Introduction Driving in the UK

Driving in the UK offers a unique and often enjoyable experience, but it comes with its own set of rules and challenges. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, understanding the intricacies of British road systems is crucial for a safe and smooth driving experience. This comprehensive guide covers everything from road rules and regulations to tips for navigating the picturesque countryside and bustling cities. By the end of this guide, you’ll be well-equipped with the knowledge needed to drive confidently in the UK.

Understanding UK Road Rules

The UK has a robust set of road rules designed to ensure safety and order on the roads. These rules are detailed in the Highway Code, which every driver must adhere to. Key rules include:

• Driving on the Left: One of the most distinctive features of UK driving is driving on the left-hand side of the road. This can be particularly challenging for visitors from countries where right-hand driving is the norm.
• Seat Belts: Wearing seat belts is mandatory for all passengers. The driver is responsible for ensuring that passengers under 14 years old are wearing seat belts.
• Mobile Phones: Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is illegal. Hands-free devices are allowed but must not cause distractions.
• Drink Driving: The legal alcohol limit is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood, one of the highest in Europe. However, it’s safest not to drink at all if you plan to drive.

Adhering to these rules is essential for your safety and for avoiding penalties.

The Importance of Road Signs

Road signs are an integral part of driving in the UK, providing critical information and instructions. Familiarize yourself with:

• Regulatory Signs: Indicate what you must or must not do (e.g., speed limits, no entry).
• Warning Signs: Alert you to potential hazards (e.g., sharp bends, pedestrian crossings).
• Informational Signs: Provide helpful information (e.g., directions, parking).

Recognizing and understanding these signs is vital for safe and legal driving.

Driving on the Left Side of the Road

For many foreigners, the most challenging aspect of driving in the UK is adjusting to driving on the left. Here are some tips to help you adapt:

• Practice in a Quiet Area: Start driving in less busy areas to get comfortable with the change.
• Positioning: Always remember to keep your car closer to the left side of the lane.
• Roundabouts: Approach roundabouts carefully, yield to traffic coming from the right, and circle clockwise.

With practice, driving on the left will become second nature.

Roundabouts and Junctions

Roundabouts are common in the UK and can be daunting for new drivers. Key points to remember:

• Give Way: Always give way to traffic coming from your right unless directed otherwise by road signs or markings.
• Indicate: Signal your intentions clearly when entering and exiting a roundabout.
• Stay Calm: Approach roundabouts slowly and calmly, ensuring you have a clear view of the traffic.

Junctions also require careful navigation. Always stop at ‘Stop’ signs and proceed with caution at ‘Give Way’ signs.

Speed Limits and Regulations

Speed limits in the UK vary depending on the type of road and area. Common limits include:

• Motorways: 70 mph (112 km/h)
• Dual Carriageways: 70 mph (112 km/h)
• Single Carriageways: 60 mph (96 km/h)
• Built-Up Areas: 30 mph (48 km/h), often reduced to 20 mph (32 km/h) in residential zones

Adhering to speed limits is crucial for safety and avoiding fines.

Motorway Driving

Motorways are major highways designed for fast, long-distance travel. Important tips for motorway driving include:

• Lane Discipline: Use the left lane for normal driving and the right lanes for overtaking.
• Speed Limits: Observe the speed limit and adapt to traffic conditions.
• Exits: Plan your route and know your exit in advance to avoid last-minute lane changes.

Motorways are generally safe but require vigilance and adherence to rules.

Parking Regulations

Parking rules in the UK can be strict, especially in urban areas. Key points to remember:

• Yellow Lines: Single yellow lines mean parking restrictions apply during certain hours, while double yellow lines mean no parking at any time.
• Parking Meters and Pay & Display: Ensure you pay for your parking and display the ticket clearly.
• Residential Parking: Be aware of resident-only parking zones and the need for permits.

Following parking regulations prevents fines and ensures you park legally.

Penalties and Points System

The UK uses a points system to penalize traffic violations. Common offenses and their points include:

• Speeding: 3-6 points
• Using a Mobile Phone: 6 points
• Drink Driving: Disqualification and a minimum of 3 points upon reinstatement

Accumulating too many points can lead to disqualification, so it’s essential to drive safely and responsibly.

Eco-Friendly Driving Practices

Reducing your carbon footprint while driving is beneficial for the environment. Tips for eco-friendly driving include:

• Smooth Acceleration: Avoid rapid acceleration and braking.
• Maintain Your Vehicle: Keep your car well-maintained for better fuel efficiency.
• Carpooling: Share rides to reduce the number of vehicles on the road.

Eco-friendly driving helps conserve resources and protect the environment.

