Vehicle categories, specifications and age restrictions
Different types of vehicle are covered by different licence categories, and have varying minimum age restrictions.
If you want to add a new vehicle category to your driving licence, then the vehicle you take the test in must meet certain specifications.
Licence category A
| Type(s) of vehicle |
Vehicle specifications for the practical driving test |
Vehicle restrictions |
Minimum age restriction |
| A1 - light motorcycle |
- engine capacity of at least 75cc and no more than 125cc
- maximum power output of 11kw
- power to weight ratio of 100kw / tonne
|
Up to 125cc |
17 |
| A - heavy motorcycle |
- engine capacity of at least 240cc
- unladen weight which does not exceed 407kg
|
Max weight 410kg |
18 |
Licence category B
| Type(s) of vehicle |
Vehicle specifications for the practical driving test |
Vehicle restrictions |
Minimum age restrictions |
| Motor tricycle (B1) |
|
Max weight 500kg |
17 |
| Passenger vehicle and small goods vehicle (B) |
|
Max weight 3500kg
Up to 8 seats + driver |
17 |
Licence category C
| Type(s) of vehicle |
Vehicle specifications for the practical driving test |
Vehicle restrictions |
Minimum age restriction |
| Medium goods (C1) |
- maximum authorised mass of at least 4 tonnes
- capable of a speed of 80 kph
|
Max weight 7500kg |
18 |
| Heavy goods (C) |
- maximum authorised mass of at least 10 tonnes
- overall length of at least 7 metres
- capable of a speed of 80 kph
|
|
21 |
Licence category D
| Type(s) of vehicle |
Vehicle specifications for the practical driving test |
Vehicle restrictions |
Minimum age restriction |
| Minibus (D1) |
- more than 8 but not more than 16 seats in addition to the driver’s seat
- capable of a speed of 80 kph
|
Up to 16 seats + driver |
18 |
| Large passenger (D) |
- overall length of at least 9 metres
- capable of a speed of 80 kph
|
|
21 |
Licence category E
| Type(s) of vehicle |
Vehicle specifications for the practical driving test |
Vehicle restrictions |
Minimum age restriction |
| Passenger or small goods vehicle (B) |
- towing a trailer
- maximum authorised mass of at least 1 tonne
|
Trailer weight greater than 750kg |
17 |
| Medium goods (C1) |
- towing a trailer that has a maximum authorised mass of at least 2 tonnes
- combination has an overall length of at least 8 metres
|
Trailer weight greater than 750kg, up to maximum weight for combination |
18 |
| Heavy goods (C) |
- articulated goods carrying vehicle with a maximum authorised mass of at least 18 tonnes and an overall length of at least 11 metres
or
- combination of vehicles comprising a vehicle in category C, and a trailer at least 4 metres in length, the combination having a maximum authorised mass of 18 tonnes and an overall length of at least 11 metres
|
Articulated or trailer weight greater than 750kg |
21 |
| Minibus (D1) |
- towing a trailer that has a maximum authorised mass of 1.25 tonnes
|
Trailer weight greater than 750kg, up to maximum weight for combination |
18 |
| Large passenger (D) |
|
Trailer weight greater than 750kg |
21 |
Licence category F
| Type(s) of vehicle |
Vehicle specifications for the practical driving test |
Vehicle restrictions |
Minimum age restriction |
| Agricultural tractor |
|
|
16 |
Licence category H
| Type(s) of vehicle |
Vehicle specifications for the practical driving test |
Vehicle restrictions |
Minimum age restriction |
| Tracked vehicle |
|
|
21 |
Licence category K
| Type(s) of vehicle |
Vehicle specifications for the practical driving test |
Vehicle restrictions |
Minimum age restriction |
| Pedestrian controlled vehicle |
|
|
16 |
Licence category P
| Type(s) of vehicle |
Vehicle specifications for the practical driving test |
Vehicle restrictions |
Minimum age restriction |
| Moped |
- engine capacity which does not exceed 50cc
- maximum design speed of 30mph
- kerbside weight which does not exceed 250kg
|
|
16 |