It’s easy to overlook the small print on our driving licences, not to mention the letters and numbers that fill the table at the back of our photocards.
However random they might seem, these characters tell us a lot about the types of vehicles we can drive and much more. That’s why we’ve decided to break it all down to help you better understand driving licence codes and driving licence categories.
Read on to help make sense of them all.
The seemingly random letters and numbers on driving licences can be split into two groups:
Find the full list of driving licence codes on the gov.uk website.
The easiest way to see which categories your licence covers is to look at section nine of your photocard.
Found on the front of the card, this section shows driving licence categories represented by letters separated by commas or slashes. Capital letters refer to categories recognised across Europe, while lower case letters refer to national categories.
On the back of your driving licence, you’ll notice a table with three columns:
Category B can mean one of two things depending on when you passed your test.
If you passed before 1 January 1997, you’re allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer combination with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of 8,250kg. You can also drive a minibus with a trailer over 750kg MAM.
See categories D1 and D1E for more on minibus categories.
If you passed your test on or after 1 January 1997, you can drive vehicles up to 3,500kg MAM with up to 8 passenger seats and with a trailer up to 750kg. You can also tow heavier trailers if the total MAM of the vehicle and trailer is no more than 3,500kg.
Category B licences also allow you to drive motor tricycles with a power output higher than 15kW if you are over 21 years old.
This one’s simple, you can drive any of the vehicles included in Category B but only with an automatic transmission.
The BE category currently appears on drivers’ licences if the holder has passed a car and trailer driving test. However, the DVLA hopes to change the law so this test isn’t needed and all new photocard licences will include the category.
Drivers who passed their test from 1 January 1997 face tighter towing restrictions until these rules change.
New rules were originally scheduled for 15 November 2021 and are likely to come into force in the near future. Keep an eye on the gov.uk website for more details.
This category appears next to the image of a small van on the back of your licence. It means that you can drive a vehicle with ‘4 wheels up to 400kg unladen or 550kg if they’re designed for carrying goods.’
We’ve included it here as the code features on all licences when drivers have passed a standard test.
Complete peace of mind for less
• Cheaper than AA price guarantee^
• We get to most breakdowns in 60 mins or less
• Our patrols fix 4/5 on the spot
*Comparison based on theaa.com closest equivalent cover at 30/08. At least 10% of customers paid this or less 12/08–17/08.^New customers only. Find the same cover cheaper on theaa.com within 7 days & we'll beat it by 10%.
Category C refers to large goods vehicles, meaning you can drive anything over 3,500 kg (with a trailer up to 750kg MAM).
To get a Category C licence you’ll need a full car driving licence and to apply for a provisional lorry licence.
If your doctor decides you’re healthy enough to drive a larger vehicle, you can then take the four-part CPC (Driver Certificate of Professional Competence) test.
Almost identical to Category C but you can also tow a trailer over 750kg.
C1 is a little more restrictive than a Category C, as it only lets you drive vehicles between 3,500 and 7,500kg MAM (with a trailer up to 750kg).
Category C1E drivers can drive C1 vehicles with a trailer over 750kg. The combined weight of both cannot exceed 12,000kg.
Holders of a Category A licence are allowed to drive any bike of any sized engine.
The licence is only available to riders aged 24 and over, or 21 and over if you’ve held an A2 licence for two years. You need to have completed your compulsory basic training (CBT) and passed a theory and practical test.
Category A1 riders can drive light motorbikes with an engine up to 125cc and a power output up to 11kW. The category also allows riders to use motor tricycles with a power output up to 15kW.
Riders need to be 17 or over to take a test and must complete their compulsory basic training (CBT) and have passed a theory test and practical test.
Category A2 is a step up from A1 and lets licence holders ride bikes up to 35kW. Bikes can’t be derived from a vehicle more than double its power and you need to be 19 years old to apply for a test.
The AM category applies to mopeds rather than motorbikes. It allows a licence holder to drive two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicles with a maximum speed of 28mph.
It also allows riders to use light quad bikes with the same max speed and unladen mass of 350kg (not including batteries if it’s an electric vehicle).
To get an AM licence you’ll need to be at least 16 years old, to have a valid CBT certificate and to pass the motorbike theory test and two-module practical test.
Another moped category, the letter p appears in italics and lower case on photocard licences to show that the holder can drive two-wheeled vehicles with a maximum design speed of over 28mph but no more than 31 mph.
Engines must be no more powerful than 50cc and the category appears on all standard full driving licences.
Category q lets licence holders drive two and three-wheeled vehicles without pedals if the engine size is no more than 50cc and the maximum design speed doesn’t exceed 15.5mph. The category also includes e-scooters.
Other categories include:
Only pay for the cover you need - from 1 day to 5 months † .
In the UK, you can drive a van up to 3.5 tonnes if you have a standard car driving licence. Should you need to drive a van over this weight limit, then you will need to take additional tests.
What's the biggest van you can drive on a car Licence UK? The largest van you can drive on a normal driving licence is 3.5 tonnes / 3,500 kgs. How much does it cost to renew photo driving licence UK?According to the Government, photocard licences are valid for 10 years unless otherwise stated. All drivers with a valid licence will receive a reminder to renew your photo before your current licence ends. You can renew your expired licence at a Post Officeat a cost of £21.50.
How long is a UK driving licence valid for?A UK driving licence is valid for 10 years from date of issue. The expiry date will be on the rear of the card.
Can I drive if my driving licence has expired?In the UK, it is illegal to drive without a valid driving licence. If you get caught driving without one, you could face a £1000 fine, legal action, as well as difficulties getting future car insurance.
You can trust the RAC with our local approved garages and NEW mobile mechanics.