Driving in Different Weather Conditions

The UK weather can be unpredictable, impacting driving conditions. Safety tips for various weather conditions include:

• Rain: Reduce speed, increase following distance, and use headlights.
• Snow and Ice: Drive slowly, use higher gears to avoid wheel spin, and keep a safe distance.
• Fog: Use fog lights, drive slowly, and maintain a safe distance.

Adapting to weather conditions ensures safer journeys.

Road Safety Tips

General road safety tips for driving in the UK include:

• Seat Belts: Ensure all passengers wear seat belts.
• Speed: Adhere to speed limits and adjust speed according to conditions.
• Alertness: Stay alert and avoid distractions, such as using a mobile phone.

Prioritizing safety helps prevent accidents and ensures a smoother driving experience.

Renting a Car in the UK

Renting a car in the UK is straightforward but requires some planning. Key points include:

• Requirements: A valid driving license, credit card, and often a minimum age of 21.
• Insurance: Ensure you have adequate insurance coverage.
• Rental Agreement: Read and understand the rental agreement, including mileage limits and fuel policy.

Renting a car provides flexibility and convenience for exploring the UK.

Insurance Requirements

Car insurance is mandatory in the UK. The minimum required coverage is third-party insurance, which covers damage to other vehicles and property. Comprehensive insurance offers additional protection, including damage to your vehicle. Ensure your insurance meets legal requirements and provides adequate coverage.

Fuel Types and Costs

Fuel types available in the UK include petrol, diesel, and increasingly, electric. Petrol and diesel prices fluctuate but tend to be higher than in many other countries. Electric vehicle charging points are becoming more common, offering a greener alternative. Plan your fuel stops and consider the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly options.

Breakdowns and Emergencies

In case of a breakdown or emergency:

• Emergency Numbers: Dial 999 for emergencies or 101 for non-emergencies.
• Breakdown Services: Consider subscribing to a breakdown service such as the AA or RAC.
• Safety: Move your vehicle to a safe location if possible, and use hazard lights to alert other drivers.

Being prepared for emergencies ensures a swift and safe resolution.

Driving Etiquette and Culture

Understanding driving etiquette and culture in the UK enhances your driving experience. Key points include:

• Politeness: Use indicators, give way when appropriate, and thank other drivers with a wave.
• Queueing: Respect queueing in traffic and at junctions.
• Roundabouts: Follow the rules and be patient with other drivers.

Adhering to local etiquette fosters a respectful driving environment.

Driving with a Foreign License

Foreigners can drive in the UK with a valid license from their home country for up to 12 months. After this period, you may need to exchange your license or pass the UK driving tests. Check specific requirements based on your country of origin to ensure compliance.

Converting a Foreign License to a UK License

To convert a foreign license to a UK driving license:

• Eligible Countries: Check if your country is eligible for direct exchange without tests.
• Application: Apply through the DVLA with necessary documents and fees.
• Tests: If your country is not eligible, you’ll need to pass the UK theory and practical tests.

Converting your license ensures legal driving beyond the initial 12-month period.

Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations

Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining popularity in the UK. Information on EVs includes:

• Charging Stations: Increasingly available at public locations, service stations, and workplaces.
• Incentives: Government incentives for EV purchase and reduced road tax.
• Environmental Impact: Lower emissions and running costs compared to petrol and diesel vehicles.

Considering an EV can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice.

Popular Road Trips and Scenic Routes

The UK offers stunning scenic routes and road trips. Popular destinations include:

• Scotland’s North Coast 500: A 516-mile route through the Scottish Highlands.
• The Lake District: Picturesque drives around lakes and mountains.
• Cornwall’s Coastal Roads: Beautiful coastal views and charming villages.

Planning a road trip allows you to explore the UK’s natural beauty.

Toll Roads and Congestion Charges

Certain roads and areas in the UK have tolls and congestion charges:

• M6 Toll: A major toll road bypassing Birmingham.
• London Congestion Charge: A fee for driving in central London during peak hours.
• Payment: Pay tolls and charges online, at service stations, or via mobile apps.

Understanding these charges ensures compliance and avoids fines.

Smart Motorways

Smart motorways use technology to manage traffic flow and reduce congestion. Features include:

• Variable Speed Limits: Adjusted based on traffic conditions.
• Hard Shoulder Use: The hard shoulder may be used as an additional lane during peak times.
• Signage: Electronic signs provide real-time information and instructions.

Driving on smart motorways requires attention to signs and speed limits.

Local Traffic Laws and Regulations

Traffic laws and regulations can vary by region within the UK. Key considerations include:

• Urban Areas: Specific rules for congestion zones and low-emission areas.
• Rural Roads: Narrow lanes and unique speed limits.
• School Zones: Reduced speed limits and increased pedestrian activity.

