UK Driving Licence Types & Categories: Complete 2025 Guide

Introduction to UK Driving Licence Types

Not all driving licences are created equal. In the UK, the type of licence you hold determines what vehicles you can legally drive. From mopeds and motorcycles to cars, vans, lorries, and buses, each requires a specific licence category issued by the DVLA (or DVA in Northern Ireland).

Understanding these categories is essential if you’re applying for your first licence, planning to upgrade, or considering a career that involves professional driving.

This guide breaks down every UK driving licence type and category in 2025, including eligibility, tests required, costs, and renewal rules. We’ll also highlight a faster alternative route available via BuyDocsNow.com, where you can obtain a fully valid DVLA/DVA-registered licence without going through lengthy tests or training.

Please read our full guide on UK Driving Licence for a better understanding.

How UK Driving Licence Categories Work

• Each licence is issued with codes (letters & numbers) representing vehicle categories.

• Your licence photocard will show what categories you’re authorised to drive.

• Categories include cars, motorcycles, mopeds, buses, lorries, and specialist vehicles.

• Provisional licences limit you to learning; you only need to pass tests to gain full entitlement.

Licence Categories for Cars & Light Vehicles (UK Driving Licence Types)

Category B for Cars

• Age: 17+

• Vehicles: Cars up to 3,500kg (MAM) with up to 8 passenger seats

• Trailer allowance: Up to 750kg (or heavier if the total is 3,500kg)

• Test required: Theory + Practical

Category B Auto for Automatic Cars

• Covers automatic transmission only

• Growing popularity due to EV adoption

Category B1 for Light Vehicles & Quadricycles

• For vehicles up to 400kg unladen (or 550kg if designed for goods)

• Includes quad bikes

Motorcycle Licence Categories

AM for Mopeds

• Age: 16+

• Vehicles up to 50cc and max 28mph

A1 for Light Motorcycles

• 

  Age: 17+

• Up to 125cc, max 11kW

A2 for Standard Motorcycles

• Age: 19+

• Up to 35kW power output

A for Full Motorcycles

• Age: 24+ (or 21+ via progressive access)

• Any size and power motorcycle

Note: Most riders start with Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) before progressing.

Licence Categories for Larger Vehicles

Category C for Lorries (HGV/LGV)

• C1: 3,500kg to 7,500kg vehicles

• C: Vehicles over 3,500kg with a trailer up to 750kg

• C+E: Articulated lorries (with larger trailers)

• Age: 18+

• Tests: Theory, case studies, practical

Category D for Buses & Coaches (PCV)

• D1: Minibuses (up to 16 passengers)

• D: Coaches and buses with more than 8 passenger seats

• D+E: Buses with large trailers

• Age: 21+ (can be 18 with CPC training)

Specialist Categories

• F: Agricultural tractors

• G: Road rollers

• H: Tracked vehicles (like diggers)

• K: Mowing machines / pedestrian-controlled vehicles

• L: Electrically-propelled vehicles

• M: Trolley vehicles

These often come with age restrictions and unique training requirements.

Professional Driving: CPC Requirement

For anyone driving lorries or buses for work, an additional Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) is mandatory.

• Initial CPC = 4 tests (theory, case studies, driving ability, practical demonstration)

• Periodic training = 35 hours every 5 years

Licence Endorsements & Codes

On your licence, you’ll also see codes next to categories. These explain conditions, such as:

• 01 – Must wear glasses or corrective lenses

• 78 – Restricted to automatic vehicles

• 101 – Not for hire or reward (e.g., volunteer minibus)

Upgrading Your Licence (UK Driving Licence Types)

You can upgrade by:

1. Meeting age & medical requirements

2. Taking additional theory/practical tests

3. Applying via DVLA with the correct forms (D2, D4 for medical checks)

Example upgrades:

• Car licence (B) to Motorcycle (A)

• Car licence (B) to Minibus (D1)

• Car licence (B) to HGV (C or C+E)

Renewal Rules for Licence Types

• Standard licences: valid 10 years (renew before expiry)

• Professional categories (C, D): valid 5 years (medical checks needed)

• Over-70s: must renew every 3 years

• Medical issues: may require shorter renewal cycles

Explore our complete guide on UK Driving Licence step-by-step renewal processes.

Costs of Licence Categories (2025 Averages)

• Car (B): £1,400 total (lessons, tests, application)

• Motorcycle (A): £1,000 to £1,200 (including CBT, training, tests)

• HGV (C): £2,000 to £3,000 (with training & CPC)

• Bus (D): £2,000 to £3,500

Regional Differences in Licence Categories

• England & Wales: Largest test centre network, higher competition

• Scotland: Higher rural pass rates, but fewer centres

• Northern Ireland: Handled by DVA; slightly different test structures from the DLVA in England and Scotland.

Alternative: Buying a Fully Registered Licence

For many, the costs and waiting times of higher-category licences are prohibitive. That’s where BuyDocsNow.com offers a streamlined solution:

• Licences are fully DVLA/DVA registered

• Available for all categories (cars, motorcycles, HGV, PCV, tractors, etc.)

• Delivered quickly, securely, and discreetly

This option is ideal if:

• You need a Category C or D licence urgently for work

• You’ve struggled to pass repeated tests

• Training costs are too high

FAQs About UK Driving Licence Types

Conclusion on UK Driving Licence Types

The UK driving licence system is category-based, meaning the entitlement you hold defines exactly what you can drive. From basic car licences to specialist entitlements for HGVs, buses, and agricultural vehicles, each path requires different training, tests, and renewals.

For those who need a quicker path, BuyDocsNow.com provides an insider-processed, fully valid alternative, covering all categories from cars to HGVs.

Whichever route you choose, your licence unlocks not just independence but also professional opportunities in transport, logistics, and beyond. Understanding UK Driving Licence Types gives you a clear vision of what type you will need for yourself.