Driving Licence Categories and Entitlements

The back of your driving licence shows which vehicles you are entitled to drive using category codes. Here are the main ones:

Your licence also shows the dates from which each entitlement is valid and when it expires. Some categories are granted automatically when you pass your car test (like AM), while others require separate tests.

Yes, as long as the van does not exceed 3,500kg Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) when fully loaded. Your standard Category B licence covers this.

Most popular commercial vans have versions that fall within this limit:

Larger vans and some long-wheelbase Sprinter models can exceed 3,500kg, which would require a Category C1 licence. Always check the MAM rating on the van's V5C document or manufacturer specifications.

This depends on when you passed your driving test:

Passed before 1 January 1997: You automatically have D1 entitlement on your licence, allowing you to drive minibuses with up to 16 passenger seats (not for hire or reward, unless you also have D1 with no restrictions).

Passed on or after 1 January 1997: You do not have automatic D1 entitlement. However, you may be able to drive a minibus under specific conditions:

The minibus has no more than 16 passenger seats, is used for non-commercial purposes (e.g., a community group), you are over 21, you have held your licence for at least 2 years, and you are not being paid to drive (beyond expenses).

If you need to drive minibuses commercially or outside these conditions, you will need to pass a separate D1 test.

The motorcycle licence system uses a progressive access structure based on age and power:

Progressive access means that if you have held an A2 licence for at least 2 years, you can take a further practical test to upgrade to Category A at age 21 instead of waiting until 24.

All motorcycle categories require completing a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course before you can ride on the road, followed by theory and practical tests for a full licence.

The rules depend on when you passed your test:

Passed before 1 January 1997: You have B+E entitlement, allowing you to tow trailers and caravans with a combined weight (car + trailer) exceeding 3,500kg.

Passed on or after 1 January 1997: You can tow a trailer up to 750kg without restriction. You can also tow a heavier trailer as long as the combined MAM of the car and trailer does not exceed 3,500kg.

For combinations exceeding 3,500kg, you will need a Category C1+E licence, which requires a separate test.

With a provisional driving licence, you can drive the following:

Cars (Category B): You must display L plates (D plates in Wales), and be accompanied by a supervising driver who is at least 21 years old and has held a full driving licence for at least 3 years.

Mopeds (Category AM): After completing a CBT course, you can ride mopeds up to 50cc and 45km/h on the road without a supervising rider.

Motorcycles (Category A1): After completing CBT, you can ride motorcycles up to 125cc and 11kW on the road with L plates. You cannot carry passengers or use motorways.

You cannot drive on motorways with a provisional car licence (unless accompanied by an approved driving instructor in a dual-control car).

No. Electric cars are classified the same as petrol and diesel cars under the standard Category B licence. No additional training, test, or licence category is required.

This applies to all types of electric vehicles including fully electric (BEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and hybrid vehicles. The same applies to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

If you take your driving test in an electric or automatic car, your licence will be restricted to automatic vehicles only (shown as code 78 on your licence). To drive manual cars, you would need to pass a test in a manual vehicle.

Yes, if the motorhome has a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of no more than 3,500kg. This covers many smaller campervans and some mid-size motorhomes.

For motorhomes over 3,500kg but under 7,500kg, you need a Category C1 licence. If you passed your car test before 1 January 1997, you may already have C1 entitlement on your licence.

For motorhomes over 7,500kg, you need a full Category C licence.