What do the categories and codes on your UK driving licence mean? Learn what vehicles you can (and can’t) drive with a standard UK licence.
Safe and legal driving goes beyond just following the Highway Code. Have you ever noticed the various categories listed on the back of your UK driving licence? What do they signify? Do they impose any restrictions on your driving? Although we carry our licences daily, many of us aren’t fully aware of what these categories represent. That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive guide to explain these driving licence categories and codes. Find out exactly what you’re qualified to drive and which additional tests you may need.
Why should you regularly check your driving licence?
With around 75% of UK adults holding a driving licence, that’s a significant number of drivers on the road. Whether for daily commuting or long-distance travel, it’s vital to ensure your licence is valid, in good condition, and updated with your correct personal information.
Planning a long drive or travelling abroad? It’s even more critical to check your licence, as it may be required at border crossings or checkpoints.
Looking for more information on driving licence categories and codes? We’ve got all the details you need.
What do the driving licence categories mean?
Find out about the different types of driving licence categories, and see what you’re currently entitled to drive with your standard UK driving licence.
Vehicle Categories, Licensing Requirements, and Restrictions for Driving Tests
| Category | Type | Additional Driving Test | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Type | Additional Driving Test | Restrictions |
| A | Motorbikes | Yes | No limit on displacement or power output |
| A1 | Motorbikes | Yes | Up to 125cc or 11kW |
| A2 | Motorbikes | Yes | Up to 35kW |
| AM | 2 or 3-wheeled motors | Yes | Max speed 15.5-28 mph, typically for mopeds |
| B | Cars | No | Max 8 passenger seats, GVW limits apply |
| B auto | Automatic cars | No | N/A |
| B+E | Cat B + Trailer | No | Up to 3,500kg (combined weight may not exceed 7,000kg) |
| B1 | Light vehicles | No | Up to 550kg with goods |
| C | Large lorries | Yes | Max trailer 750kg |
| C+E | Cat C + Trailer | Yes | No upper weight limit (subject to vehicle manufacturer limits) |
| C1 | Lorries | Yes | Up to 7,500kg + 750kg trailer |
| C1+E | Cat C1 + Trailer | Yes | Max combined weight 12,000kg |
| D | Bus | Yes | Trailer up to 750kg |
| D+E | Cat D + Trailer | Yes | No upper weight limit |
| D1 | Minibus | Yes | Length max 8m, trailer max 750kg |
| D1+E | Cat D1 + Trailer | Yes | N/A |
| F | Tractor | No | Subject to speed and usage restrictions |
| G | Road roller | Yes | Weight/type restrictions apply |
| H | Tracked vehicles | Yes | Specific vehicle type restrictions |
| K | Pedestrian vehicles | No | Self-propelled, restricted to certain uses |
| P | 2-wheeled vehicles | No | Max speed 28-31 mph, power output may apply |
| Q | 2-wheeled motors | No | Max speed 15.5 mph, small electric vehicles |
| A | Motorbikes | Yes | No limit on displacement or power output |
| A1 | Motorbikes | Yes | Up to 125cc or 11kW |
| A2 | Motorbikes | Yes | Up to 35kW |
| AM | 2 or 3-wheeled motors | Yes | Max speed 15.5-28 mph, typically for mopeds |
| B | Cars | No | Max 8 passenger seats, GVW limits apply |
| B auto | Automatic cars | No | N/A |
| B+E | Cat B + Trailer | No | Up to 3,500kg (combined weight may not exceed 7,000kg) |
| B1 | Light vehicles | No | Up to 550kg with goods |
| C | Large lorries | Yes | Max trailer 750kg |
| C+E | Cat C + Trailer | Yes | No upper weight limit (subject to vehicle manufacturer limits) |
| C1 | Lorries | Yes | Up to 7,500kg + 750kg trailer |
| C1+E | Cat C1 + Trailer | Yes | Max combined weight 12,000kg |
| D | Bus | Yes | Trailer up to 750kg |
| D+E | Cat D + Trailer | Yes | No upper weight limit |
| D1 | Minibus | Yes | Length max 8m, trailer max 750kg |
| D1+E | Cat D1 + Trailer | Yes | N/A |
| F | Tractor | No | Subject to speed and usage restrictions |
| G | Road roller | Yes | Weight/type restrictions apply |
| H | Tracked vehicles | Yes | Specific vehicle type restrictions |
| K | Pedestrian vehicles | No | Self-propelled, restricted to certain uses |
| P | 2-wheeled vehicles | No | Max speed 28-31 mph, power output may apply |
| Q | 2-wheeled motors | No | Max speed 15.5 mph, small electric vehicles |
Standard UK driving licence categories
Category AM
This allows you to drive two- or three-wheeled vehicles with a maximum design speed between 15.5 mph and 28 mph. You’ll need to pass a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) test for this.
