Introduction to the Regulatory Framework
The license required to drive a caravan or motorhome depends exclusively on the Maximum Authorized Mass (MAM) of the vehicle-trailer combination or the self-propelled vehicle. According to the Spanish Directorate General of Traffic (DGT), if the car-caravan combination does not exceed 3,500 kg MAM, a standard B license is sufficient. Otherwise, additional authorizations such as B96 or B+E are required, and for motorhomes exceeding 3,500 kg, licenses of classes C1 or C are needed. This article presents a four-step framework to determine exactly which license you need, avoiding penalties and ensuring legal driving.
Why This Framework Works
The licensing system for caravans, motorhomes, and trailers is hierarchical and based on MAM, a technical data point found in the vehicle's technical specifications. By applying a sequential verification framework, you reduce the risk of error and save time. The regulations clearly distinguish between light trailers (≤750 kg), combinations requiring B96 (up to 4,250 kg), and those needing B+E (trailer over 750 kg, combination >3,500 kg). For motorhomes, the critical limit is 3,500 kg; exceeding it means moving to C1 or C license. This step-by-step approach avoids confusion and ensures compliance with DGT Instruction PROT 2026/0 and Royal Decree 920/2017 on technical inspections.
The Framework Steps
Step 1: Identify the MAM of the Combination or Motorhome
Locate the MAM of your towing vehicle and caravan or trailer in the technical specifications or ITV card. For motorhomes, the MAM is that of the complete vehicle. This is the fundamental data because all legal requirements depend on it.
Step 2: Classify the Vehicle Type
According to MAM, the following categories apply:
| Vehicle Type | MAM of trailer / motorhome | Required License |
|---|---|---|
| Light trailer | ≤750 kg | B license (if combination ≤3,500 kg) |
| Heavy trailer (combination ≤4,250 kg) | >750 kg | B96 |
| Heavy trailer (combination >4,250 kg) | >750 kg | B+E |
| Motorhome | ≤3,500 kg | B license |
| Motorhome | 3,501–7,500 kg | C1 |
| Motorhome | >7,500 kg | C |
Source: DGT and current regulations
Important note: If the trailer exceeds 750 kg but the combination does not exceed 3,500 kg, a B license is sufficient. B96 and B+E licenses are only required when the combination exceeds 3,500 kg.
Step 3: Check Additional Requirements (Registration, Insurance, and ITV)
- Trailers ≤750 kg: They do not need their own registration plate or additional insurance; the towing car's plate and insurance are sufficient.
- Trailers >750 kg: They must be registered and have their own insurance.
- Technical Inspection (ITV): Motorhomes (category M) have specific frequencies: exempt until 4 years, biennial from 4 to 10 years, and annual after 10 years. Camper vans (category N) follow the regime for mixed vehicles.
Step 4: Obtain the Corresponding License or Authorization
If you need B96, B+E, C1, or C, you must complete the corresponding theoretical and practical exams. Note that B, B96, and B+E licenses are different types of licenses. If you already have a B license, you can extend it with B96 authorization (specific course) or take the exam for B+E. For motorhomes exceeding 3,500 kg, see our guide on C1 or C license; for models over 7,500 kg, a C license is required.
How to Apply This Framework
- Gather documentation: technical specifications of your car and caravan, or your motorhome.
- Calculate the MAM of the combination: add the car's MAM and the trailer's MAM. For motorhomes, note its MAM.
- Consult the table in Step 2 to find out which license you need.
- Check ITV deadlines according to the vehicle's age.
- If you need an additional license, sign up for a course or official exam.
Practical Examples
Example 1: Car with light caravan
- Car: MAM 2,000 kg. Caravan: MAM 600 kg. Combination: 2,600 kg (<3,500 kg).
- Solution: you only need a B license. No extra registration or insurance is required for the caravan.
Example 2: Car with heavy caravan (combination ≤4,250 kg)
- Car: MAM 2,200 kg. Caravan: MAM 1,200 kg. Combination: 3,400 kg (<3,500 kg).
- Solution: although the caravan exceeds 750 kg, the combination does not exceed 3,500 kg, so a B license is sufficient. If the combination had been 3,600 kg (e.g., car 2,400 kg + caravan 1,200 kg), you would need B96.
Example 3: Motorhome of 3,800 kg
- MAM 3,800 kg (>3,500 kg).
- Solution: you require a C1 license. Additionally, you must pass the biennial ITV if it is between 4 and 10 years old.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing MAM with tare weight: MAM is the maximum authorized weight with load, not empty weight. Always use the data from the technical specifications.
- Ignoring the 3,500 kg limit for motorhomes: many large motorhomes exceed this weight, and driving them with only a B license is illegal.
- Not considering the need for B96 or B+E if the combination exceeds 3,500 kg: even if your trailer weighs less than 750 kg, if the combination exceeds 3,500 kg (e.g., a very heavy car with a light trailer), additional authorization is required.
- Skipping the ITV: motorhomes have specific deadlines; not meeting them can lead to fines and inspection problems.
- Assuming the car insurance covers the caravan: for trailers >750 kg, separate insurance is mandatory.
Templates and Tools
License Verification Template
| Concept | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Towing vehicle MAM | [kg] | Technical specifications |
| Trailer MAM (if applicable) | [kg] | Technical specifications |
| Total combination MAM | [kg] | Sum of the two above |
| Vehicle type (motorhome/caravan) | [ ] | Indicate if self-propelled or towed |
| Combination ≤3,500 kg? | [Yes/No] | If Yes, only B license |
| Trailer >750 kg? | [Yes/No] | If Yes and combination >3,500 kg, check B96 or B+E |
| Motorhome >3,500 kg? | [Yes/No] | If Yes, needs C1 or C |
| Required license | [B/B96/B+E/C1/C] | - |
| Next ITV date | [dd/mm/yyyy] | Check regulations |
Quick Calculator (Mental)
- Do you have a caravan with MAM ≤750 kg? → B license.
- Do you have a caravan with MAM >750 kg and the total combination ≤3,500 kg? → B license.
- Is the total combination >3,500 kg but ≤4,250 kg? → B96.
- Is the total combination >4,250 kg? → B+E.
- Motorhome with MAM ≤3,500 kg? → B license.
- Motorhome with MAM 3,501-7,500 kg? → C1.
- Motorhome with MAM >7,500 kg? → C.
Remember that C1 and C licenses are the same as those required for cargo trucks or passenger transport. If you have never obtained a B license, see our complete guide on B license to learn the prerequisites.
Conclusion
The four-step framework based on MAM allows you to quickly and accurately determine which license you need to drive with a caravan, motorhome, or trailer. Remember that Spanish regulations, updated by DGT Instruction PROT 2026/0, are clear: the critical limit is 3,500 kg total MAM. Knowing your MAM, correctly classifying your vehicle, and checking ITV and insurance requirements will save you from penalties and allow you to enjoy your trips with full legal safety. Whenever in doubt, go to an official examination center, and if you need to prepare, at examen de manejo we offer resources to obtain the necessary authorizations.