Is a motorhome actually hard to drive if you’ve never driven anything bigger than a car?

If you're used to driving a regular car, getting behind the wheel of a motorhome for the first time can feel like a big step up. But while there are a few differences to get used to, driving a motorhome is generally much more manageable than first-time travellers expect.

When you arrive at the rental branch to collect your campervan or motorhome, you'll be shown around the vehicle by a staff member. Every Apollo hire starts with a walkthrough of the vehicle you'll be taking on your road trip, including things like where the mirrors and controls are, how tall it is, and what to check before you hit the road. There's no such thing as a question that's too basic to ask the staff at the branch.

What makes a motorhome easy to drive?

Modern motorhomes have several features that help make the transition from driving a car feel straightforward.

What feels different from driving a car?

The biggest adjustment is simply being aware that your motorhome is larger than the car you normally drive. It's also worth knowing that campervans and motorhomes don't feel the same behind the wheel. If you've driven a minivan or a large SUV, a campervan isn't much of a jump up. The driving position is higher, but the footprint is similar.

A motorhome will feel noticeably larger, both in width and length. The adjustment is still very manageable, and most drivers find things feel normal and comfortable sooner than they expect. Use your side mirrors, use the reversing camera if your motorhome has one, and ask your travel companion to hop out and spot you when you're moving into tighter spaces like campgrounds and car parks.

One thing that surprises almost everyone is the sideways push you feel when a truck overtakes you or when driving in windy weather. A motorhome has a lot of flat surface area, so it moves in a way a car doesn't. It feels different the first time you experience it, but simply remain calm, hold the wheel steady with both hands, and ease off slightly rather than braking hard. On windy days, slow down and leave more room, or if it's extremely windy, change your travel plans to suit the weather.

Apollo Tip: Avoid undercover car parks and takeaway drive-throughs. Most motorhomes and campervans will be too tall to fit.

How long does it take to get used to driving a motorhome?

For many first-time motorhome drivers, the first few minutes behind the wheel feel unfamiliar simply because the vehicle is bigger.

After around half an hour, you'll usually have a much better sense of its width, mirrors and turning space. Once you've spent an hour or so on the road, driving can start to feel surprisingly normal.

Apollo Tip: Don't rush those first few kilometres. Take it easy, check your mirrors regularly and give yourself a little extra room. You'll likely be surprised by how quickly it starts to feel familiar.

For more details on the practical side, our tips for first-time motorhome drivers walks through set-up, parking and everyday driving in more detail.

What if you're visiting from overseas?

If you normally drive on the other side of the road, there's an additional adjustment to make when driving in Australia or New Zealand. However, it's the same adjustment you would make when driving a rental car.

Take extra care when setting off, turning at intersections and entering or exiting roundabouts. Allow yourself time to get comfortable with both the vehicle and local road rules before heading further afield.

If New Zealand is your destination, our guide to driving a campervan in New Zealand covers the road conditions and local tips worth knowing before you set off.

FAQs about driving a motorhome for the first time

What if I've never driven anything bigger than a Corolla?

That's okay. You don't need previous experience driving a large vehicle to get behind the wheel of a motorhome. The main difference is getting used to its width, length and height. Drive slowly, use your mirrors regularly and give yourself extra space when turning and parking.

Do I need any special driving experience?

No special motorhome driving experience is required. If you're comfortable and legally permitted to drive a car, the transition to a motorhome is generally straightforward. Always check the licence requirements for your rental and destination before travelling.

How long until driving a motorhome feels normal?

Everyone is different, but many drivers find the initial unfamiliarity disappears quickly. The first ten minutes might feel a little unusual, but after half an hour you'll likely be much more comfortable with the vehicle's size and position on the road.

Is a motorhome harder to drive in the wet?

As with any vehicle, wet weather means you should adjust your driving. Slow down, leave a greater following distance, brake earlier and make smooth movements when steering or changing lanes. A motorhome is heavier than a typical car, so allowing extra stopping distance is important.

Is a motorhome hard to park?

Parking takes the most getting used to, but it's a skill you'll pick up in a day or two rather than something you need to master beforehand. Use the reversing camera if your vehicle has one, go slower than feels necessary, and get your travel companion out of the vehicle to spot you in tight campgrounds and car parks. Hand signals through the side mirror beat a shouted conversation every time.

Where you can, park where you can drive forward out again instead of reversing out. Shopping centres and beachside car parks often have long bays at the far end of the lot, and they're usually worth the extra walk.

For most travellers, driving a campervan or motorhome is simpler than it sounds. Once you get behind the wheel and adjust to driving a motorhome, you can focus on planning the fun part of the journey.

When you're ready, you can easily book your Apollo camper online and pick it up from your closest Apollo branch before hitting the road.