DRIVING CATEGORIES FOR THE UK

Different vehicles require different category entitlements on the licence and the minimum age will vary depending on the vehicle.

Most people will hold a category B licence. This entitles them to drive a motor vehicle with no more than eight passenger seats and with or without a trailer weighing no more than 750kg.What are your thoughts on this article? Send your views to Britannia Driving School by using the comments link below:

Some will hold a category B auto licence this is the same as above however they are not allowed to drive a manual transmission.

B + E category allows you to drive with a heavier trailer than category B.

B1 category refers to motor tricycles and three or four wheeled vehicles.

The general rule is you must be a minimum of 17 years of age to hold any of the licences above. However, you are entitled to drive at 16 if you receive Disability Living Allowance.

To drive a motorcycle the age requirements are slightly different.

P category refers to a moped with a maximum speed of 50mph and an engine size no more than 50cc. You are allowed to possess this licence at just 16 years of age.

A1 refers to a motorbike with an engine size of up to 125cc and will require you to be 17 years of age.

A bus (more than eight passenger seats) with a trailer no heavier than 750kg holds the D category and you must be 21 years of age. With a trailer heavier than 750kg the category falls under D + E.

There are often exemptions and different age restrictions for those in the Armed Forces and for those that may hold a permit. The same is to be said for those that passed their test before January 1997 the category codes will differ on their licence, so please contact the DSA (Driving Standards Agency) for clarification if you are unsure.

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