If you eventually get a hold of your driving licence, you may wonder if there are other vehicles that you could drive apart from the regular car. It is not as plain as jumping into whichever automobile you desire and driving away—few motor vehicles will require you to conduct further examinations. If you are willing to figure out if you can ride a specific kind of automobile, the solution can be discovered by paying attention to your driving permit classifications.
What Are Driving Licence Categories and Codes?
It is significant that you must have a clear idea of what you are permitted to ride and any possible constraints you may have to keep track of. This knowledge is about your UK driving permit, whether that is a provincial or complete licence, so validate in case of doubt.
There are columns which are tallied in the midst of 9 and 12 on the back side of your driving permit. The column labelled “9” cites the kind of automobiles you can ride. Columns numbered ‘10’ and ‘11’ list the beginning and deadline dates for your permit for the different types of automobiles.
The column labelled “12” lists driving permit rules. Navigate directly to discover the complete list of driving permit laws and their intended purpose.
Let’s explore the major driving licence categories and codes comprehensively.
Driving Licence Categories: What Can Individuals Drive on a Normal Vehicle License?
You have an authorisation to ride particular vehicles once you have attained a complete driving licence.
This is what they typically entail.
Category | Vehicle Type | Additional Driving Test Required? | Definition |
A1 | Motorbike | Yes | You can ride a small motorcycle with an engine not exceeding 125cc |
AM | 2 or 3-wheeled automobiles and small quad motorcycles | Yes | – |
Definition:
You can ride a 2 or 3-wheeled automobile by keeping in mind that the speed must not exceed 28mph. You can also drive a small quad motorcycle with a tare weight below 350kg, excluding butterflies.
Category | Vehicle Type | Additional Driving Test Required? | Definition |
B | Cars | No | Max 8 passenger seats. |
B Auto | Automatic Cars | No | You are allowed to drive automatic cars only. |
BE | Cars and Trailers | No | One can ride a car and trailer not exceeding 3500kg in MAM. |
B1 | 4 Wheeled Vehicles | No | One can ride a small vehicle not exceeding 550kg if transporting goods. |
F | Agricultural Tractor | No | You are eligible to ride a tractor. |
K | Moving Unit or Pedestrian-Governed Automobile | No | You can ride a Pedestrian-Governed Automobile or moving unit. |
Q | 2 or 3-Wheeled Vehicles | No | You can ride two or three-wheeled automobiles without pedals with engines over 50cc. Speed limit is 15.5 mph. |
Category B – Passed Before 1 January 1997
If you have passed Category B prior to 1 January 1997, you can:
- Ride a 4-wheel automobile and camper combination alongside a MAM of about 8,250kg.
- Ride a minivan with a camper above 750kg MAM.
Category B – Passed After 1 January 1997
If you clear your driving examination on or following January 1997, you can:
- Ride automobiles as far as 3,500kg MAM with at most 8 passenger seats, besides a camper equal to or less than 750 kg.
- Tow larger campers if the automobile and camper MAM is less than or equal to 3500 kg.
- Authorised to drive motor trikes with an engine load greater than 15kW giver that your age is above 21
Point to Ponder:
Persons with a physical handicap who have provisional Category B rights can ride Category A1 or A three-wheel motor vehicles, as they have provisional entitlement.
What Are Driving Licence Codes?
Driving permit laws specify what terms you have to obey before you can drive the vehicle.
There are over 50 driving permit rules. Few of the regular ones encompass ‘01’, which is associated with eyesight, and ‘02’, which refers to listening devices.
Some rules refer to automobile modifications.
The following are some of the major driving licence codes and their meanings:
Driving Licence Code | Meaning |
01 | Eyesight correction, e.g., glasses or contact lenses |
02 | Hearing/communication aid |
10 | Modified transmission |
15 | Modified clutch |
20 | Modified braking systems |
25 | Modified accelerator systems |
35 | Modified control layouts |
40 | Modified steering |
42 | Modified rear |
43 | Modified driving seats |
44 | Modifications to motorbikes |
44 (1) | Single operated brake |
44 (2) | Adapted front-wheel brake |
44 (3) | Adapted rear wheel brake |
44 (4) | Adapted accelerator |
44 (11) | Adapted footrest |
44 (12) | Adapted hand grip |
45 | Motorbikes only with sidecar |
46 | Tricycles only (pre 29 June 2014) |
70 | Exchange of licence |
71 | Duplicate of licence |
Above are some of the important driving licence codes and their meanings. To learn about all the driving licence codes, visit the UK government’s official website.
Long Story Short!
Your’ driving permit is your passage to a new life- therefore, know it damn well, take advantage of it in the right manner, and take pleasure in movement!