Here is a selection of some motorhome FAQs that we often receive here at Derby Motorhomes. Of course, if you have any questions or queries relating to your motorhome or buying one, please do not hesitate to get in touch!

Will I be able to drive a motorhome on a standard licence?

The answer in many cases is yes – but that might depend to some extent on the specific motorhome you want to drive (specifically its weight) and also the date you passed your driving test.

The current driving licence requirements are clearly set out on the government website or complete the brief online questionnaire to find out what vehicles you can drive.

How easy are motorhomes to drive?

Modern, new, or well-maintained motorhomes are very easy to drive. If you can drive a car, then you should be immediately at home behind the wheel of this type of vehicle too.

Nevertheless, your motorhome is going to be bigger than the family car, so you might need to take a little extra care and practice with manoeuvres such as reversing and parking.

Even better, you might want to consider signing up for one of the motorhome driving courses organised either by the Caravan and Motorhome Club or the Camping and Caravanning Club.

Can I take my motorhome abroad to wherever I like?

There’s no technical obstacle to taking your motorhome to any foreign country you choose – provided you’re willing to abide by that country’s rules, of course.

Countries in the European Union should pose no issue whatsoever. You can also take your motorhome to the Channel Islands of Guernsey and Jersey. Because of the limited space on the islands, though, you need to camp only at authorised sites and arrange a special permit in advance – either through the site at which you have booked your stay or directly to the relevant authorities on either island.

You’ll need to ensure that you have appropriate motorhome insurance cover for the countries you’re visiting or transiting. While there may be no physical barriers to your target destinations due to the motorhome itself, some insurance providers may exclude certain destinations outside of the EU that are perceived to be too high a risk.

Is it better to buy a motorhome for cash or take out finance?

We cannot provide financial advice about the way you choose to use your personal finances.

What we can say is that there are several funding options that may be open to you including Hire Purchase (HP). Some of these will be subject to your overall financial status – and we’d be more than happy to outline those motorhome finance options for you.

There are arguments for and against using cash savings as opposed to finance. If you’re uncertain as to the best way of financing the purchase of a motorhome given your particular personal circumstances, you may wish to do further independent research on the subject or consult an independent financial advisor.

Can I park up overnight in lay-bys?

Strictly speaking, this is likely to be contrary to local by-laws. Most such spaces are under the control of a local authority and typically they’ll prohibit overnight parking.

In purely practical terms, though, the rules and by-laws may be very difficult to monitor and enforce, particularly in very rural areas – so, you might be tempted to take your chances.

Remember, too, that your insurance policy might explicitly forbid overnight stops anywhere other than on an appropriately licenced and regulated campsite.

Is there a best-practice driving code for motorhomes?

There is nothing enshrined in law as such – although you might turn up some good and helpful guides, including those recommended by the Caravan and Motorhome Club or the Camping and Caravan Club on the driving courses we have already mentioned.

How often do I need to empty the WC?

Questions on this subject are also regularly – usually somewhat shyly – raised in motorhome FAQs forums!

The answer, of course, depends on two factors:

• the capacity of your WC’s storage; and
• how often you use it.

If you’d like to ask, there are some rough guidelines we can provide. In passing, we’d just say that emptying the WC in modern motorhomes is typically fast, easy, and hygienic.