kelly58 Posted December 12, 2014 Share Posted December 12, 2014 I know its been mentioned before back in the dark ages , but its an issue that I've never had to deal with . I am selling our well loved motorhome which has a gross weight of 3650kgs to a gent who is 71 years young . Can someone clarify the legal requirement regarding his licence to drive this vehicle . I am aware of SV Tec and weight reduction , because I used them to uplift my Autosleeper from 3300kgs to 3500kgs.Thanks in advance for your valid replies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest pelmetman Posted December 12, 2014 Share Posted December 12, 2014 If he's had the medical to keep his entitlement to drive vehicles over 3.5 ton then he's legal ;-) ............ I admire your concern for your buyer B-) ............. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Dwight Posted December 12, 2014 Share Posted December 12, 2014 He could always reapply for his C1 as I did. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pampam Posted December 12, 2014 Share Posted December 12, 2014 I wrongly assumed a tracker was under 3,500 tons am surprised pp:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StuartO Posted December 12, 2014 Share Posted December 12, 2014 It does seem a bit of a performance for the extra 150kg and of course your buyers alternative could be to replate the vehicle to 3,500kg and not bother. And by doing this he would also gain flexibility, eg the freedom to drive through all those french villages where vehicles over 3,500kg are banned and use motorways in Austria much mire easily, if he is like to go touring abroad. However payload is payload, so he might want to hang on to it. The fee for the medical examination to get the med form completed varies but will often exceed £100 and an optician's examination might also be needed. There are some medical conditions which would deny him a C1 licnce, so best to read up on it to avoid disappointment after paying for the examinations. You are effectively required to have the same minimum standard of medical fitness as an HGV/PSV driver. Sadly you have to repeat the medical exmamination every three years too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Dwight Posted December 12, 2014 Share Posted December 12, 2014 The reduced road fund over three years more than pays for the Medical. The extra 150kg means more pay load or at least a comfortable margin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harvey Posted December 12, 2014 Share Posted December 12, 2014 He needs to have retained his C1 entitlement when he had to renew his licence at age 70. He would have needed to have a medical for this. If he just renewed his licence without having the medical he would have lost his C1 and now be limited to 3500kg gross weight. I have this medical every year because I have a D licence. I use a 'travelling doctor' for this and it costs £58 this year. I use: these people http://www.driversmedicals.com/ This information is for the OP and for general info. for any others interested. hth Harvey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
betsy Posted December 12, 2014 Share Posted December 12, 2014 My recent experience of trying to renew one's entitlement to continue to drive a 3,500kg plus motorhome (mine is plated at 4,000kg) when turning 70 years young is still something that "niggles" me. In late June 2014 (about 7 weeks before my 70th) I submitted my application to the DVLA. It was accompanied by both parts of my soon-to-be-expired driving licence and the completed medical form, which the doctor who examined me said contained nothing that should concern the DVLA. Also attached to my application were the results of a separate eyesight examination which had been conducted by an eye specialist. Whilst this latter document noted a developing cataract problem (which has been diagnosed some years previously and, I was told, had some way to go before needing corrective eye surgery). The optician concerned also confirmed that I did not need any new prescription lenses (I have glasses for reading only) and that my eyesight was fine for driving both by day and by night. Its a long and frustrating story but basically it took the DVLA nearly five months to approve my application. At one point, because I was intending to visit Europe in my 'van in September, I wrote to them asking about the progress of my application. They simply told me that my papers were sitting in a queue and that I should check with the governments of any countries that I was intending to visit if they would accept the UK arrangement of being able to continue to drive when both parts of one's licence had been returned to the DVLA. I did try to research how long average waiting times were but could not find a lot on info on that score. At no point in my research into the DVLA's own website was there any indication of how long applications might take. I even contacted my local surgery to see if they had been contacted by the DVLA and was told that no such enquiries had been received. Some 3 months after making my initial application I received a letter giving me 2 days notice to reply to their earlier request for me to self-certify on two points. This "bolt-from-the-blue" warned me that I would be banned (totally) from driving any vehicle if they had not received an answer by the deadline which....... expired before I actually received their warning!! Fortunately I had replied to their earlier request (within a couple of days of actually receiving it) and had proof of posting. The whole experience left me with the feeling that this particular part of the DVLA was not working as I, the "customer", had a right to expect. My experience was, actually, that it was not fit for purpose so much so that I am considering taking the mater further. In this connection, I would be interested to hear if anyone else out there has had similar problems renewing their 3,500+ entitlement? Merry Christmas all! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keithl Posted December 13, 2014 Share Posted December 13, 2014 A question for anyone reading which I have not yet seen an answer to... If you have let your C1 lapse when renewing at age 70 and then later re-apply for it do you: a) Automatically get it back subject to passing a medical etc. OR b) Have to take a full HGV test to regain any rights to drive over 3.5 tonnes? Any takers? Keith. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rolandrat Posted December 13, 2014 Share Posted December 13, 2014 There could be a time limit so it might be best to ring the DVLA for guidance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peacock312 Posted December 13, 2014 Share Posted December 13, 2014 Thanks Harvey,I have downloaded the info for my next medical next March. I know someone well who at age seventy downplated a 3850 kegs to 3500 hgs.and continues to drive and who carries a hell of a load inc.big mobility scooter,big generated,it would be overloaded at its original plating! But they won't listen to me! This is a naughty loophole that a few use,and it annoys me they get away with it untill they are caught,if ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Kirby Posted December 13, 2014 Share Posted December 13, 2014 There is no loophole here, as I understand lophole (i.e. exploiting a deficiency in legislation to circumvent it). If the vehicle is plated down to 3,500kg, that becomes its new authorised maximum legal weight. If it is then loaded beyond 3,500kg the law will say it is overloaded, irrespective of what may have been its original MAM. So, if your friend's van is running at more that 3,500kg, and he is stopped and the vehicle weighed, he will be just as much in to poo as would be the case for anyone else whose vehicle weighs more than is permissible. He is merely taking a chance on whether he gets pulled and weighed. If he is, and it is overweight, he will be liable to be penalised. His decision, his risk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randonneur Posted December 13, 2014 Share Posted December 13, 2014 Keithl - 2014-12-13 8:36 AM A question for anyone reading which I have not yet seen an answer to... If you have let your C1 lapse when renewing at age 70 and then later re-apply for it do you: a) Automatically get it back subject to passing a medical etc. OR b) Have to take a full HGV test to regain any rights to drive over 3.5 tonnes? Any takers? Keith. A friend of ours did just that, let it lapse because he was living in France, came back to live in UK applied at age of 71 and got the lot including his motorcycle licence, just needed a Doctors letter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billggski Posted December 13, 2014 Share Posted December 13, 2014 The DVLA website isn't very helpful as it is easy to become confused between first time applying for a C1, re-applying under "grandad's rights" and what hgv training is needed. The definitive answer seems to be once you reach 70 you complete the medical form, apply early, but if your request is at the DVLA you can still drive over 3.5T. If you leave it until after your 70th you can still apply and don't need to do the hgv training. If you just down plate your MH to 3.5T you either reduce your payload or run the remote risk of it being weighed and you prosecuted. As Derek says, it's not a loophole or anything to get annoyed about, just some folk taking a chance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sophie2 Posted December 13, 2014 Share Posted December 13, 2014 What is frustrating is that the DVLA do not recognise "Motorhome" as a classification of vehicle.; so for taxation, ours is a Private Heavy Goods Vehicle,, and to retain my C1 licence to drive the Motorhome I need to apply for a "Lorry/Bus" LIcence.! I don't carry "Heavy Goods" and I don't want to drive a Lorry or a Bus! Crazy!!....and given the number of Motorhomes now being used in the UK- even more crazy!1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pepe63xnotuse Posted December 13, 2014 Share Posted December 13, 2014 Surely those of us who are able to drive larger, heavier vehicles purely by the fluke of "Grandfather rights" (..and the majority are unlikely to have ever taken any additional test or training to drive such vehicles?),should just count ourselves lucky that we are/have been able to do so... So come the time, if 100 odd quid and visit to the GP, along with a bit of farm filling is all it takes for someone to keep driving a vehicle which they've probably never taken a test in, then that seems like a good deal... ;-) As for not carrying goods...most MHs are 95% loaded, for 95% of their lives, whereas at least their "delivery van equivalents" get lighter as the day wears on.... ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sophie2 Posted December 13, 2014 Share Posted December 13, 2014 I see our point to some degree but surely there should be some sort of classification that recognises there are "Privately used" vehicles in between the 3.5t and 7.5t - the latter weight which the C1 Motorhome driver would be able to drive but (most likely) would never wish to. And "Private" and "goods" is something of a contradiction in terms when relating mortorhomes to HGV's. More complications arise when companies such a Eurotunnel use the DVLA categories to base their tariffs, leading to confusion when trying to book a "Motorhome" on the tunnel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StuartO Posted December 13, 2014 Share Posted December 13, 2014 I turn 70 next June so I have been researching this. DVLA's computers is supposed to send you a reminder letter that your licence expires on your 70th birthday, ensclosing the relevant forms to apply for a new one 56 days before your birthday. The medical form is included. A special application form is printed by the computer for the licence application and this special form is not otherwise availably - although you can use the ordinary form for applying for an HGV licence instead. If you need to apply early (eg because you will be abroad) enclose a covering letter explaining why, otherwise they will reject the application as too early. The medical form does however remain valid for 4 months from the ate of the doctor signing it and the same mediacl form can be obtained early, so you can do that bit in advance if you wish. There is no point in arguing with DVLA because they call the shots. If however you feel they have behaved unreasonably you could consider writing to your MP about your concerns and the MP will get a better response than you can hope for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PJay Posted December 13, 2014 Share Posted December 13, 2014 Do over 70's REALLY need to drive heavy large motorhomes? Normaly only 2 people in them.The chances are that at some stage any one could have a heart attack or other sudden health problem (even under 70) but higher percentage as one gets older .We manage very well with 3500t for long periods of time If you can't do without home comforts, then stay at home more. Nearer 80 than 70 PJay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billggski Posted December 13, 2014 Share Posted December 13, 2014 It isn't really going to be an issue for most motorhomers for a long time. Those taking their test after 1997, and therefore born after 1980, are 34 at present. They are the ones that have to take the hgv test. The rest of us can continue driving vehicles of up to 7.5 T until we pop our clogs. (Probably whilst driving it) Not a reassuring thought. (I took my test in 1962 in a Triumph Herald, not had a lesson since, but of course I am an expert driver) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gypsymu Posted December 13, 2014 Share Posted December 13, 2014 Hi Betsy I didnt have the medical at 70 and just got the normal licence as our van was only 3500 kgs but then we thought we may get one a bit heavier so to keep my options open I applied at 73 to get the 7500kgs entitlement. My licence ran out in August & it took them until February to decide I could have the new licence. This was after having been on the treadmill,getting Doctor to fill in D4 form and getting ryes retested. The worst thing was being kept waiting all that time. Now we have definitely decided to stick to 3500 kgs as its only going to cause more hassle each time you apply. I have just sent off my application using D1 form but had no acknowledgement to say they have even received it and if you try ringing you get the answerphone telling you how busy they are and don't answer! It's an absolute nightmare. We are due to go to Spain January 6th and hoping my licence arrives before then. I wish you good luck and Merry Christmas to you also. It is appalling the way they treat people! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peacock312 Posted December 14, 2014 Share Posted December 14, 2014 Don't know how old you are Pauline,but when you get to late seventies,all your faculties may be fit for driving but when things like osteoarthritis sets in like my partner has you may need things like mobility scooters,50klgs plus a load of other gear which is necessary but isn't home comforts and then you need space to put such items which means a garage to put it in which usually means rear beds,ie longer,heavier van! Simple as that. Or perhaps maybe,people like us shouldn't motorhome,but stay at home and mope about it. Off to Spain in two hours time,in big four toner for ten weeks,yippee! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peacock312 Posted December 14, 2014 Share Posted December 14, 2014 PS,forgot to say,before anyone else does, Hire,it costs more to hire the said equipment,long term in Spaim than it does to buy one here,to buy same model in Spain is nearly double!. Only place it's cheap to hire mobility scooter in Spain is Benidorm where every other person seems to be on one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peacock312 Posted December 14, 2014 Share Posted December 14, 2014 PS,forgot to say,before anyone else does, Hire,it costs more to hire the said equipment,long term in Spaim than it does to buy one here,to buy same model in Spain is nearly double!. Only place it's cheap to hire mobility scooter in Spain is Benidorm where every other person seems to be on one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rayjsj Posted December 14, 2014 Share Posted December 14, 2014 David Dwight - 2014-12-12 9:15 PM The reduced road fund over three years more than pays for the Medical. The extra 150kg means more pay load or at least a comfortable margin. I agree with this, most of my Touring is in the UK, over here the exclusion limits on villages and towns is 7.5 tonne not the stupid 3500kgs. So I would advise keeping the Load margin,instead of trying to 'sneak in' under 3500, and most probably go overloading (as many many 3500 plated M/h's must be, considering their 'Kit' which appears when onsite). As the Purchaser is 71 he is surely aware of his licence requirements and the medical ? Ray Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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