When I applied for my driving license 25+ years ago I had to get doctors reports etc due to my disability and I was issued a B1 and B1+E, D1 and D1+E class Driving License. This meant that I was licensed to drive anything upto 3500kg, with or without a trailer. In those days this was classed as a restriction as most people also recieved the C1 and C1+E class which allows them to drive anything upto 7000kg with or without a trailer. This restriction has never really affected me, I could drive vans such as transits etc and had no need for anything larger.
In 1997 the laws changed and it became the norm that people where only issued the B1 license and further tests where required to obtain further classes such as the C1, D1 or even just the E class allowing them to tow larger trailers or caravans over 750kg.
When we started looking at getting the motorhome this year it hit me how limited I am going to be due to having the weight limit of 3500kg and the fact we needed at least 5 berths. We were lucky, we found the Elddis Autoquest 180 with a max weight of 3500kg.
We are happy with the van, but the restriction concerned me. I emailed the DVLA and asked them a ‘general enquiry’ asking if it would be possible to have the C1 class added to my license. Within 24 hours they had emailed me asking me for license information which I sent them. I then heard nothing so about a week ago I phoned the DVLA and was informed that the medical board was looking into it for me.
On Friday I received a new license, with B1, C1 and D1 classes all with +E so I can now drive anything upto 7500kg, with a trailer and no limits.
Oh the difference this would have made 5 months ago when looking at Motorhomes, I am so tempted to go looking at something a bit bigger now but my head says stick with what you have for a bit.
We will see which wins, heart or head.
Keep what you have