Never driven a motorhome before? You’ll be absolutely fine — they drive much like a large van, and our handover walks you through everything before you leave. Here’s what to know.

Driving a motorhome for the first time – what to expect

The question we hear most before a first hire: is it hard to drive? Honestly – no. If you can drive a car, you can drive one of our motorhomes. Everything in our fleet can be driven on a standard car (category B) licence, and seven of our eight vehicles are automatic, so there is no gearbox to think about. Full eligibility details are on our FAQ page.

A few things genuinely are different, and knowing them in advance is most of the battle:

• The size takes about an hour to get used to. You sit higher, with a great view of the road. The vehicle is longer and wider than a car, so take corners wider and trust your door mirrors – they are large for a reason.
• Know your height. Low bridges and car-park height barriers are the classic first-timer traps. Check your vehicle’s height before you set off, and look up before you drive in anywhere.
• Brake and accelerate earlier. You are driving something heavier than a car, so leave a bigger gap and give yourself more room when joining fast roads.
• Reversing is easier with a helper. Ask a passenger to hop out and guide you in. Everybody does it.
• Plan a gentle first half hour. Keep the first leg from collection simple – by the time you reach the motorway it will already feel natural.

We walk you through the vehicle at handover, so you will not be working any of this out alone.

Before you set off

Adjust the mirrors first — they’re your eyes on a motorhome. Note the van’s height and length (we point these out at handover), and do a quick walk-round to check tyres, lights, and that everything inside is stowed and latched.

On the road

Take it steady — leave extra braking distance and take corners a little wider than you would in a car. Watch your height under bridges, barriers and petrol-station canopies. Use the wing mirrors constantly; reversing is far easier with someone guiding you.

At the campsite

Arrive in daylight for your first few trips. Level the van, connect the electric hook-up, fresh water and waste, and wind out the step. We show you all of this at handover, and you’ll have our number if you’re ever unsure.

Top tips

Pack light, fill up with fuel and water before you need them, and plan shorter drives than you think — the joy is in stopping. Only empty the toilet cassette and grey water at proper disposal points.