Travel Safety Tips: UK Driving Licence Categories

What are the categories and codes on my driving licence? What you can (and can’t) drive on a standard UK driving licence

Safe and legal driving goes far beyond the highway code. Ever wondered about the different categories on the back of your UK driving licence? What do they mean? Why do we have them? Do they indicate any driving restrictions? For something so familiar that many of us carry around day-to-day, it’s surprising to realise that we don’t really know much about them. This is why we’ve compiled a list of all those confusing driving licence categories and codes, so you can see what you can and can’t drive once you’ve passed your driving test, as well as which ones you’ll need to take an additional test for.

Why is it important to check my driving licence?

Around 75% of adults in the UK hold a driving licence. That’s a lot of people on the road! With commuting, road trips and long distance journeys becoming more frequent, it’s crucial to keep track of the validity, condition and personal information on your licence.

If you’re going on a big drive or crossing borders for a holiday, it’s even more important – because it’s likely that your licence will be checked.

Want to discover more about driving licence codes and categories? We’ve got you covered.

What do the driving licence categories mean?

Find out about the different types of driving licence categories, and see what you’re currently entitled to drive with your standard UK driving licence.

What do the categories on your driving licence mean?

Standard UK driving licence categories

Category AM

This classification means you can drive two- or three-wheeled motors with a maximum design speed between 15.5mph and 28mph. But, you’ll need to pass a compulsory basic training test (CBT) as well.

This classification also includes quad bikes that have a maximum design speed of between 15.5mph and 28mph, weighing no more than 350kg (doesn’t include batteries on electric vehicles).

Category B

To drive any car, Category B is the classification you’ll need; you can drive vehicles up to 3,500kg Maximum Authorised Mass, with up to eight passenger seats.

If you’re over 21, Category B also means you can drive motor tricycles that have a power output higher than 15kW; you also get provisional entitlement to ride category motor tricycles that meet Cat A1 or A requirements (and if you’re physically disabled).

Category F

If your licence has category F on it – all standard ones do – you can drive an agricultural tractor. That’s right, you can hop behind the wheel of a tractor with no restrictions!

Category K

TThis driving licence category means you can get behind the wheel of a pedestrian-controlled vehicle; in other words, any self-propelled device you walk behind to control. For example, a mowing machine.

Category Q

With category Q, you can drive a two-wheeled vehicle with an engine size of no more than 50cc,and have a maximum design speed of no more than 15.5mph.

Driving licence categories you might have

Category B1

If you spot the driving licence category B1, you can drive motor vehicles with four wheels up to 400kg unladen or 550kg if they are designed for carrying goods – this is more common on older driving licences.

Category B+E

If you passed your test before January 1, 1997, you’ll be able to drive a vehicle with a trailer over the usual combined limit of 3,500kg- up to 8,250kg. If you passed your test after this date, you’ll have to take an additional test to tow weights over 3,500kg.

Category B auto

Used instead of a Category B licence, this means you are limited to driving automatic cars only and are not allowed to drive a manual car.

Category P

This is an old category that still lingers on some people’s licences. It refers to two-wheeled vehicles with a maximum design speed of no more than 31mph and an engine size lower than 50cc. On recent licences, this category is merged with Category AM.

Driving licence categories you need to complete an additional test for

Category A

With a catgory A, you can drive motorbikes with a power output more than 35kW or a power to weight ratio more than 0.2kW/kg.

Category A1
With a category A1, you can drive light motorbikes with an engine size up to 125cc, a power output of up to 11kW and a power to weight ratio not more than 0.1kW/kg. This category also includes motor tricycles with power output up to 15kW.

Category AM

This driving licence category means you can drive two or three wheeled motors with a maximum design speed between 15.5mph and 28mph. But, you’ll need to pass a compulsory basic training test (CBT) as well.

This classification also includes quad bikes that have a maximum design speed of between 15.5mph and 28mph, weighing no more than 350kg (doesn’t include batteries on electric vehicles).

Category C1

After passing the appropriate test, you’ll be entitled to drive vehicles weighing between 3,500kg and 7,500kg (with a trailer up to 750kg).

