The UK operates a rather confusing and jargon-filled road vehicle categorisation system that can be rather hellish for new motorists, visitors and professional drivers to decipher. There are plenty of reasons why a person may be interested in just what they’re entitled to drive: a young person who wants to gain some freedom may wonder what they can drive soonest, or how quickly they can access the bikes or cars they really want to drive. Others may wonder if they can drive a minibus for a voluntary event, or what they’ll have to do to move into a certain line of work. This article aims to simplify the information out there, to be useful to these groups.
Mopeds – Category P
British people who want to get on the road as soon as possible find that their earliest opportunity comes in the form of a 50 cc, speed limited Moped. It may not be glamorous (outside of continental Europe, anyhow), but the 16 year old suddenly granted the freedom to ride anywhere they want with (relative) speed has little to complain about. Moped riders have to attend a compulsory basic training (CBT) course to validate a provisional moped license: thereafter, you can ride with L-plates, but without going on motorways and passengers. Full licenses require a theory and practical driving test. Anyone with a full car license must still attend a CBT course to validate mopeds.
Mopeds – Category P
British people who want to get on the road as soon as possible find that their earliest opportunity comes in the form of a 50 cc, speed limited Moped. It may not be glamorous (outside of continental Europe, anyhow), but the 16 year old suddenly granted the freedom to ride anywhere they want with (relative) speed has little to complain about. Moped riders have to attend a compulsory basic training (CBT) course to validate a provisional moped license: thereafter, you can ride with L-plates, but without going on motorways and passengers. Full licenses require a theory and practical driving test. Anyone with a full car license must still attend a CBT course to validate mopeds.
Motorcycles – Category A
Either as a cheap way to get around, or a rather more showy way, the British driver can legally ride a motorcycle from the age of 17 upwards. A compulsory basic training (CBT) course must be taken – in fact, if you take it on a moped before 17, you’re automatically entitled to ride a Motorcycle on your provisional license once you reach 17. Full motorcycle licenses are granted on completion of a theory and practical test, however the bike you ride on during the test will restrict the bikes you’re qualified to ride.
If tested on a bike between 120cc and 125cc, you will qualify for a standard rather than light license. For two years after qualifying, (or until the age of 21) you will be restricted from riding large motorcycles (over 25kW / 33bhp). Large motorcycles additionally require completion of the large motorcycle Direct Access Scheme.
Either as a cheap way to get around, or a rather more showy way, the British driver can legally ride a motorcycle from the age of 17 upwards. A compulsory basic training (CBT) course must be taken – in fact, if you take it on a moped before 17, you’re automatically entitled to ride a Motorcycle on your provisional license once you reach 17. Full motorcycle licenses are granted on completion of a theory and practical test, however the bike you ride on during the test will restrict the bikes you’re qualified to ride.
If tested on a bike between 120cc and 125cc, you will qualify for a standard rather than light license. For two years after qualifying, (or until the age of 21) you will be restricted from riding large motorcycles (over 25kW / 33bhp). Large motorcycles additionally require completion of the large motorcycle Direct Access Scheme.
Cars and Light Vans – Category B
The minimum age for driving a car or light van is 17, with provisional licenses issued first and full licenses issued after passing a driving and theory test. Cars and light vans have a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of 3,500kg. Full category B licenses also entitle drivers to tow a trailer weighing up to 750kg (or if over 750kg the weight of vehicle and trailer not exceeding 3,500kg). If a test is taken in an automatic, the license holder will only be able entitled to drive an automatic. Anyone receiving Disability Living Allowance “at the higher rate” is entitled to drive from age 16.
The minimum age for driving a car or light van is 17, with provisional licenses issued first and full licenses issued after passing a driving and theory test. Cars and light vans have a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of 3,500kg. Full category B licenses also entitle drivers to tow a trailer weighing up to 750kg (or if over 750kg the weight of vehicle and trailer not exceeding 3,500kg). If a test is taken in an automatic, the license holder will only be able entitled to drive an automatic. Anyone receiving Disability Living Allowance “at the higher rate” is entitled to drive from age 16.
