C1 Licence

[RickyRoo]

Hi All,
I'm new to the site and have yet to purchase my first MH.
I'm looking at touring Europe for possibly extended periods (2-3 months), and I wouldn't want to limit our comfort too much by buying too small a van (we have to have fixed rear bed). However, being not far off 70, I know I will have to renew my licence and lose the C1 classification that allows me to drive vehicles 3,500- 7500kg.
I know I can apply to retain that classification, but what is involved in the process?
So's you know, we intend to take 2 grandchildren with us occasionally, so I envisage the need for a slightly larger MH than that which would normally be adequate for two wrinklies.
Looking forward to your advice, and hopefully further chats,
Rick

 

[tinks703]

Hi, 2 to 3 months before you are 70 you will receive a notification from the DVLA regarding your driving licence. If you wish to retain your c1 status you will need to down load the relevant forms from DVLA site.
Fill them in, then take them to your doctor, who will complete them telling them your medical history or not as the case may be. Also an eye test etc. If you do nothing you will receive your licence to drive up 3500kg.
In 3 years time you will have to jump through the humps again.
I do not worry about it as I have done it twice.

 

[TheDogMan]

Its all about your medical history, I have just applied with my doctor completed medical form and I might live to regret buying my last "Big One" if they take it off me

 

[CWH]

Hello @RickyRoo and welcome to the Fun

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(Answer as above - medical history, eye test, every 3 years)

How old / big are the grandkids?
And just in case you aren't aware: there are mohos with 2 berths and 4 travelling seats, and there are mohos with 4 berths and 2 travelling seats. Of course there are also mohos with 4 of each...

 

[glenn2926]

Don't use your own Dr for the medical they will charge you a lot of money. Search for Dr's for drivers or any of the other Dr's that do HGV/LGV medicals they will be much much cheaper. Some also do the eye test. My last one did it all and had pre filled in forms. I just signed it sent it off and received my HGV/LGV license. Do not send your old license with the form as some are coming back with groups missing. I know of at least two truckers that had licenses returned with their motorcycle group missing off the new license. Both had to resit the bike test.

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[RickyRoo]

Well, thanks for the responses.
As I believe I am in excellent shape, physically, even if not mentally, I shouldn't have any probs retaining C1. Pressure off!
Thanks.

 

[flatpackchicken]

As you are New andNow you are relieved about your licence just be very careful about your payload, as a lot of MHs have very little payload and as you want to take your grandkids as well means more clothes, food, chairs etc etc, Although having a C1 licence enables you to get a bigger MH it will weigh more as well Unladen, so ensure you get MH weighed empty first before you buy or even put down a deposit, as many deposits lost when people discover the problem and have very little payload potential.
Regards Garry Flatpackchicken

 

[Mickey1]

Mickey.

 

[Boringfrog]

 

[RickyRoo]

Thanks to all for the Welcomes
Garry, I hear what you say regards payload, but would a bigger van not have bigger payload? Assuming of course that unladen weight wasn't close to 7500kg to start with?
Just thought about that. Having flicked through some previous threads, I can see the payload issue is something that may need some serious research.
Thanks for the heads up.

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[pappajohn]

I hear what you say regards payload, but would a bigger van not have bigger payload? Assuming of course that unladen weight wasn't close to 7500kg to start with?

If you're referring to American RVs be cautious.
Many are downgraded to 7500kg from maybe 8500kg or 9000kg on registration in this country.
My last RV was 7500kg gross but further investigation (converters handbook) showed it originally as 8250kg.
750kg lost payload leaving around 550kg payload to play with.
To an RV that's like having a four seat car and carrying capacity for two people.
Some, of course, are a genuine 7500kg with a respectable payload.

 

[Puddleduck]

Thanks to all for the Welcomes
Garry, I hear what you say regards payload, but would a bigger van not have bigger payload? Assuming of course that unladen weight wasn't close to 7500kg to start with?
Just thought about that. Having flicked through some previous threads, I can see the payload issue is something that may need some serious research.
Thanks for the heads up.

Best get a weighbridge ticket for the van before you buy it then you will know if there is enough payload left over.

Also make sure you don't carry junk around with you