Driving a campervan for the first time can feel daunting, especially if you’re more familiar with compact city cars than spacious homes-on-wheels. But with the right approach, a bit of preparation, and some handy tips, you’ll quickly go from nervous newbie to confident road tripper.

At Quirky Campers, we’ve helped thousands of first-time drivers take the wheel of a campervan – and love every minute of it. Whether you’re hiring one of our handcrafted campers or planning your first campervan holiday, here’s everything you need to know about driving a campervan safely and confidently.

Why Driving a Campervan is Easier Than You Think

Feeling nervous is totally normal. Campervans are bigger, heavier, and handle differently than cars – but they’re not difficult once you get the hang of it. In fact, many of our customers find campervans more comfortable to drive:

“I actually love driving vans. The seat position suits me more than cars, plus they are often more powerful than my old cars.”

Let’s dive into the top tips to help make your first campervan adventure stress-free and fun.

1. Relax, Slow Down & Enjoy the Journey 🚐💨

The first rule of campervan driving: it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey. Give yourself plenty of extra time so you’re never rushing. Slower driving not only helps with safety but also means you can soak up the scenery, stop spontaneously, and truly unwind.

“Relax, slow down and enjoy the journey – it’s as much a part of the camper experience as the destination.” – @campercookout

And if someone behind you is impatient? That’s their problem, not yours. Pull over if you need to let them pass, and continue enjoying your trip.

2. Know the Size of Your Campervan 🚧

Campervans come in all shapes and sizes, and it’s crucial to know your van’s dimensions, especially the height and length.

You’ll find this information in your vehicle info pack when hiring from Quirky Campers. This helps when approaching:

• Low bridges
• Narrow country lanes
• Multi-storey car parks
• Campsite pitches with size limits

Take corners wide and gently. If you’re used to a car, you’ll need more room at junctions. One camper owner recommends:

“Wait until no cars are coming in either direction so you can swing out safely.”

Pro tip: Some campsites charge extra for longer vehicles, so check their requirements in advance.

3. Set Up and Use Your Mirrors 🪞

Most campervans don’t have rear-view mirrors the way cars do – so your side mirrors are your best friends.

Before setting off, take a moment to adjust your wing mirrors properly. You want maximum visibility down the sides and behind the van. Then use them frequently:

“Most drivers don’t use their wing mirrors enough. You should be glancing in both constantly.” – Gleeful’s owner

Backup cameras can help, but don’t rely solely on them. Practice makes perfect!

 4. Understand Campervan Speed Limits ⏱️

Speed limits for campervans depend on weight. Vehicles under 3.05 tonnes unladen weight follow standard car speed limits. Over that? Here’s the rule of thumb:

You’ll find your van’s unladen weight on the vehicle page or in your rental details.

• Regardless of legal limits, always:
• Take breaks to avoid fatigue
• Leave more stopping distance
• Go slower on winding or unfamiliar roads

Speed limits vary depending on the weight of your vehicle. Those with an unladen weight of less than 3.05 tonnes have the same speed limits as a car, but those over 3.05 are slightly different – see table below taken from www.gov.uk/speed-limits.

Most but not all Quirky Campers vans have an unladen weight of less than 3.05 tonnes, but do check the weight of the vehicle you are hiring – you can find this on the webpage under ‘The vehicle’.

Also relevant to this section is the vehicle age. A 1978 vehicle with 4 gears will drive much slower than 2012 turbo diesel with 6. Make sure you check this out and plan your trip accordingly.

Regardless of legal speed limits, do remember that a van is slower to stop than a car, so go slow and leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front.

5. Parking Tips for Campervans 🅿️

One of the most common concerns for beginners is parking. With a few smart habits, you’ll feel more at ease:

• Park facing outwards: Easier to exit, especially in tight spots
• Use a spotter: Ask your passenger (or friendly passer-by) to help guide you into a space
• Reverse slowly: Pedestrians often don’t realise they’re in your blind spot
• Avoid tight urban streets: If possible, plan your route with easy stops

As @vansformation says:

“Pedestrians will walk behind a van reversing out of a space with alarming regularity and disregard!”

6. Plan Your Route and Use Apps 📱

Avoid surprises by planning your route with campervan-friendly navigation. Apps like:

• Park4Night – for wild camping spots
• Campercontact – great for stopovers
• Waze or Google Maps – add low bridge warnings

Also, check the age and gearbox type of your vehicle. Older campervans with 4 gears will drive slower and might struggle on steep inclines. Factor this into your itinerary.

7. Campervan Driving Tips for Beginners – Safety Essentials 🛠️

• Carry a first aid kit
• Check tyre pressure regularly
• Keep fuel topped up – rural petrol stations can be sparse
• Secure everything before driving – loose items can slide during motion
• Make sure gas bottles and appliances are turned off while driving

8. Be Kind to Your Campervan (and Yourself) 💛

Driving a campervan is a different pace of life. Embrace it.

• Take regular breaks
• Treat your van gently – especially the clutch and brakes
• Avoid unnecessary stress – if you’re unsure about a road, skip it!

You’re not just driving; you’re living in your vehicle. Respect the space and enjoy the freedom it gives you.

FAQs: Driving a Campervan for the First Time

Is it hard to drive a campervan?

It might feel intimidating at first, but most drivers adjust quickly. Campervans are designed to be manageable and comfortable.

Can I drive a campervan on a standard UK licence?

Yes, if the van is under 3.5 tonnes. All Quirky Campers can be driven with a standard Category B licence.

How do I reverse park a campervan?

Use mirrors, go slowly, and ask for help if needed. Practice in an empty car park before your trip.

Do I need special insurance?

When hiring a campervan through Quirky Campers, comprehensive insurance is included. Always check what’s covered.

What if I break down?

All our campervans come with breakdown cover. Help is just a phone call away.

So, how difficult is it to drive a motorhome or campervan?

It takes some getting used to but most of our owners and customers report that although the idea is scary the actual experience is really enjoyable! Just remember these tips:

1. Take it slowly and leave plenty of time to get to your destination
2. Know exactly how big your vehicle is and check size restrictions of bridges, campsites etc
3. Use your mirrors continuously
4. Know which speed limits apply to you
5. Pull out further into the junction than you expect to make a turn
6. Back into parking spaces in car parks – often people don’t realise they are invisible behind you

Now you’re feeling confident, why not check out our full range of campervans available for hire?

Ready to Hit the Road?

Driving a campervan for the first time is a unique and rewarding experience. With these beginner-friendly tips, you’ll feel ready to explore winding country roads, coastal highways, and remote wild camping spots with confidence.

Explore our full range of campervans available for hire and get ready for the road trip of a lifetime.

And if you’ve got campervan driving tips of your own, we’d love to hear them – share your adventures with us on Instagram @quirkycampers.

You might also enjoy:

• The Best Campervans for Families
• Why Take the Kids Campervanning?
• How To Hire A Campervan With Quirky Campers

Happy campervanning! 🌄