Driving licence

Many rental campervans and motorhomes have a maximum authorised mass of up to 3,500 kg. In the UK, a category B (car) licence covers petrol and diesel vehicles with a maximum authorised mass of up to 3,500 kg and up to 8 passenger seats (GOV.UK); in Spain the limit for category B is also 3,500 kg (Spanish regulation). Check the vehicle's maximum authorised mass in the listing and the rules of the country that issued your licence. Minimum age and years of driving experience depend on each company: look for them in the conditions.

When to book

Demand is seasonal. According to Google Trends, searches for "alquiler autocaravana" in Spain rise from January and peak in July; in November they are about a third of the peak (Google Trends, Spain). In the UK, "campervan hire" follows the same pattern (Google Trends, UK), and in Ireland searches in December are a tenth of those in June (Google Trends, Ireland). European Consumer Centre Ireland recommends booking early in high season and checking the cancellation policy if you pay in advance (source).

The real price, not the daily rate

The total price should include all charges known at the time of booking, and any optional extras should be listed too (European Consumer Centre Ireland). Before paying, check:

• mileage included and the price per extra kilometre;
• protection and excess (guide) and deposit (guide);
• fuel policy, cleaning, gas, toilet emptying and one-way fees;
• kitchen kit, bedding, chairs, bike rack and pets;
• cancellation conditions.

How you will contact the company

Find out before the trip whether there is a phone line or only chat, and the number for roadside assistance. If there is only chat, save screenshots of every conversation.

What customers report at pick-up and during the trip

On the day

1. Inspect and record the vehicle before driving away, test lights, brakes and wipers, and get every scratch on the form (source): full guide.
2. Report any fault in writing as soon as it happens, with photos.
3. At the return, get a signed form stating the condition of the vehicle and keep all the paperwork.

Sources

• GOV.UK: driving licence categories
• Spain, General Drivers Regulation (Royal Decree 818/2009), art. 4.2, category B (in Spanish)
• Google Trends: "alquiler autocaravana" in Spain, last 5 years
• Google Trends: "campervan hire" in the UK, last 5 years
• Google Trends: "campervan hire" in Ireland, last 5 years
• European Consumer Centre Ireland: tips for hiring a vehicle in the EU

Sources checked on 13 October 2026.