Being aware of local regulations ensures compliance and safety.

Useful Apps and Resources

Various apps and resources can assist with driving in the UK:

• Navigation Apps: Google Maps, Waze, and TomTom for real-time directions and traffic updates.
• Parking Apps: Parkopedia and RingGo for finding and paying for parking.
• Fuel Price Apps: PetrolPrices and Fuelio for locating the cheapest fuel.

Utilizing these resources enhances convenience and efficiency.

FAQs

What side of the road do you drive on in the UK?

• In the UK, you drive on the left side of the road.

Can I use my foreign driving license in the UK?

• Yes, you can use a valid foreign driving license for up to 12 months.

Are there toll roads in the UK?

• Yes, there are toll roads such as the M6 Toll, and congestion charges in cities like London.

What should I do in case of a breakdown?

• Move your vehicle to a safe location if possible, use hazard lights, and contact a breakdown service or emergency number.

Is car insurance mandatory in the UK?

• Yes, car insurance is mandatory, with third-party insurance being the minimum required.

How do I convert my foreign driving license to a UK license?

• Check if your country is eligible for a direct exchange through the DVLA, or otherwise, pass the UK theory and practical tests.

Conclusion

Driving in the UK can be a rewarding experience, offering the freedom to explore its rich landscapes and vibrant cities. By understanding and adhering to UK road rules, preparing adequately, and using available resources, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this guide equips you with the essential knowledge to navigate British roads confidently.

Inbound Links Suggestions:

• Link to the Highway Code for detailed road rules and regulations.
• Link to a guide on eco-friendly driving tips.

Outbound Links Suggestions:

• Link to the official DVLA website for license applications and updates.
• Link to reputable car rental companies and insurance providers.

Want to know the ins and outs of the UK driving licence? You’ve come to the right place

As well as being a key form of identification, the UK driving licence gives you the right to drive a car, plus certain types of other vehicles. But as the licence is full of information, codes and categories, you might be after an explainer on both what the front of the driving licence shows, and what the details on the back of a driving licence mean. This guide will explain all this.

Front of the driving licence explained

The front of the driving licence displays a photograph of the licence holder with the licence expiry date printed on top, as well key information about them, and the types of vehicle their licence permits them to drive.

Each section on the front of a driving licence is numbered, with each number showing the following information:

1. Your surname
2. Your first name(s)
3. Your date and country of birth
4a. The date your licence was issued
4b. The date your licence expires
4c. What agency issued your licence (usually DVLA)
5. Your driving licence number*
6. Although not numbered on the licence, your photograph is 6
7. Your signature
8. Your address
9. The categories of vehicle you’re permitted to drive – see next section.

*This is made up of the first five letters of your surname, your birth year, month and day, plus the letters two of your middle names begin with, with the number ‘9’ standing in if you only have one middle name. Note the two numbers that make up your birth year are split in two and bookend the long number, rather than being displayed sequentially. There are also three computer-assigned digits at the end, plus a separate pair of numbers on the same line that represent your licence issue number.

Back of the driving licence explained

A number of categories are displayed on the back of your driving licence, displayed in a table with four columns, labelled 9-12.

Column 9 shows the code and an image representing classes of vehicle
Column 10 is date from which your licence for that class of vehicle is valid
Column 11 is date from which your licence for that class of vehicle expires
Column 12 shows driving licence codes – EG ‘115’ means organ donor (see section after next).

What are driving licence categories?

While the icons help you work out what vehicles you’re allowed to drive, they might not all be intuitively understandable.

Driving licence categories explained

AM (‘q’ proper to 2013): mopeds capable of at least 15mph and no more than 28mph, and light quadricycles with the same speed requirements, weighing no more than 350kg.
A1: motorcycles under 125cc capacity and 11kW (15hp) of power
A2: motorcycles with no more power than 35kW (47.6hp)
A: motorcycles with more than 35kW
B: cars**
B1: four-wheeled light vehicles (under 550kg)
BE: cars with trailers
C1: medium-sized vehicles weighing 3,500kg to 7,500kg carrying no more than eight passengers
C1E: medium-sized vehicles with trailers
C: large goods vehicles weighing over 3,500kg
CE: large goods vehicles with trailers
D1: minibuses no longer than 8 metres and with no more than 16 seats
D: buses with more than eight seats
D1E: minibuses with trailers over 750kg
DE: buses with trailers over 750kg
f: agricultural tractors
g: roadrollers
h: tracked vehicles
k: ride-on mowers and pedestrian-controlled vehicles

**Category B includes light vans (weighing under 3,500kg) and means different things with regard to towing depending on when you passed your test – see our guide to towing for more information.

