Driving Licence Categories Explained: What Vehicles Can You Drive?

Understanding driving licence categories is essential whether you’re learning to drive, upgrading your licence, or exploring career opportunities in transport. The UK driving licence comes with different entitlements, allowing you to legally operate specific types of vehicles. Whether you plan to drive a standard car, a motorcycle, a lorry, or even a bus, knowing the correct category is crucial.

In this guide, we will explain all the key driving licence categories, their requirements, and what vehicles they permit you to drive.

Driving Licence Categories and What They Mean

Each driving licence category determines the type of vehicle you are legally permitted to operate. Below is a detailed breakdown of the most common categories and their restrictions.

Category A – Motorcycles

Category A – Motorcycles

Motorcycle licences fall into multiple subcategories based on engine power and rider experience:

  • AM: Mopeds with a maximum speed of 28mph, available from age 16.
  • A1: Light motorcycles up to 125cc and 11kW power output, available from age 17.
  • A2: Medium-powered motorcycles with a maximum output of 35kW, available from age 19.
  • A: Full, unrestricted motorcycles, available from age 24 (or after two years with an A2 licence).

For those looking to ride progressively more powerful motorcycles, the Direct Access Scheme (DAS) provides a fast-track route to a full Category A licence.

Category B – Cars

Category B – Cars

A Category B licence is the most common licence type, allowing you to drive:

  • Cars with up to 8 passenger seats
  • Light vans weighing up to 3,500kg
  • Vehicles with a trailer (provided the combined weight does not exceed 3,500kg; if it does, further tests are required)

From 2021 onwards, drivers with a Category B licence are also permitted to tow trailers up to 750kg without additional testing.

Category C – Large Goods Vehicles (LGV/HGV)

Category C – Large Goods Vehicles (LGV/HGV)

If you plan to drive lorries or heavy goods vehicles, you will need an LGV (Large Goods Vehicle) licence. These are classified into several categories:

  • C1: Allows vehicles between 3,500kg and 7,500kg (e.g., small lorries and large vans).
  • C1E: Permits C1 vehicles with a trailer over 750kg, with a combined weight of up to 12,000kg.
  • C: Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) over 3,500kg without a weight restriction.
  • CE: Category C vehicles with a trailer over 750kg, commonly used for articulated lorries.

These licences often require additional training and medical assessments to ensure fitness for heavy vehicle operation.

Category D – Buses and Coaches

Category D – Buses and Coaches

For those looking to drive passenger vehicles, such as minibuses and full-sized coaches, the following categories apply:

  • D1: Minibuses with up to 16 passenger seats and a maximum length of 8 metres.
  • D1E: Minibuses with a trailer over 750kg, provided the combined weight remains within permitted limits.
  • D: Full-sized buses and coaches, allowing unrestricted transport of passengers.
  • DE: Category D vehicles towing a trailer exceeding 750kg.

This category requires additional Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) training and certification.

Other Licence Categories

There are additional, specialised categories for specific vehicle types:

  • Category F: Agricultural tractors and farm machinery.
  • Category G: Road rollers used in construction and road maintenance.
  • Category H: Tracked vehicles such as military tanks and bulldozers.
  • Category K: Mowing machines and pedestrian-controlled vehicles used for landscaping and municipal maintenance.
  • Categories L, M, N: Cover various electric, trolley, and other niche transport vehicles.

Each category may require additional testing or special permissions, depending on the vehicle’s intended use.

Upgrading Your Driving Licence

If you want to expand your driving licence categories, you must meet specific training and testing requirements. Some of these include:

  • Age Requirements: Some categories have age limits, such as the 24+ restriction for full motorcycle licences.
  • Medical Examinations: LGV and PCV licences require a medical exam to assess fitness to drive.
  • Additional Tests: Some categories require additional practical and theory tests, including CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) for professional drivers.

If you’re unsure about which category is right for you, professional guidance from an approved driving school can make the process easier.

Learn to Drive with Pass Swiftly

At Pass Swiftly, we offer expert driving lessons across multiple licence categories, ensuring you receive the right training for your needs. Whether you’re looking to obtain your first driving licence or upgrade to a larger vehicle category, our experienced instructors are here to help.Book your driving lessons today or Explore our courses.

Understanding driving licence categories is crucial for staying legal and safe on the road. Start your journey with Pass Swiftly today and gain the right licence for your driving ambitions!