UK Driving Licence Categories Explained
Understanding the different categories on a UK driving licence can be a bit confusing, but it's essential for ensuring you're driving legally. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the various categories and what they allow you to drive.
Provisional Licence
Before you can obtain a full driving licence, you need to apply for a provisional licence. This allows you to start learning to drive, either in a car, moped, or light quad bike. You must display 'L' plates and be accompanied by someone over 21 who has held a full driving licence for at least three years.
Car Licence (Category B)
A full Category B licence lets you drive a vehicle up to 3,500 kg with up to eight passenger seats. You can also tow a trailer up to 750 kg, or a trailer over 750 kg as long as the combined weight doesn't exceed 3,500 kg.
Motorcycles (Categories AM, A1, A2, A)
AM: Moped with a maximum speed of 45 km/h.
A1: Light motorcycle up to 125 cc and a power output of 11 kW.
A2: Motorcycle up to 35 kW, with a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 0.2 kW/kg.
A: Unlimited motorcycles (access usually gained through progressive access or after passing tests from lower categories).
Medium and Large Vehicles (Categories C1, C1E, C, CE)
C1: Medium-sized vehicles between 3,500 kg and 7,500 kg, with a trailer up to 750 kg.
C1E: As C1 but with a trailer over 750 kg, provided the combined weight doesn't exceed 12,000 kg.
C: Large vehicles over 3,500 kg, with a trailer up to 750 kg.
CE: As C but with a trailer over 750 kg.
Minibuses and Buses (Categories D1, D1E, D, DE)
D1: Minibuses with up to 16 passenger seats and a maximum length of 8 meters, with a trailer up to 750 kg.
D1E: As D1 but with a trailer over 750 kg, provided the combined weight doesn’t exceed 12,000 kg.
D: Any bus with more than 8 passenger seats, with a trailer up to 750 kg.
DE: As D but with a trailer over 750 kg.
Tractors and Specialist Vehicles (Categories F, G, H, K, L, N, P)
F: Agricultural tractors.
G: Road rollers.
H: Tracked vehicles.
K: Mowing machines or pedestrian-controlled vehicles.
L: Electrically-propelled vehicles.
N: Exempted from duty.
P: Mopeds.
Each category has specific requirements and restrictions, so it's crucial to understand what your licence permits. For further details on applying for a provisional licence and specific vehicle categories, visit the official UK government website or consult a reliable driving guide.
This guide aims to provide a clear understanding of what you can drive with different categories on your UK driving licence, ensuring you stay within legal limits and make informed decisions about your driving capabilities. For more information, you can explore detailed guides and official resources.
