Most common
Category B (car)
Motorcycle
Category A
Truck
Category C
Bus
Category D
Category A — Motorcycles
Category A details
Category A1Motorcycles up to 125cc with a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 0.1 kW/kg. Minimum age: 16.
Category A2Motorcycles with a maximum power of 35 kW. Minimum age: 18. Can progress to full A after 2 years.
Category A (full)All motorcycles with no power restriction. Minimum age: 20 (via progressive access from A2) or 24 (direct access). Separate theory test and driving test required — different from Category B.
Category B — Cars (most common)
Category B details
Vehicles coveredMotor vehicles with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) not exceeding 3,500 kg with up to 8 passenger seats. This covers most cars, small vans, and SUVs.
Minimum age17 years for learner permit, no minimum age for full licence (other than having held the permit for 6 months).
TrailersCategory B allows towing a trailer up to 750 kg MAM. For heavier trailers, you need Category B+E.
Category C — Trucks and lorries
Category C details
Category C1Vehicles between 3,500 kg and 7,500 kg MAM. Minimum age: 18. Requires Category B first.
Category C (full)All vehicles over 3,500 kg. Minimum age: 21. Requires Category B and C1, plus CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) for commercial driving.
Category D — Buses
Category D details
Category D1Minibuses with 9–16 passenger seats. Minimum age: 21.
Category D (full)All buses and coaches. Minimum age: 24. CPC required for commercial driving.
Category W — Work vehicles
Category W covers agricultural tractors and other work vehicles not covered by other categories. Minimum age 16.
AM — Mopeds and light vehicles
Category AM covers mopeds (up to 50cc, max 45 km/h) and light quadricycles. Minimum age: 16. Required if you want to ride a moped — Category B alone does not cover mopeds since 2013.
Higher categories include lower onesCategory C includes Category B. Category D includes Categories B and C1. Always check the categories listed on your licence — you may have more permissions than you realise.
Related guides
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