What are driving licence codes?

As detailed in the section before one, in addition to driving-licence categories there exist driving-licence codes.

These do not refer to vehicles, but rather certain conditions that can be placed on a person’s driving licence, for one or many of the class of vehicles they can drive. For example a code might indicate you have to wear corrective glasses or lenses to drive, or that you are an organ donor.

The licence codes are as follows (information taken from UK Gov website, multiple codes shown per line to reduce scrolling).

01 – eyesight correction, for example glasses or contact lenses 02 – hearing/communication aid 10 – modified transmission 15 – modified clutch 20 – modified braking systems 25 – modified accelerator systems 30 – combined braking and accelerator systems (for licences issued before 28 November 2016) 31 – pedal adaptations and pedal safeguards 32 – combined service brake and accelerator systems 33 – combined service brake, accelerator and steering systems 35 – modified control layouts 40 – modified steering 42 – modified rear-view mirror(s) 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 (5) – (adjusted) manual transmission and manual clutch 44 (6) – (adjusted) rear-view mirror(s) 44 (7) – (adjusted) commands (direction indicators, braking light, etc) 44 (8) – seat height allowing the driver, in sitting position, to have two feet on the surface at the same time and balance the motorcycle during stopping and standing 44 (11) – adapted foot rest 44 (12) – adapted hand grip 45 – motorbikes only with sidecar 46 – tricycles only (for licences issued before 29 June 2014) 70 – exchange of licence 71 – duplicate of licence 78 – restricted to vehicles with automatic transmission 79 – restricted to vehicles in conformity with the specifications stated in brackets on your licence 79 (2) – restricted to category AM vehicles of the 3-wheel or light quadricycle type 79 (3) – restricted to tricycles 96 – allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer where the trailer weighs at least 750kg, and the combined weight of the vehicle and trailer is between 3,500kg and 4,250kg 97 – not allowed to drive category C1 vehicles which are required to have a tachograph fitted 101 – not for hire or reward (that is, not to make a profit) 102 – drawbar trailers only 103 – subject to certificate of competence 105 – vehicle not more than 5.5 metres long 106 – restricted to vehicles with automatic transmissions 107 – not more than 8,250 kilograms 108 – subject to minimum age requirements 110 – limited to transporting persons with restricted mobility 111 – limited to 16 passenger seats 113 – limited to 16 passenger seats except for automatics 114 – with any special controls required for safe driving 115 – organ donor 118 – start date is for earliest entitlement 119 – weight limit for vehicle does not apply 121 – restricted to conditions specified in the Secretary of State’s notice 122 – valid on successful completion: Basic Moped Training Course. This does not apply to trial e-scooters 125 – tricycles only (for licences issued before 29 June 2014)

Driving licence FAQs

Where is the driving licence number?

Your driving licence number can be found on the front of your photocard licence, under section 5.

Where is the issue number of a driving licence?

Your driving-licence issue number is on the same line as your licence number, with a slight space between the two numbers.

What type of driving licence do I have?

There are two main types of driving licence in the UK, full and provisional. A full licence will be pink and a provisional licence will be green, and clearly marked.

Following on from that there are a number of different licence categories, which set out what type of vehicles you are allowed to drive. If you have passed your car driving test you will be allowed to drive cars, which are class B on your driving licence, defined as vehicles with no more than eight passenger seats, and weighing no more than 3,500kg, fully laden.

Are paper driving licences still valid?

If you have a paper driving licence that was issued before March 2000 and the information on it is still correct, it is still valid. If you need to change your name or address, a photocard licence will be issued to replace the paper one, though.

Want to know the ins and outs of the UK driving licence? You’ve come to the right place

As well as being a key form of identification, the UK driving licence gives you the right to drive a car, plus certain types of other vehicles. But as the licence is full of information, codes and categories, you might be after an explainer on both what the front of the driving licence shows, and what the details on the back of a driving licence mean. This guide will explain all this.

Front of the driving licence explained

The front of the driving licence displays a photograph of the licence holder with the licence expiry date printed on top, as well key information about them, and the types of vehicle their licence permits them to drive.

Each section on the front of a driving licence is numbered, with each number showing the following information:

1. Your surname
2. Your first name(s)
3. Your date and country of birth
4a. The date your licence was issued
4b. The date your licence expires
4c. What agency issued your licence (usually DVLA)
5. Your driving licence number*
6. Although not numbered on the licence, your photograph is 6
7. Your signature
8. Your address
9. The categories of vehicle you’re permitted to drive – see next section.

