UK Driving Licence Categories Explained: What Can You Drive?
Car Owl
Published in English •
Summary
- Category B: Cars up to 3,500kg and up to 8 passenger seats - what most drivers have.
- AM, A1, A2, A: Different motorcycle categories based on power and age.
- C and D categories: Lorries and buses - require additional tests.
- Check online: View your categories free at gov.uk.
Ever wondered what all those letters on the back of your driving licence mean? Each category represents a type of vehicle you're entitled to drive.
This guide explains all UK driving licence categories in plain English.
Where to Find Your Categories
Your entitled categories are listed on the back of your photocard licence. You can also check them online at GOV.UK by entering your driving licence number.
Car Categories
Category B - Cars
This is what most drivers have. It allows you to drive:
- Cars up to 3,500kg Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM)
- Vehicles with up to 8 passenger seats (plus the driver)
- Vehicles towing trailers up to 750kg
- Heavier trailers if the combined weight doesn't exceed 3,500kg
Category B Auto
If you passed your test in an automatic car, you'll have "B Auto" - this restricts you to automatics only. You can upgrade by passing a manual test.
Category B+E (Legacy)
This was for towing larger trailers. It's no longer issued to new drivers since 2021 - Category B now covers most towing situations.
Motorcycle Categories
| Category | What You Can Ride | Minimum Age |
|---|---|---|
| AM | Mopeds up to 50cc, max 45km/h | 16 |
| Q | 2 or 3-wheeled vehicles up to 50cc, max 25km/h | 16 |
| A1 | Light motorcycles up to 125cc, max 11kW | 17 |
| A2 | Medium motorcycles up to 35kW | 19 |
| A | Any motorcycle (unrestricted power) | 24 (or 21 with progressive access) |
You need to pass a theory and practical test for each category (with some progression options).
Lorry (HGV) Categories
| Category | What You Can Drive | Minimum Age |
|---|---|---|
| C1 | Medium lorries 3,500kg to 7,500kg | 18 |
| C | Large lorries over 3,500kg | 21 (18 with Driver CPC) |
| C1+E | C1 vehicles with trailers over 750kg | 18 |
| C+E | Category C vehicles with trailers over 750kg | 21 (18 with Driver CPC) |
These require medical examinations, separate tests, and Driver CPC qualification for professional drivers.
Bus (PCV) Categories
| Category | What You Can Drive | Minimum Age |
|---|---|---|
| D1 | Minibuses with 9-16 passenger seats | 21 |
| D | Any bus with more than 8 passenger seats | 24 (21 with Driver CPC) |
| D1+E | D1 vehicles with trailers over 750kg | 21 |
| D+E | Category D vehicles with trailers over 750kg | 24 (21 with Driver CPC) |
Other Categories
Category F - Agricultural Tractors
Automatically included with Category B. Allows you to drive tractors.
Category G - Road Rollers
For driving road rollers that don't have certain features. Niche but included with Category B.
Category H - Tracked Vehicles
For tracked vehicles (like tanks) - requires a specific test.
Category K - Mowing Machines and Pedestrian-Controlled Vehicles
Included with Category B.
Provisional Entitlements
When you get a provisional licence, you automatically have provisional entitlement to various categories. This means you can learn to drive those vehicles (with appropriate supervision) but can't drive them independently until you pass the test.
Grandfather Rights
Some entitlements were granted automatically based on when you passed your test:
- Before 1 January 1997: Automatic B+E entitlement (full towing rights)
- Before 1 January 1997: Category D1 (minibuses) may be included if you passed before certain dates
- Before certain dates: Category C1 was sometimes included
Check your licence or GOV.UK to see exactly what you're entitled to.
Medical Requirements
Some categories require medical checks:
- All categories: Must meet minimum eyesight standards
- Group 2 (lorries, buses): Medical examination required initially and at renewal
- Age 70+: Must renew every 3 years with self-declaration of health
Certain medical conditions must be declared to the DVLA and may affect your entitlements.
Information Codes on Your Licence
You may see codes next to your categories. Common ones include:
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 01 | Must wear glasses or contact lenses |
| 78 | Restricted to automatic vehicles |
| 79 | Restricted to certain vehicle specifications |
| 101 | Not for hire or reward |
| 102 | Drawbar trailers only |
How to Add Categories
To add a new category to your licence:
- Check the minimum age and requirements
- Apply for provisional entitlement (if not automatic)
- Take any required training
- Pass the relevant theory test (if required)
- Pass the practical test
- Your licence will be updated with the new category
Common Questions
Can I drive a van on a Category B licence?
Yes, as long as it weighs no more than 3,500kg (most standard vans). Larger vans may require Category C1.
Can I drive a minibus on a Category B licence?
Only if you passed before January 1997 and were granted D1, or for voluntary/community purposes under specific conditions.
How do I check what categories I have?
Visit GOV.UK and use the "View your driving licence information" service. It's free and shows all your entitlements.
Final Thoughts
Understanding your licence categories ensures you drive only what you're legally entitled to. Driving a vehicle you're not licensed for is a serious offence - your insurance is invalid, and you could face prosecution.
If you're unsure about your entitlements, check online at GOV.UK. It takes two minutes and could save you a lot of trouble.
Read our other articles:
Instant Vehicle History Checker
Get a comprehensive 90+ point check and uncover the full story behind any vehicle.
Fast • Easy • Secure
Sell Your Car for Free
Get competitive offers from trusted UK buyers within hours. Your 7-day listing ensures maximum exposure and hassle-free selling with free home collection.