When it comes to driving a motor vehicle in the UK, having the appropriate license is a legal requirement. There are various types of motor vehicle licenses in the UK, each with its own requirements and restrictions. In this article, we will explore the different types of motor vehicle licenses available in the UK and what is required to obtain them.
Category B (Car)
The Category B license is the most common type of motor vehicle license in the UK, allowing the holder to drive a car weighing up to 3,500kg. To obtain a Category B license, the driver must be at least 17 years old and pass both a theory and practical driving test. Drivers who pass their test in an automatic car will only be licensed to drive automatic cars, while those who pass in a manual car will be licensed to drive both manual and automatic cars.
Category A (Motorcycle)
The Category A license allows the holder to drive a motorcycle without any engine size restrictions. There are two types of Category A licenses – A1 and A2. The A1 license is for motorcycles up to 125cc, and the holder must be at least 17 years old and pass both a theory and practical driving test. The A2 license is for motorcycles up to 35kW, and the holder must be at least 19 years old and have held an A1 license for at least two years or pass both a theory and practical driving test. The full Category A license can be obtained by holding an A2 license for at least two years or by passing both a theory and practical driving test if over 24 years old.
Category C (Large Goods Vehicle)
The Category C license allows the holder to drive a large goods vehicle (LGV) weighing over 3,500kg. To obtain a Category C license, the driver must be at least 18 years old, hold a Category B license, pass a medical examination, and pass both a theory and practical driving test. The Category C license also allows the holder to drive vehicles in lower categories, such as Category B and BE.
Category D (Passenger Carrying Vehicle)
The Category D license allows the holder to drive a passenger carrying vehicle (PCV) carrying more than eight passengers. To obtain a Category D license, the driver must be at least 21 years old, hold a Category B license, pass a medical examination, and pass both a theory and practical driving test. The Category D license also allows the holder to drive vehicles in lower categories, such as Category B and BE.
Category F (Agricultural Vehicle)
The Category F license allows the holder to drive agricultural vehicles on public roads. To obtain a Category F license, the driver must be at least 17 years old and pass a practical driving test.
Conclusion
Having the appropriate motor vehicle license is essential for driving legally and safely on UK roads. The Category B license is the most common type of license, allowing the holder to drive a car weighing up to 3,500kg. Other types of licenses include the Category A license for motorcycles, the Category C license for large goods vehicles, the Category D license for passenger carrying vehicles, and the Category F license for agricultural vehicles. Each license has its own requirements and restrictions, so it is important to ensure that you hold the appropriate license for the vehicle you intend to drive.