Additionally, you can drive quad bikes with a maximum design speed between 15.5 mph and 28 mph, provided they weigh no more than 350 kg (excluding batteries for electric vehicles).
Category B
Category B covers driving cars up to 3,500 kg Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) with up to eight passenger seats.
If you’re over 21, you can also drive motor tricycles with a power output greater than 15 kW. You’ll also get provisional entitlement to ride motor tricycles that fall under Category A1 or A (if you’re physically disabled).
Category F
All standard UK licences include Category F, which allows you to drive agricultural tractors without restrictions.
Category K
This category lets you operate pedestrian-controlled vehicles, such as self-propelled machinery that you walk behind to control (e.g., mowing machines).
Category Q
With this category, you can drive two-wheeled vehicles with an engine size up to 50 cc and a maximum design speed of 15.5 mph.
Driving licence categories you might have
Category B1
Category B1 allows you to drive motor vehicles with four wheels, up to 400 kg unladen or 550 kg if carrying goods. This is more common on older licences.
Category B+E
If you passed your driving test before January 1, 1997, you’re entitled to drive a vehicle and trailer combination with a total weight of up to 8,250 kg. If you passed after that date, you must take an additional test to tow trailers over the combined limit of 3,500 kg.
Category B auto
This restricts you to driving automatic cars only, meaning you’re not permitted to drive manual vehicles.
Category P
This older category still appears on some licences and covers two-wheeled vehicles with a design speed of up to 31 mph and an engine size below 50 cc. It has largely been replaced by Category AM.
Driving licence categories you need to complete an additional test for
Category A
With a catgory A, you can drive motorbikes with a power output more than 35kW or a power to weight ratio more than 0.2kW/kg.
Category A1
Category A1 allows you to ride light motorcycles with an engine size up to 125 cc, a power output of up to 11 kW, and a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 0.1 kW/kg. This also includes motor tricycles with a power output up to 15 kW.
Category A1
This driving licence category means you can drive two or three wheeled motors with a maximum design speed between 15.5mph and 28mph. But, you’ll need to pass a compulsory basic training test (CBT) as well.
This classification also includes quad bikes that have a maximum design speed of between 15.5mph and 28mph, weighing no more than 350kg (doesn’t include batteries on electric vehicles).
Category C1
After passing the relevant test, you can drive vehicles between 3,500 kg and 7,500 kg, with a trailer up to 750 kg.
Category C1+E
This adds trailer entitlement to Category C1, allowing you to tow trailers over 750 kg, but the combined weight of the vehicle and trailer cannot exceed 12,000 kg. The trailer also cannot weigh more than the vehicle.
Category C
With Category C, you can drive vehicles over 3,500 kg with a trailer up to 750 kg, after passing the required test.
Category C+E
Category C+E allows you to tow trailers over 750 kg with Category C vehicles.
Category D1
With Category D1, you can drive minibuses with up to 16 passenger seats and a maximum length of 8 metres, and you can tow trailers up to 750 kg.
Category D1+E
This adds trailer entitlement to Category D1, enabling you to tow trailers over 750 kg, provided the combined weight does not exceed 12,000 kg.