*This is made up of the first five letters of your surname, your birth year, month and day, plus the letters two of your middle names begin with, with the number ‘9’ standing in if you only have one middle name. Note the two numbers that make up your birth year are split in two and bookend the long number, rather than being displayed sequentially. There are also three computer-assigned digits at the end, plus a separate pair of numbers on the same line that represent your licence issue number.

Back of the driving licence explained

A number of categories are displayed on the back of your driving licence, displayed in a table with four columns, labelled 9-12.

Column 9 shows the code and an image representing classes of vehicle
Column 10 is date from which your licence for that class of vehicle is valid
Column 11 is date from which your licence for that class of vehicle expires
Column 12 shows driving licence codes – EG ‘115’ means organ donor (see section after next).

What are driving licence categories?

While the icons help you work out what vehicles you’re allowed to drive, they might not all be intuitively understandable.

Driving licence categories explained

AM (‘q’ proper to 2013): mopeds capable of at least 15mph and no more than 28mph, and light quadricycles with the same speed requirements, weighing no more than 350kg.
A1: motorcycles under 125cc capacity and 11kW (15hp) of power
A2: motorcycles with no more power than 35kW (47.6hp)
A: motorcycles with more than 35kW
B: cars**
B1: four-wheeled light vehicles (under 550kg)
BE: cars with trailers
C1: medium-sized vehicles weighing 3,500kg to 7,500kg carrying no more than eight passengers
C1E: medium-sized vehicles with trailers
C: large goods vehicles weighing over 3,500kg
CE: large goods vehicles with trailers
D1: minibuses no longer than 8 metres and with no more than 16 seats
D: buses with more than eight seats
D1E: minibuses with trailers over 750kg
DE: buses with trailers over 750kg
f: agricultural tractors
g: roadrollers
h: tracked vehicles
k: ride-on mowers and pedestrian-controlled vehicles

**Category B includes light vans (weighing under 3,500kg) and means different things with regard to towing depending on when you passed your test – see our guide to towing for more information.

What are driving licence codes?

As detailed in the section before one, in addition to driving-licence categories there exist driving-licence codes.

These do not refer to vehicles, but rather certain conditions that can be placed on a person’s driving licence, for one or many of the class of vehicles they can drive. For example a code might indicate you have to wear corrective glasses or lenses to drive, or that you are an organ donor.

The licence codes are as follows (information taken from UK Gov website, multiple codes shown per line to reduce scrolling).

01 – eyesight correction, for example glasses or contact lenses 02 – hearing/communication aid 10 – modified transmission 15 – modified clutch 20 – modified braking systems 25 – modified accelerator systems 30 – combined braking and accelerator systems (for licences issued before 28 November 2016) 31 – pedal adaptations and pedal safeguards 32 – combined service brake and accelerator systems 33 – combined service brake, accelerator and steering systems 35 – modified control layouts 40 – modified steering 42 – modified rear-view mirror(s) 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 (5) – (adjusted) manual transmission and manual clutch 44 (6) – (adjusted) rear-view mirror(s) 44 (7) – (adjusted) commands (direction indicators, braking light, etc) 44 (8) – seat height allowing the driver, in sitting position, to have two feet on the surface at the same time and balance the motorcycle during stopping and standing 44 (11) – adapted foot rest 44 (12) – adapted hand grip 45 – motorbikes only with sidecar 46 – tricycles only (for licences issued before 29 June 2014) 70 – exchange of licence 71 – duplicate of licence 78 – restricted to vehicles with automatic transmission 79 – restricted to vehicles in conformity with the specifications stated in brackets on your licence 79 (2) – restricted to category AM vehicles of the 3-wheel or light quadricycle type 79 (3) – restricted to tricycles 96 – allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer where the trailer weighs at least 750kg, and the combined weight of the vehicle and trailer is between 3,500kg and 4,250kg 97 – not allowed to drive category C1 vehicles which are required to have a tachograph fitted 101 – not for hire or reward (that is, not to make a profit) 102 – drawbar trailers only 103 – subject to certificate of competence 105 – vehicle not more than 5.5 metres long 106 – restricted to vehicles with automatic transmissions 107 – not more than 8,250 kilograms 108 – subject to minimum age requirements 110 – limited to transporting persons with restricted mobility 111 – limited to 16 passenger seats 113 – limited to 16 passenger seats except for automatics 114 – with any special controls required for safe driving 115 – organ donor 118 – start date is for earliest entitlement 119 – weight limit for vehicle does not apply 121 – restricted to conditions specified in the Secretary of State’s notice 122 – valid on successful completion: Basic Moped Training Course. This does not apply to trial e-scooters 125 – tricycles only (for licences issued before 29 June 2014)

Driving licence FAQs

Where is the driving licence number?

