Let’s be completely honest, not many of us have the foggiest idea what all the driving licence categories and driving licence codes actually mean on our driving licence or, if we do, our knowledge is extremely limited.
So, for those of you who’d like to know more and would like the back of driving licence explained, here’s everything you need to know about the different codes and categories shown on your UK driving licence, including what vehicles you are permitted to drive and what trailer weight you are allowed to tow.
In this guide:
Driving licence categories UK and what they mean
Driving licence codes UK and what they mean
Can I check my driving licence online?
What is the DVLA licence check code?
A DVLA category shown in column 9. on the reverse side of your DVLA licence is made up of alphanumeric characters and vehicle images to show any ‘entitlement’ you may have to drive a particular type of vehicle. Sometimes this column will additionally include a ‘restriction’ applicable to that entitlement.
It is very important that you understand the types of vehicles that you are permitted to drive as not having the correct licence type can void your insurance and include hefty fines.
Driving licence code A permits you to drive motorbikes with a power output in excess of 35kW or motor tricycles with a power output of more than 15kW.
If a Category A is shown, this means you can also ride motorcycles and tricycles described in Category A1 and Category A2.
Any type of alphanumeric ‘B Category’ shown on your licence relates to motor vehicles (and quad bikes) you are permitted to drive.
The two most common categories are B1 and B .
Category B1 permits you to drive light 4-wheel vehicles up to 400kg (or up to 550kg if a vehicle is designed to carry extra cargo), and also entitles you to drive a quad bike.
Category B permits you to drive a car and as of 16 December 2021, is now split into two separate entitlements, depending on the date when you passed your test.
Older and more experienced drivers (with pre-1997 licences) have always been allowed to tow a vehicle and trailer combination (including a caravan) up to a combined weight - known as maximum authorised mass (MAM) - of 8,250kg.
However, newer drivers have previously only been allowed to tow a much lower trailer weight and, before the recent changes, all drivers who passed their test after 1 January 1997 were required to take and pass a car and trailer driving test before attempting to tow a trailer.
Good news! If you passed your car driving test before 1 January 1997 you are not affected by the new towing rules.
This means (if you’re brave and competent enough!) you are still permitted to drive a vehicle and trailer up to 8,250kg MAM and a minibus and trailer over 750kg MAM.
More good news! If you passed your test after 1 January 1997, you no longer have to pass a car and trailer test to drive a car or van up to 3,500kg MAM, that’s towing a trailer weighing no more than 750kg MAM - a combined weight of 4,250kg.
You can also drive, without passing a test, with a trailer over 750kg MAM but only if the combined weight of the trailer and vehicle is no more than 3,500kg.
Note: When you next apply for a new driving licence, the DVLA will automatically update your driving licence to include a category BE to reflect this new towing rule - you do not need to contact the DVLA to do this.
Category B auto means you can drive an automatic vehicle.
Category BE means you can drive a vehicle and trailer with a MAM of 3,500kg.
Category C1 allows you to drive a vehicle up to 7,500kg MAM with a trailer weighing up to 750kg.
Category C1E entitles you to drive a C1 category vehicle but with a trailer over 750kg - you cannot exceed a combined weight of 12,000kg.
Category C means you’re able to drive vehicles weighing more than 3,500kg with a trailer up to 750kg.
Category CE means you can drive a category C vehicle but with a trailer weighing more than 750kg.
Category D1 entitles you to drive a minibus with up to 16 passenger seats, no longer than 8 metres, and with a trailer weight up to 750kg.
Category D1E permits you to drive a category D1 vehicle but with a trailer over 750kg but you cannot exceed a combined weight of 12,000kg.
Category D entitles you to drive a bus with 8 or more passenger seats with a trailer of up to 750kg.
Category DE allows you to drive a category D bus but with a trailer weighing more than 750kg.
Less commonly used categories that may also be shown on a driver’s licence are:
Category
What it permits you to drive