Category D
Category D allows you to drive any bus with more than eight passenger seats and tow a trailer up to 750 kg.
Category D+E
This category allows you to tow trailers over 750 kg with a Category D vehicle.
Category G
With this category, you are entitled to drive road rollers.
Category H
Category H allows you to drive tracked vehicles, including tanks..
Other
No licence is required for electric bikes, mobility scooters, or powered wheelchairs.
ALL ABOUT DRIVING LICENCE CODES
Along with categories covering what vehicles you can drive, your driving licence codes add a wealth of other information about you – the holder. Here’s what you need to know.
Driving licence categories dictate the types of vehicles that an individual can drive, whereas driving licence codes tell you what conditions actually apply.
You can find the driving licence codes that relate to your licence by looking under section 12 on the reverse of your driving licence. Ignoring codes can result in big fines, so it’s essential to take note of any restrictions on your licence and comply.
The categories of a UK driving license include cars, motorcycles, buses, trucks, and tractors.
The code for a car category on a UK driving license is B.
The code for a motorcycle category on a UK driving license is A.
The code for a bus category on a UK driving license is D.
The code for a truck category on a UK driving license is C.
The code for a tractor category on a UK driving license is F.
No, a motorcycle license does not permit you to drive a car in the UK.
To add a new category to your UK driving license, you will need to pass the necessary tests and apply for a provisional license for that category.
You can have as many categories as you are eligible for on your UK driving license.
Each country has their own driving license regulations and categories, UK driving license categories may not be valid in other countries and vice versa. It’s best to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to drive in.
Here are some of the common driving licence codes you could find listed under section 12.
Code: 01
This means you need eyesight correction when driving andyou’ll need to wear glasses or contact lenses when driving – by law. Failure to do so could result in a fine and penalty points. You’lll also need to report any changes to your vision or any corrective surgery.
Code: 02
The 02 driving licence code means that a hearing or communication aid must be worn when behind the wheel. As with eyesight, you must tell the DVLA about any changes to your hearing.
Code: 106
106 – restricted to vehicles with automatic transmissions
Code: 115
Not a restriction per-se, but this driving licence code lets authorities know that the holder of the licence is an organ donor.
Click here for a full list of driving licence codes and what they mean.
Safe driving tips
For any journey, safe and legal driving should be the priority. Having a handle on what your driving licence means is a good way to ensure that you’re clued up on the road.
If you’re driving abroad make sure that you know the rules for the country you’re in, such as sign posting, speed limits, directions and general driving laws.
The most valuable safe driving tip is to plan ahead for every journey. Driving conditions change with seasons, and roadworks or road closures are almost guaranteed to delay you at some point. So, schedule in some rest breaks, take your time and don’t get distracted while driving. Got a plane to catch? Get there on time by booking parking in advance.
Your driving licence is your ticket to freedom – so, know it well, use it right and enjoy the drive!
on mt driving licence on the back it has 12/12/74——–05/02/26,does this mean i have to have another test ? or just an eye test in 2026 ?
The dates “12/12/74” and “05/02/26” on the back of your UK driving licence indicate the validity period for specific vehicle categories. The first date, “12/12/74,” represents the start date from which you’re authorized to drive certain vehicle categories, while the second date, “05/02/26,” signifies the expiry date for those entitlements.
In the UK, the photocard driving licence itself typically expires every 10 years, with the expiry date shown in section 4b on the front of the card. However, entitlements for specific vehicle categories may have different validity periods, especially for drivers over 70 or those with certain medical conditions.
Given that “05/02/26” is the expiry date for certain vehicle categories on your licence, you will need to renew these entitlements before this date to continue driving those vehicles legally. If you are under 70 and hold a standard car licence, this renewal process generally does not require retaking the driving test or undergoing an eye test. However, if you are 70 or over, you must renew your driving licence every three years, confirming that you meet the minimum eyesight requirement and are fit to drive.