Your driving licence number can be found on the front of your photocard licence, under section 5.

Where is the issue number of a driving licence?

Your driving-licence issue number is on the same line as your licence number, with a slight space between the two numbers.

What type of driving licence do I have?

There are two main types of driving licence in the UK, full and provisional. A full licence will be pink and a provisional licence will be green, and clearly marked.

Following on from that there are a number of different licence categories, which set out what type of vehicles you are allowed to drive. If you have passed your car driving test you will be allowed to drive cars, which are class B on your driving licence, defined as vehicles with no more than eight passenger seats, and weighing no more than 3,500kg, fully laden.

Are paper driving licences still valid?

If you have a paper driving licence that was issued before March 2000 and the information on it is still correct, it is still valid. If you need to change your name or address, a photocard licence will be issued to replace the paper one, though.

UK driving licence Without a Test – Ultimate guide to

UK driving licence

Want to know the ins and outs of the UK driving licence? You’ve come to the right place

As well as being a key form of identification, the UK driving licence gives you the right to drive a car, plus certain types of other vehicles. But as the licence is full of information, codes and categories, you might be after an explainer on both what the front of the driving licence shows, and what the details on the back of a driving licence mean. This guide will explain all this.

Front of the driving licence explained

The front of the driving licence displays a photograph of the licence holder with the licence expiry date printed on top, as well key information about them, and the types of vehicle their licence permits them to drive.

Each section on the front of a driving licence is numbered, with each number showing the following information:

1. Your surname
2. Your first name(s)
3. Your date and country of birth
4a. The date your licence was issued
4b. The date your licence expires
4c. What agency issued your licence (usually DVLA)
5. Your driving licence number*
6. Although not numbered on the licence, your photograph is 6
7. Your signature
8. Your address
9. The categories of vehicle you’re permitted to drive – see next section.

*This is made up of the first five letters of your surname, your birth year, month and day, plus the letters two of your middle names begin with, with the number ‘9’ standing in if you only have one middle name. Note the two numbers that make up your birth year are split in two and bookend the long number, rather than being displayed sequentially. There are also three computer-assigned digits at the end, plus a separate pair of numbers on the same line that represent your licence issue number.

Instructor of driving school giving exam while sitting in car

Back of the driving licence explained

A number of categories are displayed on the back of your driving licence, displayed in a table with four columns, labelled 9-12.

Column 9 shows the code and an image representing classes of vehicle
Column 10 is date from which your licence for that class of vehicle is valid
Column 11 is date from which your licence for that class of vehicle expires
Column 12 shows driving licence codes – EG ‘115’ means organ donor (see section after next).

What are driving licence categories?

UK driving licence Without a Test

While the icons help you work out what vehicles you’re allowed to drive, they might not all be intuitively understandable.

Driving licence categories explained

AM (‘q’ proper to 2013): mopeds capable of at least 15mph and no more than 28mph, and light quadricycles with the same speed requirements, weighing no more than 350kg.
A1: motorcycles under 125cc capacity and 11kW (15hp) of power
A2: motorcycles with no more power than 35kW (47.6hp)
A: motorcycles with more than 35kW
B: cars**
B1: four-wheeled light vehicles (under 550kg)
BE: cars with trailers
C1: medium-sized vehicles weighing 3,500kg to 7,500kg carrying no more than eight passengers
C1E: medium-sized vehicles with trailers
C: large goods vehicles weighing over 3,500kg
CE: large goods vehicles with trailers
D1: minibuses no longer than 8 metres and with no more than 16 seats
D: buses with more than eight seats
D1E: minibuses with trailers over 750kg
DE: buses with trailers over 750kg
f: agricultural tractors
g: roadrollers
h: tracked vehicles
k: ride-on mowers and pedestrian-controlled vehicles

**Category B includes light vans (weighing under 3,500kg) and means different things with regard to towing depending on when you passed your test – see our guide to towing for more information.

What are driving licence codes?

As detailed in the section before one, in addition to driving-licence categories there exist driving-licence codes.

These do not refer to vehicles, but rather certain conditions that can be placed on a person’s driving licence, for one or many of the class of vehicles they can drive. For example a code might indicate you have to wear corrective glasses or lenses to drive, or that you are an organ donor.

The licence codes are as follows (information taken from UK Gov website, multiple codes shown per line to reduce scrolling).