Category C1+E

This driving licence category gives you trailer entitlement to Category C1, meaning you can tow a trailer weighing over 750kg. The catch? The combined weight of both the vehicle and the trailer cannot exceed 12,00kg and the trailer cannot weigh more than the towing vehicle either.

Category C

To get this driving licence category, you’ll need to complete atest to drive vehicles weighing more than 3,500kg (with a trailer up to 750kg).

Category C+E

Category C+E gives you trailer entitlement to Category C, meaning you can tow a trailer weighing over 750kg.

Category D1

With the D1 driving licence category, you can drive a minibus with no more than 16 passenger seats and a maximum length of 8 metres, once you’ve passed the relevant test. You’ll also be able to tow a trailer up to a maximum weight of 750kg.

Category D1+E

With this classification you can drive D1 category vehicles with a trailer over 750kg – provided the combined weight of the trailer and vehicle do not exceed 12,000kg.

Category D

The Category D code means you can drive any bus with more than 8 passenger seats (with a trailer up to 750kg).

Category D+E

WCategory D+E lets you tow a trailer over 750kg on a Category D vehicle.

Category G

If you fancy it, the G driving licence category gives you entitlement to drive a road roller.

Category H

With Category H, you can drive tracked vehicles- and yes, this includes tanks.

Other

You don’t need a driving licence for electric bikes, mobility scooters or powered wheelchairs.

ALL ABOUT DRIVING LICENCE CODES

Along with categories covering what vehicles you can drive, your driving licence codes add a wealth of other information about you – the holder. Here’s what you need to know.

Why are driving licence codes different to categories?

Driving licence categories dictate the types of vehicles that an individual can drive, whereas driving licence codes tell you what conditions actually apply.

How do I check my driving licence codes?

You can find the driving licence codes that relate to your licence by looking under section 12 on the reverse of your driving licence. Ignoring codes can result in big fines, so it’s essential to take note of any restrictions on your licence and comply.

What are the categories of a UK driving license?

The categories of a UK driving license include cars, motorcycles, buses, trucks, and tractors.

What is the code for a car category on a UK driving license?

The code for a car category on a UK driving license is B.

What is the code for a motorcycle category on a UK driving license?

The code for a motorcycle category on a UK driving license is A.

What is the code for a bus category on a UK driving license?

The code for a bus category on a UK driving license is D.

What is the code for a truck category on a UK driving license?

The code for a truck category on a UK driving license is C.

What is the code for a tractor category on a UK driving license?

The code for a tractor category on a UK driving license is F.

Can I drive a car with a motorcycle license in the UK?

No, a motorcycle license does not permit you to drive a car in the UK.

How do I add a new category to my UK driving license?

To add a new category to your UK driving license, you will need to pass the necessary tests and apply for a provisional license for that category.

How many categories can I have on my UK driving license?

You can have as many categories as you are eligible for on your UK driving license.

Are UK driving license categories valid in other countries?

Each country has their own driving license regulations and categories, UK driving license categories may not be valid in other countries and vice versa. It’s best to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to drive in.

Here are some of the common driving licence codes you could find listed under section 12.

Code: 01

This means you need eyesight correction when driving andyou’ll need to wear glasses or contact lenses when driving – by law. Failure to do so could result in a fine and penalty points. You’lll also need to report any changes to your vision or any corrective surgery.

Code: 02

The 02 driving licence code means that a hearing or communication aid must be worn when behind the wheel. As with eyesight, you must tell the DVLA about any changes to your hearing.

Code: 106

106 – restricted to vehicles with automatic transmissions

Code: 115

Not a restriction per-se, but this driving licence code lets authorities know that the holder of the licence is an organ donor.

Click here for a full list of driving licence codes and what they mean.

Safe driving tips

For any journey, safe and legal driving should be the priority. Having a handle on what your driving licence means is a good way to ensure that you’re clued up on the road.

If you’re driving abroad make sure that you know the rules for the country you’re in, such as sign posting, speed limits, directions and general driving laws.

The most valuable safe driving tip is to plan ahead for every journey. Driving conditions change with seasons, and roadworks or road closures are almost guaranteed to delay you at some point. So, schedule in some rest breaks, take your time and don’t get distracted while driving. Got a plane to catch? Get there on time by booking parking in advance.

Your driving licence is your ticket to freedom – so, know it well, use it right and enjoy the drive!