GOV.UK
To renew your licence, you can apply online, by post, or at selected Post Office branches. The online renewal process is straightforward and typically the quickest option.
GOV.UK
It’s important to ensure your licence is renewed before the expiry date to avoid fines of up to £1,000 for driving with an expired licence.
In summary, you do not need to retake your driving test or undergo an eye test solely due to the expiry of your licence entitlements in 2026, unless you are 70 or over or have specific medical conditions. Ensure you renew your licence before the expiry date to maintain your driving privileges.
what would i have to do to drive a Scania tractor unit , only for fun never to be connected to an artic trailer and im 70 years old
thanks
To drive a Scania tractor unit for fun, without connecting it to a trailer, here’s what you would need to consider:
License Requirements: In the UK, you’d typically need a Category C (Class 2) license to drive a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) like a tractor unit, even if it’s not towing a trailer. Since you’ll only be driving the unit itself, this license should be sufficient. If you don’t already hold this, you’d need to pass both a medical test and an HGV driving test.
Medical Fitness: Given your age, you’ll need to meet the DVLA’s medical standards for HGV drivers, which require a medical assessment (D4 form) by a doctor to confirm that you’re fit to drive a vehicle of this type.
Insurance: Ensure the vehicle is insured appropriately, even if it’s only for private use. Some insurers offer coverage for personal, non-commercial driving of HGVs.
Vehicle Access: If you don’t already have a tractor unit, you might find one available for rent or visit a driving school offering experience sessions specifically for people wanting to try out HGV driving.
Driving an HGV just for the experience is a great idea, and as long as you meet the requirements above, you should be able to enjoy it safely!
I just exchanged my UAE motorcycle licence for a UK CAT A motorcycle licence. To do this, you have to send a COE from the UAE along with your UAE drivers licence. If you already have a UK CAT B Licence, it will not cost anything to exchange it for a new licence with CAT A added as long as it is in date and does not need to have address or picture changed.You still have to fill in the D1 form but you won’t need to send payment.
I still have a paper licence. I have a full driving licence valid till 2030, with a provisional A Category till the same date, am I limited to what size moped or motorbike I can ride. Many thanks.
Hi, I passed my full car test and full motorcycle test in the early 1980’s my new licence has (79)3 on category A. Has the Dvla made a mistake and removed my full unrestricted motorcycle entitlement or am I still licenced to ride my 1000cc motorcycle on the information given on my licenece.
Hello sir I have UAE motor cycle license when I exchange my mototrcycle license uae to uk which license I will get do I need theory test in uk for car license?
I passed my test in 1981 and have a C1 on my licence that expires 27.02.31. We are looking at buying a motor home, does this mean I am legal to drive it on my licence as some say I need to pass a test first.
Yes, you are legal to drive a motor home on your current driving licence. The C1 category on your licence allows you to drive vehicles with a maximum permissible weight of up to 7.5 tonnes, and motor homes typically fall within this weight limit.
However, some motor homes are classified as “category D1 vehicles”, meaning they have a maximum seating capacity of more than 8 people (including the driver). If you want to drive a category D1 motor home, you will need to pass the D1 driving test.
The D1 driving test is similar to the C1 driving test, but it includes additional elements that are specific to driving larger vehicles. For example, you will be tested on your ability to reverse a vehicle around a corner and to park a vehicle in a tight space.
If you are unsure whether the motor home you are looking at buying is classified as a category D1 vehicle, you should check with the manufacturer or your local driving authority. For up-to-date info read https://www.gov.uk/driving-motorhome & https://www.ukmotorhomes.net/motorhome-faqs/driving-licences
Hi am age 66 and sent my renewal in for CE passed my medical ok now DVLA won’t. Me to have a tred mill test I have told them that I no longer require my class 1 CE entitlement,I had C1 grandfather rights and the DVLA have taken this right of my license as well as CE have spoken to them and they say to get my C1 entitlement back I have to have a medical and tred mill test,
I had a heart attack in 2017 I had a stent done and have had no problems since are they correct
I understand your frustration. It sounds like you’re in a bit of a pickle.