01 – eyesight correction, for example glasses or contact lenses 02 – hearing/communication aid 10 – modified transmission 15 – modified clutch 20 – modified braking systems 25 – modified accelerator systems 30 – combined braking and accelerator systems (for licences issued before 28 November 2016) 31 – pedal adaptations and pedal safeguards 32 – combined service brake and accelerator systems 33 – combined service brake, accelerator and steering systems 35 – modified control layouts 40 – modified steering 42 – modified rear-view mirror(s) 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 (5) – (adjusted) manual transmission and manual clutch 44 (6) – (adjusted) rear-view mirror(s) 44 (7) – (adjusted) commands (direction indicators, braking light, etc) 44 (8) – seat height allowing the driver, in sitting position, to have two feet on the surface at the same time and balance the motorcycle during stopping and standing 44 (11) – adapted foot rest 44 (12) – adapted hand grip 45 – motorbikes only with sidecar 46 – tricycles only (for licences issued before 29 June 2014) 70 – exchange of licence 71 – duplicate of licence 78 – restricted to vehicles with automatic transmission 79 – restricted to vehicles in conformity with the specifications stated in brackets on your licence 79 (2) – restricted to category AM vehicles of the 3-wheel or light quadricycle type 79 (3) – restricted to tricycles 96 – allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer where the trailer weighs at least 750kg, and the combined weight of the vehicle and trailer is between 3,500kg and 4,250kg 97 – not allowed to drive category C1 vehicles which are required to have a tachograph fitted 101 – not for hire or reward (that is, not to make a profit) 102 – drawbar trailers only 103 – subject to certificate of competence 105 – vehicle not more than 5.5 metres long 106 – restricted to vehicles with automatic transmissions 107 – not more than 8,250 kilograms 108 – subject to minimum age requirements 110 – limited to transporting persons with restricted mobility 111 – limited to 16 passenger seats 113 – limited to 16 passenger seats except for automatics 114 – with any special controls required for safe driving 115 – organ donor 118 – start date is for earliest entitlement 119 – weight limit for vehicle does not apply 121 – restricted to conditions specified in the Secretary of State’s notice 122 – valid on successful completion: Basic Moped Training Course. This does not apply to trial e-scooters 125 – tricycles only (for licences issued before 29 June 2014)

Driving licence FAQs UK driving licence Without a Test

Where is the driving licence number?

Your driving licence number can be found on the front of your photocard licence, under section 5.

Where is the issue number of a driving licence?

Your driving-licence issue number is on the same line as your licence number, with a slight space between the two numbers.

What type of driving licence do I have?

UK driving licence Without a Test

There are two main types of driving licence in the UK, full and provisional. A full licence will be pink and a provisional licence will be green, and clearly marked.

Following on from that there are a number of different licence categories, which set out what type of vehicles you are allowed to drive. If you have passed your car driving test you will be allowed to drive cars, which are class B on your driving licence, defined as vehicles with no more than eight passenger seats, and weighing no more than 3,500kg, fully laden.

Are paper driving licences still valid?

If you have a paper driving licence that was issued before March 2000 and the information on it is still correct, it is still valid. If you need to change your name or address, a photocard licence will be issued to replace the paper one, though.

Driving licence codes and categories explained

  17th Dec 2021

• Share
• Facebook
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• Email

Jump to a section:What are driving licence codes and categories?Driving licences explainedWhat driving licence categories apply to cars?What driving licence categories apply to vans and lorries?What driving licence categories apply to motorbikes?What other driving licence categories are there? It’s easy to overlook the small print on our driving licences, not to mention the letters and numbers that fill the table at the back of our photocards.However random they might seem, these characters tell us a lot about the types of vehicles we can drive and much more. That’s why we’ve decided to break it all down to help you better understand driving licence codes and driving licence categories. Read on to help make sense of them all.

What are driving licence codes and categories?

The seemingly random letters and numbers on driving licences can be split into two groups:

• Driving licence categories given in letters or a combination of letters and numbers e.g. ‘C’ and ‘C1’. These tell us which vehicles we’re allowed to drive.
• Driving licence codes given in numbers only e.g. ‘01’ and ‘79(2)’. These tell us the conditions a driver should meet to drive. For example, ‘01’ is a common code indicating someone needs glasses or contact lenses to drive.

Find the full list of driving licence codes on the gov.uk website.

Driving licences explained

The easiest way to see which categories your licence covers is to look at section nine of your photocard. Found on the front of the card, this section shows driving licence categories represented by letters separated by commas or slashes. Capital letters refer to categories recognised across Europe, while lower case letters refer to national categories. On the back of your driving licence, you’ll notice a table with three columns:

• Column 9 shows types of vehicles you can drive
• Column 10 shows the licence start date
• Column 11 shows the licence end date
• Column 12 shows driving licence codes

What driving licence categories apply to cars?

