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
UK driving licence types 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:
Meeting age & medical requirements
Taking additional theory/practical tests
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
Q: Can I drive a van with a standard car licence?
A: Yes, if under 3,500kg. For heavier vans, you require a Category C1 license.
Q: Do I need a separate licence for electric cars?
A: No, electric cars fall under Category B (automatic if no gears).
Q: Is my UK licence valid abroad?
A: Yes, across the EU and many countries worldwide (sometimes with IDP).
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.