DVLA are responsible for issuing driving licenses in the UK. They have a set of rules that drivers must follow, and these rules are designed to keep everyone safe on the roads.
It sounds like you’ve been through a lot in recent years, and I’m glad to hear that you’re doing well. But the DVLA need to be sure that you’re fit to drive before they can issue you with a license.
I would suggest that you speak to your doctor about your situation. They will be able to advise you on what you need to do to get your C1 entitlement back.
I know this is a difficult time for you, but please try to stay positive. I’m sure you’ll be back on the road in no time.
Best of luck,
Hi, I have held a UK license group A from 1965 and Group B from 1972.
I’m now 75 and am not sure if I’m now restricted to a max weight of 3,500kg or the original 8,250kg.
When I renewed the license at 70 something was said about additional checks if I wanted to retain something to do with my license.
Could it be that it was this 8,250 reduced to 3,500 kg restriction.
Thanks for any advice.
I had to give mine up at 70 and also my class one.
If you wish to keep the what was the 7.5t entitlement you now need to do an hgv medical.Every time you renew at 3 yrs.
Yes you fall back to the 3.5 tonne limit.
Hi i have on my license
AM -01 ( passed 2020)
A – 79 (3)01know that one,(2013)
B1 01 1997
B 01 1997
what is fkinpq ?
Can i only drive a moped upto 50cc or upto 125cc? Bit confused?
I passed my driving test in 1972, my paper license shows
A,E***************** does this mean I can ride an automatic scooter like a Bergman 400 or a BMW 650 ?
As far as I understand it cat A was a car licence and E is a moped licence under the old categories.
Cat D was the motorcycle category?? Have you ever passed a bike test?
If the answer is no then you cannot ride a motorcycle of any description/size except for a moped.
You will not have to take a CBT .
Your licence will run out at 70 so you will need to get it changed to a photo licence. It should be free.
If in doubt contact DVLA.
Hi
With a category A then column 10 – 07.04.89 column 10 – 07.04.41 column 12 – 79(tri) what does all this mean?
This is now given along with the cat B car licence. It is NOT a motorcycle licence. It allows car drivers in the UK to ride or drive a trike of any size if you are over 21
I have A 79(3) licence entitlement, what engine size trycycle can i ride and do i have to take a cbt test…thanks
I assume you have a cat B car licence? If you are over 21 then you can have anything you want..
No you do not have to take a CBT as your car licence covers 3 wheelers.
Hi There seems to be some conflicting information on here and I am confused.
I have a photo license with amongst others, I have bike categories AM & A with restriction 79.(3) .
Some people are saying I can drive any size motorbike and then others say I can only drive up to 125cc and must have L plates. What can I drive please? I took my test in 1988 so I guess I have some “grandfather” right’s.
Thanks
You do NOT have a motorcycle licence. The AM is a moped licence, The A with code 79 (3) means you can also drive or ride any 3 wheeler..
In 2013 the EU put all trikes in the motorcycle category for anyone passing a test after that. This meant that the old grandfather rights of having a 3 wheeler on a bike or car licence no longer applied.
In 2014 the UK obtained a derogation to again allow car licence holders who passed their test after 2013.
In the usual complicated way they have given you a restricted A licence to allow this but you cannot ride anything over 125cc until you pass a bike test.
So you can have any motorcycle type trike or reliant type 3 wheeler.
You can also ride the Piaggio type MP3 tilting 3 wheeled scooter BUT you need to make sure it is registered as a 3 wheeled vehicle as early ones do not conform to trike regs and are classified as 2 wheels or bicycle on the v5.
So I passed my category B in 2012 and I did my cbt as well last year 2021
I am driving a 125 Yamaha Nmax.
I have category A 79(3).
However, I still need a cbt?
And can I drive on the motorway?
