Understanding the Different Types of Driving Licences in the UK

The UK driving licence is more than just a piece of identification; it’s your passport to operating various vehicles on the road. But for many drivers, the abundance of information, codes, and categories on the licence can be confusing. This blog aims to demystify the UK driving licences, explaining what the front and back of the document tell you and the different types of licences available.

The Front of the Driving Licences is “Your Essential Information”

The front of your driving licence displays your personal details, photo, expiry date, and most importantly, the categories of vehicles you’re authorized to drive. Let’s break down each section:

• Personal Details (1, 2, and 3): This section showcases your surname, first name(s), and date and country of birth.
• Licence Dates (4a, 4b, and 4c): Here you’ll find the date your licence was issued (4a), the date it expires (4b), and the issuing agency, typically the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) (4c).
• Driving Licence Number (5): This unique eight-digit number serves as your official identification within the DVLA system.
• Photograph (6): Your photo helps verify your identity and ensure the licence belongs to you.
• Signature (7): Sign your licence upon receiving it, replicating the signature used during your application.
• Address (8): Keep your address updated on your licence to ensure you receive important DVLA communications.
• Licence Categories (9): This section, crucial for understanding what you can drive, is explained in detail later.

Understanding Driving Licences Categories “ Category Codes Displayed”

The category codes displayed on your licence (section 9) determine the types of vehicles you’re permitted to operate. Here’s a breakdown of the most common categories:

• AM (‘q’ proper to 2013): This category allows you to ride mopeds between 15mph and 28mph, as well as light quadricycles with the same speed limits and weighing up to 350kg.
• A1: If you enjoy motorcycles, a category A1 licence lets you ride motorcycles up to 125cc engine capacity and 11kW (15hp) power output.
• A2: This category caters to those seeking more powerful motorcycles. It permits riding machines with no more than 35kW (47.6hp).
• A: For unrestricted motorcycle riding, category A licences are required. These allow you to operate any motorcycle exceeding 35kW power.
• B: The most common category, B licences permit driving cars with up to eight passenger seats and a maximum weight of 3,500kg (gross vehicle mass). This category also covers light vans under 3,500kg. There might be towing restrictions depending on when you passed your test.
• B1: This category is for four-wheeled light vehicles not exceeding 550kg.
• BE: If you frequently tow trailers with your car, a BE category licence is necessary. It allows towing trailers behind a B category vehicle.
• C1: This category covers medium-sized goods vehicles weighing between 3,500kg and 7,500kg and limited to eight passengers.
• C1E: Similar to C1, but allows towing trailers with C1 category vehicles.
• C: For operating large goods vehicles exceeding 3,500kg, a C category licence is essential.
• CE: This category allows towing trailers with C category vehicles.
• D1: This category is for driving minibuses not exceeding 8 meters in length and with a maximum of 16 seats.
• D: If you envision a career driving buses, a D category licence is needed for buses with more than eight seats.
• D1E: Similar to D1 but allows towing trailers exceeding 750kg behind D1 minibuses.
• DE: This category permits towing trailers exceeding 750kg with D category buses.
• Other Categories: Additional categories exist for agricultural tractors (f), road rollers (g), tracked vehicles (h), and ride-on mowers (k).

The Back of the Driving Licences “Decoding License Codes”

While the front focuses on vehicle categories, the back of your licence (usually a paper counterpart) contains licence codes. These codes don’t represent vehicle types but rather restrictions or conditions placed on your licence for specific categories. Here are some common licence codes:

• Eyesight Correction (01): This code indicates you must wear glasses or contact lenses while driving.
• Hearing Aid (02): This code signifies you require a hearing aid to operate a vehicle safely.
• Modified Vehicle Controls (10-45): This range of codes applies to vehicles with modified controls for various reasons. Here are some examples:
• Modified transmission (10)
• Modified clutch (15)
• Modified braking systems (20)
• Modified accelerator systems (25)
• Adapted pedal layouts (35)
• Modified steering (40)
• Modified rear-view mirrors (42)
• Modified driving seats (43)
• Motorcycle-specific modifications (codes 44(1) to 44(12)) like single operated brakes or adapted handlebars.
• Motorcycles with sidecars only (45)
• Licence Exchange or Duplicate (70, 71): These codes indicate your licence is either an exchange from a foreign licence (70) or a duplicate issued to replace a lost or damaged licence (71).
• Automatic Transmission Restriction (78): This code restricts you to driving vehicles with automatic transmission only.
• Restricted Vehicle Specifications (79): This code signifies limitations on the vehicles you can drive. The specific restrictions will be detailed on your licence. Examples include restricting you to 3-wheeled AM category vehicles (79(2)) or tricycles (79(3)).
• Trailer Weight Restriction (96): This code allows towing trailers exceeding 750kg but limits the combined weight of the vehicle and trailer to between 3,500kg and 4,250kg.
• Exemptions (97): This code might exempt you from specific requirements, such as needing a tachograph in certain C1 vehicles.
• Non-Commercial Use (101): This code restricts you from driving vehicles for hire or reward (e.g., taxis, delivery vans).
• Trailer Type Restriction (102): This code limits you to towing trailers with drawbars only.
• Certificate of Competence Required (103): This code indicates a need for a separate certificate to drive specific vehicles, such as certain passenger transport vehicles.
• Vehicle Length Restriction (105): This code restricts you to driving vehicles not exceeding a specific length, often 5.5 meters.
• Age Requirement (108): This code highlights a minimum age requirement for driving certain categories of vehicles.
• Passenger Restriction (110-113): These codes limit the number of passengers you can carry, such as for transporting people with mobility limitations (110) or restricting the number of seats in a vehicle (111, 113).
• Special Controls Required (114): This code indicates the need for specific adaptations on a vehicle to ensure safe driving for the licence holder.
• Organ Donor (115): This code signifies you’ve registered as an organ donor.
• Entitlement Start Date (118): This code reflects the date your licence entitlement for a specific category began.
• Weight Limit Removed (119): This code removes any weight restrictions that might typically apply to a particular vehicle category.
• Conditional Restrictions (121, 122): These codes highlight specific conditions placed on your licence by the government, requiring adherence for safe driving. Code 122 specifically applies to successful completion of a Basic Moped Training Course.

Important Considerations For Driving Licences in the UK

Keeping Your Licence Updated! Ensure your address on your licence is current to receive important DVLA communications regarding renewals or licence changes.

Lost or Damaged Licence: Report a lost or damaged licence to the DVLA immediately to avoid misuse and obtain a replacement.

Licence Expiry! Don’t wait until the last minute to renew your licence. The DVLA recommends renewing around three weeks before the expiry date.

Changing Categories: If you wish to add new categories to your licence, you’ll need to pass the relevant theory and practical tests for those categories.

Conclusion – Driving Licences in the UK

Understanding your UK driving licence empowers you to drive legally and safely. By familiarizing yourself with the information on both the front and back of your licence, you’ll be aware of the vehicle categories you can operate and any restrictions or conditions that apply. With this knowledge, you can navigate the roads with confidence and ensure a smooth driving experience.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs: