Licence categories
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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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
- more than 16 seats in addition to the driver's seat
| | 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 |
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Moped | - engine capacity which does not exceed 50cc
- maximum design speed of 30mph
- kerbside weight which does not exceed 250kg
| | 16 |