I am asking as my understanding from what you said is that if I have a category A 79(3) on my driving licence I can drive up to 125 without ctb or applies only to 3wheels?
Thank you
Forget the A79(3). This does not in any way relate to motorcycles. You have a cat B car licence. Part of getting the car licence is that you also get the A79(3). This legally allows you to drive a trike hence the (3) restriction.
If you want to ride a motorcycle your car licence acts as a provisional so that would be up to 125cc with a cbt valid for 2 years as per normal bike rules.
You must display L plates and cannot carry a passenger. You cannot use a motorway.
If you are over 21 you can ride or drive any trike eg Reliant, motor cycle trikes or the Piaggio MPr tilting 3 wheeler of ANY size. This must be the LT version as not all are classified as trikes.
If you want to ride a motorcycle you revert back to the normal motorcycle rules!!
So to recap if you have a79(3) this is part of your car licence that allows you to have a trike NOTHING ELSE!!
The a79(3) is part of your B car licence. It does not mean you can ride a bike it just allows you to ride or drive a trike. If you don’t have a bike A licence then it’s a 125 with L plates and no passengers or driving on a motorway.You also need the CBT as normal.
You said he cannot ride anything over 125cc until he passed a bike test , can he ride a 125 cc? ex I Have a B category since 2001 and have an A category with 79 (03) code since 2013, can I ride a 125cc without cbt test? It’s my understanding that I still need a valid cbt test, correct?
You are correct. You still need a valid CBT test to ride a 125cc motorcycle. Your A category license with code 79(03) only allows you to ride a motorcycle with a power output of more than 35kW. A 125cc motorcycle has a power output of less than 11kW, so you need a CBT to ride one.
If you have a full car license, you can ride a moped without a CBT. However, you cannot ride a motorcycle without a CBT, even if you have a full car license.
A CBT is a compulsory basic training course that teaches you the basics of riding a motorcycle. It takes one day to complete and costs around £100. You can find more up-to-date information about CBT courses on the government website. https://www.gov.uk/motorcycle-cbt
I have had a full UK driving license,
Since I was 17 years old and I have entitlement’s
AM, A 79(3) B1, B, C1, D1, BE, C1E, D1E, fklnpq
And I have just taken another CBT and I have the certificate. I plan to to get a full motorbike license.
I have a nice car and I’ve just brought a new motorbike
I do use my bike all year summer and winter but I really think that they are a summer time machine When you can have fun on the windy back roads.
Hey, I haven’t been on a bike since I was 22-23, I am now 37. I’m a little confused by the licence and what steps I need to take to get back on the road. I have a full car licence.
I am diabetic, this is why I have a short ‘valid to’ date.
The back of my licence shows as follows:
AM 2015 – 2022. Restriction codes: 01,122
A1 (Blank)
A2 (Blank)
A 2013 – 2022. Restriction code: 79(3), 01.
From what I can pick up, I think I have a licence to ride any bike without ‘L’ plates, is this correct?
I just don’t want to find myself in a situation where, through misinterpretation, I end up on the road illegally.
Thank you in advance for any help.
If you are referring to the A licence with code 79(3) then the answer is NO!! The code refers to the fact you can also drive or ride a trike hence the 3 in brackets.
In 2013 the EU put trikes in the motorcycle category and this meant that any new car drivers after that date could no longer have a trike. This was changed in 2014 by a UK derogation which again allowed car drivers to have a trike BUT this only applies to the UK. You cannot go off to France in your Reliant lol
To sum up it’s the usual DVLA double dutch way for a trike licence added to your car licence.
You can ride a 50cc without L-plates, but your need to get a CBT if you want to ride anything bigger like a 125cc and your have to put L-plates on it. I hope this helps
Just to add you only need to take the CBT once if you have a obtained a B car licence in the last few years and want a 50cc moped.
This automatically converts the AM on your licence to a full moped licence and you don’t need L plates and can carry a passenger if your moped allows it.
The idea is to make sure car drivers have some basic training before venturing out on 2 wheels.