Medium and Large sized vehicles – Category C1 and C
Medium sized vehicles weigh between 3,500kg and 7,500 kg (C1). Large sized vehicles are any vehicle over 3,500kg (C): the overlap allows for younger drivers to legally drive lower weighted vehicles without holding a comprehensive large vehicle license. Both separately require tests to be taken in suitable vehicles. The minimum age for C1 driving is 18, whereas C driving is 21.
Medium sized vehicles weigh between 3,500kg and 7,500 kg (C1). Large sized vehicles are any vehicle over 3,500kg (C): the overlap allows for younger drivers to legally drive lower weighted vehicles without holding a comprehensive large vehicle license. Both separately require tests to be taken in suitable vehicles. The minimum age for C1 driving is 18, whereas C driving is 21.
Minibuses and Buses – Category D1 and D
Vehicles with between nine and sixteen passenger seats are classed as minibuses (D1 license). A more comprehensive bus license (D) for vehicles with nine passenger seats and over is also obtainable. Drivers must be 21 or over, and must take a practical test in a relevant vehicle.
Holders of B license vehicles may be entitled to drive minibus sized vehicle of 3.5 tonnes (used for social purposes by a non commercial body) if: aged 21, having held a category B license for at least 2 years and driving on a voluntary basis.
Vehicles with between nine and sixteen passenger seats are classed as minibuses (D1 license). A more comprehensive bus license (D) for vehicles with nine passenger seats and over is also obtainable. Drivers must be 21 or over, and must take a practical test in a relevant vehicle.
Holders of B license vehicles may be entitled to drive minibus sized vehicle of 3.5 tonnes (used for social purposes by a non commercial body) if: aged 21, having held a category B license for at least 2 years and driving on a voluntary basis.
Other categories
Licenses must be issued and tests taken for the following vehicles : Agricultural vehicles (F, 17), Road rollers (G, 21) Tracked vehicles (H, 21) and mowing machines (K, 16).
Licenses must be issued and tests taken for the following vehicles : Agricultural vehicles (F, 17), Road rollers (G, 21) Tracked vehicles (H, 21) and mowing machines (K, 16).
New Driving License Rules: January 2013
The above information will apply to every license issued before the 19th of January 2013 and will remain applicable for the rest of your driving life. However, the UK government is bringing in changes for everyone who learns to drive on or after this date. The main differences include:
The above information will apply to every license issued before the 19th of January 2013 and will remain applicable for the rest of your driving life. However, the UK government is bringing in changes for everyone who learns to drive on or after this date. The main differences include:
1. New categories for mopeds, motorcycles and tricycles will be introduced
- Moped top-speeds are being reduced to 28mph (45km/h). A category for 25km/h mopeds is also being created;
- The automatic entitlement to graduate from 125cc motorcycles after two years will be scrapped – riders will have to take a test or possibly a 7 hour training course (though still after two years);
- A new category for midrange motorcycles (power output 35kW, power weigh ratio 0.2kW per kg) is being created, with the same two-year wait then test / training graduation to something even bigger;
- Direct access to the largest motorcycles can only be gained by riders 24 years or over.
2. Two new categories of license are to be introduced for small vehicles towing trailers: one for 750kg+ trailers where trailer and vehicle weight exceed 3,500kg, and another for trailers which weigh more than 3,500 kg;
3. The minimum age for driving a category D vehicle (i.e. a Bus) is increasing to 24 (though there are many ways of bringing down this age by taking additional tests or being in certain professions).
4. Large vehicles and Bus licenses will only be valid for five years with renewals required every five years – under the age of 45, drivers need only submit a written declaration that they meet medical standards. Over 45 and they will need to provide a medical examination report proving it;
5. A new driver’s license card design will accompany the changes.
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