B

Category B can mean one of two things depending on when you passed your test. If you passed before 1 January 1997, you’re allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer combination with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of 8,250kg. You can also drive a minibus with a trailer over 750kg MAM. See categories D1 and D1E for more on minibus categories. If you passed your test on or after 1 January 1997, you can drive vehicles up to 3,500kg MAM with up to 8 passenger seats and with a trailer up to 750kg. You can also tow heavier trailers if the total MAM of the vehicle and trailer is no more than 3,500kg. Category B licences also allow you to drive motor tricycles with a power output higher than 15kW if you are over 21 years old.

B auto

This one’s simple, you can drive any of the vehicles included in Category B but only with an automatic transmission.

BE

The BE category currently appears on drivers’ licences if the holder has passed a car and trailer driving test. However, the DVLA hopes to change the law so this test isn’t needed and all new photocard licences will include the category. Drivers who passed their test from 1 January 1997 face tighter towing restrictions until these rules change. New rules were originally scheduled for 15 November 2021 and are likely to come into force in the near future. Keep an eye on the gov.uk website for more details.

B1

This category appears next to the image of a small van on the back of your licence. It means that you can drive a vehicle with ‘4 wheels up to 400kg unladen or 550kg if they’re designed for carrying goods.’ We’ve included it here as the code features on all licences when drivers have passed a standard test.

FREE Battery Replace

For a limited time, get FREE Battery Replace worth £42 with your RAC Breakdown Cover^.Buy now

What driving licence categories apply to vans and lorries?

C

Category C refers to large goods vehicles, meaning you can drive anything over 3,500 kg (with a trailer up to 750kg MAM). To get a Category C licence you’ll need a full car driving licence and to apply for a provisional lorry licence. If your doctor decides you’re healthy enough to drive a larger vehicle, you can then take the four-part CPC (Driver Certificate of Professional Competence) test.

CE

Almost identical to Category C but you can also tow a trailer over 750kg.

C1

C1 is a little more restrictive than a Category C, as it only lets you drive vehicles between 3,500 and 7,500kg MAM (with a trailer up to 750kg).

C1E

Category C1E drivers can drive C1 vehicles with a trailer over 750kg. The combined weight of both cannot exceed 12,000kg.

What driving licence categories apply to motorbikes?

A

Holders of a Category A licence are allowed to drive any bike of any sized engine. The licence is only available to riders aged 24 and over, or 21 and over if you’ve held an A2 licence for two years. You need to have completed your compulsory basic training (CBT) and passed a theory and practical test.

A1

Category A1 riders can drive light motorbikes with an engine up to 125cc and a power output up to 11kW. The category also allows riders to use motor tricycles with a power output up to 15kW. Riders need to be 17 or over to take a test and must complete their compulsory basic training (CBT) and have passed a theory test and practical test.

A2

Category A2 is a step up from A1 and lets licence holders ride bikes up to 35kW. Bikes can’t be derived from a vehicle more than double its power and you need to be 19 years old to apply for a test.

AM

The AM category applies to mopeds rather than motorbikes. It allows a licence holder to drive two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicles with a maximum speed of 28mph. It also allows riders to use light quad bikes with the same max speed and unladen mass of 350kg (not including batteries if it’s an electric vehicle). To get an AM licence you’ll need to be at least 16 years old, to have a valid CBT certificate and to pass the motorbike theory test and two-module practical test.

p

Another moped category, the letter p appears in italics and lower case on photocard licences to show that the holder can drive two-wheeled vehicles with a maximum design speed of over 28mph but no more than 31 mph. Engines must be no more powerful than 50cc and the category appears on all standard full driving licences.

q

Category q lets licence holders drive two and three-wheeled vehicles without pedals if the engine size is no more than 50cc and the maximum design speed doesn’t exceed 15.5mph. The category also includes e-scooters.

• Motorbike breakdown cover
• Motorbike licence calculator – what bike can you ride?
• 10 of the best motorbikes for beginners

What other driving licence categories are there?

Other categories include:

• D – You can drive any bus with 8 passenger seats and a trailer up to 750kg.
• D1 – You can drive minibuses with no more than 16 passenger seats, a maximum length of 8 metres and a trailer up to 750kg.
• D1E – You can drive D1 minibuses with the option to tow a trailer over 750kg. The combined weight cannot exceed 12,000kg.
• f – agricultural tractors
• G – Road roller
• H – Tracked vehicles
• k – Mowing machine or pedestrian-controlled vehicles
• l – Electrically-propelled vehicles
• M – Trolley vehicles
• n – Exempt from duty