The CBT is NOT a test it’s a training course. You would have to be pretty bad to fail it and if coming from a car you should have a decent knowledge of road rules you just need some sense of 2 wheels as it is different to a car and,for your own safety, you need to realise the dangerous situation relating to bikes.
In other words no you only have a provisional bike licence on an A,But if you passed your car licence on or before a certain date and year you can ride a trike i THINK any size engine.
Hi there, just for my peace of mind!
With a standard Uk driving licence having the Q category on it can i ride a 2 wheeled vehicle up to 50 cc or 1kw if its electric, without pedals, with a maximum speed of 25km/h (L1e low povered moped) without the CBT?
Thanks
Calin
The law says “motor Vehicle” in the description so yes you can but as it is classed as a motor vehicle I would assume you would need registration and insurance etc as normal??
I think this is an old classification to cover the continental style regs or motorised bicycles back in the day.
I do not know of any vehicle apart from maybe some sort of delivery or agricultural vehicle that complies with this category?.
Basically if it has an engine it has to be registered and taxed/insured as normal.
Electric bicycles have to be restricted to 250w and be pedal assisted with a max speed of 15.5 mph to ride without a licence. Anything over that power or speed becomes a motor vehicle and would be illegal without the usual paperwork/licence..
In other words no throttle and the assistance only comes in when pedalling.
If you have a car licence all you need to do is take the CBT and this automatically adds the full AM (moped) category to the car licence as it used to be. The govt just want car drivers to have a bit of training on 2 wheels first.
No driving test is required and you can then ride with no L plates and take a passenger as well on any moped.
Hi,
I have a full driving licence with a category ‘A’ motorcycle entitlement with code 78, which means I can ride any sized motorcycle so long as it’s automatic. My confusion is whether I can ride the new Honda type Dual Clutch Technology (DCT) bikes which have automatic twist and go function and also an option for electronic push paddle gear change. Can I ride these type of bikes with my licence?
Thanks
Yes you can. It’s the same with automatic cars. EG the smart has a 6 speed gearbox but no clutch as it changes automatically.
This is the key anything with a clutch is manual change therefore no clutch is automatic regardless of how that automatic functions.
Bike examples would be the Honda DCT or the Aprilia Mana and the older Hondamatics usually CB400A.
Any automatic scooter is also eligible as some of the larger ones have the option of gearchanging on the bars via buttons.
The powers that be decided it was dangerous to switch from an automatic to a manual as it needed different skills to change gear and may go out of control.
Hi Alistair
Thank you – that’s extremely helpful. I recall that the Suzuki Burgman 650 scooter has a pseudo electronic push button gear change, so another to add to the list.
Regards
Tim
Slightly off topic but there is also the obscure CF Moto 250 v3 or v5 which used the honda CN250 helix engine and don’t forget the Piaggio MP3 LT versions if you have a car or bike licence. Not many automatic bikes but plenty of scooters.
how can I get a b1 licence?
You can’t. Since 19 January 2013 due to harmonisation regulations across the EU and EEA which includes Norway and Switzerland, the B1 category licence being UK regulation only was removed as a test you could take. Under the new regulations, in order to drive a B1 vehicle you need either an A, B, B1 on your licence, as European law considers all quadricycles as motorcycles (L class) under 168/2013 EU. The EU allows Uk to keep existing regulations as long as it is not in conflict with EU regulations.
What class do I need for a campervan.
Just an ordinary car licence. This covers anything up to 3.5 tonnes BUT that also includes anything you may tow.
It has to be the TOTAL weight of your vehicle and trailer.
If you passed your car test years ago then you may have the 7.5 tonne entitlement if you wanted to drive a heavier vehicle.(grandfather rights)
At aged 70 if you want to continue driving anything over 3.5 tonne you need to take an LGV medical and pay for it every three years along with your licence renewal which is also every 3 years.
Hi, I passed my test in 1975 my licence gives me class C1 til 2028 does this mean I can drive a 7-5 ton lorry without taking a test on it.ie grandads rights.?
