How to Take a Motorhome for a Test Drive

Dealerships are great for a first look — but a true connection happens out on the open road. That’s why taking a motorhome test drive is an absolutely critical part of the journey towards RV ownership.

This guide has been organised into easy-to-follow steps to help you prepare for motorhome test drives. Inside, you’ll find advice on creating wish lists, setting test drive parameters and manoeuvring out of the dealership. You’ll also learn about modern driver assistance features that enhance safety and improve your driving experience, like adaptive cruise control.

Finally, we offer advice for test driving on motorways, urban streets and rural roads — before evaluating your test drive to reach a final decision.

Create two wish lists
Set test drive parameters with the dealership
Prepare for your test drive
Manoeuvre out of the dealership
Navigate urban areas
Drive on the motorway
Travel on rougher rural roads
Evaluate your test drive before returning to the dealership
Consider finance and prepare to negotiate

FAQs about test driving a motorhome

In New Zealand, you can drive a motorhome with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of up to 3,500kg on a standard Class 1 car driver licence. This covers the vast majority of motorhomes available for private use. However, if you're looking at larger RVs or converted buses, you may need a Class 2 licence.

Always check the manufacturer’s plate or vehicle details to confirm the weight before hitting the road for a test drive.

Learn about motorhome weight and payload.

A thorough test drive should take around 45 minutes to an hour. This gives you time to experience the motorhome across a variety of New Zealand road conditions — like state highways, hilly terrain, in the city and winding back roads.

A short loop around the block won’t tell you much. Try to arrange a test route that reflects the types of places you plan to explore, so you can adequately judge the handling, braking and comfort of the motorhome.

Yes, it’s recommended. If you're planning future travels with a partner, family or friends, bringing them along helps ensure the motorhome works for everyone — not just the driver.

Passengers can comment on seating and ride comfort, storage access and whether the living space feels practical in motion. Just ensure everyone is securely seated with seatbelts during the drive, and double-check with the dealership that passengers are allowed during the test.

Evaluating the motorhome’s features during your test drive is important, but so is focusing on how it feels while driving. For instance:

Are the seat and steering positions comfortable?
Is visibility good through the mirrors and windows?
Do the brakes, steering and acceleration respond well — especially in traffic or on uneven roads?

Do some motorhome safety checks to see how certain features, like the reversing camera, perform in real-world conditions. Make note of any rattles, vibrations or cabin noise — and think about whether you’d enjoy long-distance travel in this RV.

Yes. Even motorhomes that look similar on paper can feel very different on the road. By test driving a few, you’ll have a better chance of finding one of the best motorhomes in New Zealand to suit your driving style and travel needs.

It can also highlight things you didn’t think to prioritise — like seat comfort, mirror size or how easy it is to navigate narrow roads. Comparing a handful of options will give you more knowledge and confidence for when it’s time to make your final decision.

Your Ultimate Guide to Test Driving a Motorhome from a Dealership

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FAQs about test driving a motorhome