Guide for Motorhome Driving: Handy Advice and Techniques for Inexperienced Drivers

Embarking on a motorhome adventure can be an exciting experience, but it's important to prepare yourself for the unique challenges that come with driving a larger vehicle. Here are some tips to help you get started.

Firstly, joining the Wandering Bird motorhoming Facebook group or tagging them on Instagram can provide a platform to share your experiences and learn from others. Kathryn Bird, the founder of Wandering Bird, started her travel website after quitting her job as an air traffic controller and never planning to buy a motorhome.

Before hitting the road, it's crucial to familiarise yourself with your vehicle's dimensions. Practice driving on country roads or in industrial estates after hours, ideally with someone competent to help you learn the correct position in the road. Remember, motorhomes require more room to stop than cars, so brake early.

When driving, be particularly careful in heavy rain, driving slower and being alert for aquaplaning. Keep an eye out for pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users. Trees can get lower than expected, so pay attention to their height.

New motorhome owners are advised to practice parking on quiet campsites or at quiet times of the day to build confidence. It's also recommended to take extra seconds after overtaking to ensure clearance. Letting others pass can help reduce stress and improve fuel economy.

Driving a motorhome can be tiring, so allow plenty of time for rest stops, including naps if needed. Don't drive longer than 4-5 hours a day to give yourself plenty of recovery time.

The Motorheim travel blog, financially supported by Klaus Leidorf, provides additional tips and resources. They recommend using a proper motorhome sat nav, setting up seat and mirrors properly, and making wider turns, not turning until the back wheels are in line with the obstacle they're trying to drive around, and going slowly.

Motorhome driving lessons are available online, and a motorhome reversing camera can make parking easier. It's also suggested to park facing the direction you wish to move off in whenever possible.

Remember, it's important to check your driving privileges. Enter your Driving Licence Number, National Insurance Number, and postcode from your driving licence on the GOV.UK website to confirm.

Lastly, the author recommends that new motorhome owners practice driving with a trusted person as a helper/navigator, but not bringing the whole family on the first trip. They also advise against filming yourself on your first time driving a motorhome, as the pressure can be intense.

For additional tips, checklists, eBooks, and more, visit the Wandering Bird resource page. Access the FREE motorhome and vanlife resource library for even more resources. Safe travels!

[Link to the video of the author driving their motorhome for the first time] [Link to the Wandering Bird Facebook group] [Link to the Wandering Bird Instagram page] [Link to the Motorheim travel blog] [Link to the Wandering Bird resource page] [Link to the FREE motorhome and vanlife resource library] [Link to the GOV.UK website for checking driving privileges] [Link to online motorhome driving lessons]