"Can I drive a motorhome with my regular car licence?" It's one of the first questions anyone new to this world asks, and the answer depends on a single factor: the vehicle's weight, its Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM). Here it is explained clearly so you know what you can drive and which licence category you need. (General information; always confirm with your local licensing authority.)
The factor that decides everything: the MAM
The MAM (Maximum Authorised Mass) is the maximum weight the vehicle can have when loaded, according to its official documents. It's not what it weighs empty, but the legal ceiling with everything on board. And it's precisely this figure that determines which licence you need.
Category B: up to 3,500 kg
A category B licence (the standard car licence) allows you to drive vehicles up to 3,500 kg MAM. The vast majority of motorhomes on the market are designed specifically to stay within that limit, precisely so they can be driven on a category B licence. If your camper has an MAM of 3,500 kg or less, your car licence is all you need.
Category C1: from 3,500 to 7,500 kg
If the motorhome exceeds 3,500 kg MAM (the largest, heaviest ones, some large A-class or overcab models), you need a category C1 licence, which covers vehicles between 3,500 and 7,500 kg. It's a separate licence you have to obtain, with its own medical requirements and test. [Note: check current requirements and conditions for the C1 licence with your local authority.]
Watch out: actual weight and overloading
There's an important trap here: many campers with a 3,500 kg MAM have very little payload (what you can load without exceeding the limit). It's easy to go over the MAM once you add water, accessories and luggage, and then you're driving overloaded (illegal and finable) even with the correct licence. That's why watching your weight is essential (see weight and overloading). One trick for gaining payload: lighten up where you can, for example with a lithium battery, which weighs considerably less than an equivalent lead-acid one.
In summary
The licence you need depends on the MAM: up to 3,500 kg a category B licence is enough (most campers), and above that you need C1. The step to take today: check the MAM on the documents of the vehicle you have or want to buy; if it's 3,500 kg or less, your category B licence covers you, but watch your payload so you don't end up overloaded. Pair it with weight.