motorhome licence requirements can help you choose the right vehicle. Here’s what you need to know before getting behind the wheel for your next Australian road trip.
Can You Drive a Motorhome with a Car Licence?
In Australia, you can drive a motorhome on a full Class C licence as long as it has a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of 4.5 tonnes or less. Most motorhomes, including popular Avida models like the Leura, Bruny, Birdsville, and Beechworth, fall within this limit, which means they are accessible to anyone with a regular licence.
GVM refers to the total weight of a fully loaded motorhome, including passengers, fuel, water, and supplies. If you’re unsure about the weight of a particular model, you can find the GVM listed on the compliance plate inside the driver’s door or in the owner’s manual.
If a motorhome weighs more than 4.5 tonnes, you’ll need to upgrade your licence before you can legally drive it.
Can You Drive a Campervan on a Car Licence?
Yes! In Australia, most campervans can be driven with a standard car licence (Class C). This means you can also drive an Avida Trek, Escape, Diversion, or our new Explorer LX 4×4 campervan on your car licence.
Just as with motorhomes, you’ll want to check out the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) to make sure a campervan you’d like to drive is under 4.5 tonnes if you’ve only got a standard licence. You’ll also need to have held your full licence for at least 12 months. This means it needs to be unrestricted, and provisional or probationary licences aren’t accepted. If you’re renting a campervan, some rental companies may also have age restrictions, so it’s always best to give them a call about their requirements before booking.
When Do You Need an LR or MR Licence?
For motorhomes that exceed 4.5 tonnes, a higher-class licence is required. A Light Rigid (LR) licence allows you to drive vehicles with a GVM between 4.5 and 8 tonnes. A Medium Rigid (MR) licence is needed for motorhomes with two axles and a GVM above 8 tonnes.
Most motorhome owners won’t need to upgrade, as many manufacturers design their vehicles to stay within the 4.5-tonne limit. However, some larger motorhomes will require an LR licence, including the Avida Esperance and Avida Fremantle. If you’re considering a larger motorhome like the Avida Longreach, you’ll need to get a higher-class licence again, such as an MR licence in the case of the Longreach.
If you have any doubts, check the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.
To apply for an LR or MR licence, you must have held a full driver’s licence for at least a year, pass a written knowledge test for heavy vehicles, and complete a practical driving test with a certified instructor. The exact requirements vary between states, so it’s worth checking with your local transport authority for details.
Licence Requirements for Overseas Visitors
If you’re visiting Australia and planning to hire a motorhome, you can drive on your foreign licence as long as it meets certain conditions. Your driver’s licence must be valid for the entire duration of your stay, and if it isn’t in English, you’ll need an official English translation or an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Just like Australian drivers, overseas visitors can drive a motorhome up to 4.5 tonnes on a standard car licence. However, if you’re planning to hire a larger model, it’s a good idea to check the specific licensing requirements for the state you’ll be travelling in.
And of course, make sure you’re well-versed on the national and state road rules before you arrive in Australia. Review the driving rules beforehand, be sure you pay attention to speed sign limits, and don’t forget to stay on the left hand side.
How Do You Check a Motorhome’s Weight?
The easiest way to check a motorhome’s weight is by looking at the compliance plate inside the driver’s door. This will tell you the GVM, which is the total weight the vehicle can legally carry when fully loaded.
If you’ve added extra features or are carrying a lot of gear, it’s a good idea to weigh your motorhome at a weighbridge. These are often located at dump stations and truck stops, and they provide an accurate reading of your fully loaded weight. If you’re close to the limit, consider adjusting your load to stay within legal requirements.
Maximum Dimensions for Motorhomes in Australia
While weight is the most important factor for licensing, there are also legal limits on motorhome size. The maximum allowable length for a motorhome in Australia is 12.5 metres, the maximum width is 2.5 metres, and the maximum height is 4.3 metres.
Most factory-built motorhomes are well within these limits, but if you’re looking at an imported or custom-built model, make sure you check the dimensions to ensure it meets Australian regulations.
Why Staying Under the Legal Limit Matters
Driving a motorhome that exceeds its legal weight limit can have serious consequences. An overloaded motorhome is harder to control, making braking, accelerating, and steering more difficult. This increases the risk of an accident, particularly when you’re taking tight corners or making steep descents.
If your motorhome is found to be overweight, you could also face fines or legal penalties. Police and transport authorities have the power to conduct roadside weight checks, and exceeding the limit can cost you in a major way, so always give yourself some wiggle room rather than loading up the motorhome to its maximum allowable weight.
Overloading can also put extra strain on your motorhome’s suspension, tyres, and brakes, leading to faster wear and a greater chance of mechanical failure. Staying within the approved GVM ensures your vehicle remains safe, reliable, and legally compliant.
Ready To Get Behind the Wheel? Start Planning Your Journey with Avida
For most travellers, driving a motorhome is as simple as holding a full car licence, making it an easy and accessible way to explore Australia. If you think a motorhome is the right fit for your next adventure, there’s no better choice than an Avida.
As Australia’s biggest name in motorhomes, we’ve been helping Aussies explore this incredible country for more than 60 years. Whether you want a small campervan for the occasional weekend trip or a large motorhome to let you make the most of your retirement, explore our range of campervans for sale and motorhomes for sale and start planning your journey with Avida!
