What Type of License Do You Need to Rent a Truck or Utility Vehicle?

The Category B License
Let’s start with the most common license, since it’s the one required to drive any light vehicle. Legally speaking, “light” refers to a GVWR that does not exceed 3,500 kg. A Category B license is therefore sufficient for driving a motorhome or a standard van (more on this later). It’s also important to note that the number of seats is limited to 8 passengers maximum, in addition to the driver, with a B license.

The Category C1 License
The C1 license becomes essential once the vehicle’s GVWR exceeds 3,500 kg. With this license, you are still limited to a GVWR of 7,500 kg, which is sufficient for driving many light trucks such as the Fiat Ducato 3TC or the Mercedes Sprinter 5T.

The Category C License
Finally, the Category C license—also known as the “heavy vehicle license”—allows you to drive all trucks, including those exceeding a GVWR of 7,500 kg. It’s the ideal choice if you need to manage a large move. The only requirements to take the test are being at least 21 years old and having held a Category B license for at least 2 years.

Examples of Vehicles and Required Licenses
To sum up, here are a few common vehicles and the license needed to drive them:

– Renault Kangoo: GVWR 2,500 kg = Category B
– Fiat Ducato 3T5: GVWR 3,500 kg = Category B
– Iveco Daily T7: GVWR 7,000 kg = Category C1
– 12-ton truck: GVWR 12,000 kg = Category C

What Other Regulations Should You Not Overlook?
We previously mentioned the GVWR, or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. This corresponds to the empty weight of the vehicle plus the payload (passengers and goods). Therefore, even though you’re legally allowed to drive a Fiat Ducato 3T5 with a B license, you must ensure that you do not overload it. Exceeding 3,500 kg puts you out of compliance and exposes you to penalties.

Utility vehicles and trucks also have specific speed limits on highways and national roads, so make sure to check them before driving. Another important point is access-restricted zones. Between Low Emission Zones (LEZ) and areas prohibited to heavy vehicles, you are not allowed to drive everywhere. Finally, renting a truck will often require specific insurance.

What About Young Drivers?
In theory, young drivers are allowed to rent a light vehicle from their first year of driving. However, some rental companies require at least one or two years of driving experience. In addition, insurance deductibles are often higher for young drivers due to increased accident risk. If you are under 25, we strongly suggest checking all conditions beforehand.

Practical Tips Before Renting
Here are some simple tips to avoid unpleasant surprises:

– Check the GVWR on the vehicle registration to ensure you are compliant
– Take the time to read the rental contract carefully, including included coverage, assistance options, and return conditions
– Anticipate parking and access constraints, especially height (some trucks exceed 3 meters) and access-restricted areas
– Prepare the necessary equipment for transporting goods, such as straps, a hand truck, and protective blankets

Final Takeaway
As you can see, simply holding a standard Category B license is enough to drive most utility vehicles available for rent. There’s no need to obtain a heavy-vehicle license unless you truly require a high-capacity truck.

In any case, we encourage you to double-check everything if you have any doubts. At CarGo, our teams are ready to welcome you in one of our 450 agencies across mainland France and overseas territories—so don’t hesitate!