Yes you can.
Ok not to sure
I have A so it says if i pass my motorcycle test i can ride motorcycles
What size motorcycles can i ride and what size do i have to take my test on im 55 so its grandfather rights i guess
Hi there, I have A category on my licence for motor bikes but it has the code 79(3) after it. What does this mean?
Thanks,
PM.
79 (3) is Restricted to tricycles
You have full motorcycle entitlement so can ride any size bike.
I would however advise you to take a CBT anyway and get some practice on a smaller capacity bike or scooter before you get anything larger if you haven’t been on a bike for some years.
I passed my motorbike test in 1979 and I have an, A on my licence and if you look at the categories above there’s No restriction so I believe you can ride any size Cc, motorbike the same as I’m able too.
Hope this helps and safe riding
Pete
I passed my Motorcycle test in 1990 and have a B1 code on my license and I have been told that as I passed my full bike test before February 2001 that I will not have to take the theory test to obtain a full car license. Could someone clarify this for me.
You have to take the theory test for each test you want to take.
If you haven’t passed or taken a car test why would you be aloud to drive a car, I would of thought its two different vehicles and I would of thought two test theory included
i got a full UK licence in 83 and have cats B BE C1 C1E 107 D1 101 D1E 101.119 fklnp. can i drive a large modified bus/coach (not for carrying passengers) to live in, example the old london routemaster kitted out as a home. cant seem to find anything related to this. thanks
Yes I’m sure you can. I recall an article in the Used Car Buyer magazine where they featured buying a Routemaster as an alternative when Ken was offloading them from London Transport service. As I recall, the magazine did state that you can drive such a bus using a normal licence as long as it is not used for public service, so for you to rip out the seats, kit it out to live in and use as a holiday home, I would see absolutely no problem with that on an ’83 licence.
Yes you can, but I have heard that it has to be 30 years old or older.
hi..i have Driving Licence 19 years- B and CE, From Dubai United Arab Emirates ..
now i am Residents of the UK Can i have Same Categories Licence of the UK without Test.
thanks.
What do I have to do to get a category D1
D1 is the Minibus test. So get your DVLA Medical sorted, complete the Hazard Perception and Theory tests for D1 and then find a training provider thats offeres Mini bus Training.
or go back in time and take your test then. Older licences automatically had the D1 category included, alas!
i past my test in 1956 can i drive a 7.5 ton wagon do i need a cpc and a medical my age now is 78 thanks
If driving for hire and reward( in other words as a job carrying goods) you will need both.
If wanting to occasionally hire a van for personal use eg moving house or a large camper motorhome up to 7.5 tonnes you don’t need the cpc but you will need a medical as you are over 70.
Basically after 70 you revert back to 3.5 tonnes unless you take a medical.
I gave up the class 1 and 7.5 tonne entitlement.
Can I tow a caravan with my licence as it is with code B1 and B please
I passed my motorcycle driving test around June/July 1960. (any size engine)On my new type photo licence it says I am entitled to drive/ride groups:—- AM—A—B1–B—BE—& f.k.i.n.p.q. My question is
can I ride a large motorcycle 1200cc ? It looks as though I cannot.But I passed my test many years ago !
You can ride any size you like you have -A- entitlement which is unrestricted use of bikes of any capacity.
I passed my in the 80s I can ride anything
I passed my bus test in a single decker in1983 in a semi-automatic working for the local council, on my licence relating to bus….. D1,, D,, D1E and DE are on….
Could I now drive a manual bus without taking another test…. I have been told that I can
Thanks
Hi. I’ve got category AM and category A with a date on it. Can I ride a motorbike without taking any more tests. Thanks
As far as i can see you will still need to do a CBT basic bike test and if the bike goes over 28mph a full bike test must also be passed.. I myself do not have the full bike test passed and have similar as to which your question states .. Hope this helps ..
If your -A- entitlement is in date you can ride whatever bike you wish.