Driver licence vehicle categories, specifications and age restrictions

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Type(s) of vehicle	Vehicle specifications for the practical driving test	Vehicle restrictions	Minimum age restriction
Agricultural tractor			16

Type(s) of vehicle	Vehicle specifications for the practical driving test	Vehicle restrictions	Minimum age restriction
Tracked vehicle			21

Type(s) of vehicle	Vehicle specifications for the practical driving test	Vehicle restrictions	Minimum age restriction
Pedestrian controlled vehicle			16

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