Safety is always a concern while on the open roads. This is the primary reason why driving licenses have existed within the UK in one form or another for well over 100 years. As you might have imagined, the number of standard driving license categories has likewise increased in order to keep pace with modern technology as well as the sheer number of vehicles that are currently present on the open road. If you are considering hiring a vehicle, you must have the appropriate license type to legally drive the vehicle. Are you curious to learn more about the different driving license vehicle categories and to discover which you require? We understand that the various categories can often be confusing, so we have done the hard work for you and broke down the information you need to know. Let’s take a look at some driving license vehicle categories. 

Cars and Light Vehicle Category Descriptions

There are several vehicle driving license categories within this section. A standard Category B and B1 driving license can be obtained by anyone over the age of 17. Vehicles are allowed to weigh up to 3,500 kilograms and they must contain no more than eight passenger seats. Users are allowed to tow a trailer weighing up to 750 kilograms. However, this trailer may weigh more as long as the total weight of the car and the trailer does not exceed 3,500 kilograms. The total weight of the trailer is not allowed to exceed the unladen weight of the car. Category B Auto Licences will follow the same stipulations although these are intended for automatic vehicles.

A Category B96 Licence is intended when the vehicle meets the stipulations described in the last section. However, there are several additions. These are that the weight of the trailer is allowed to exceed 750 kilograms and the total weight of the car and trailer can weigh no more than 4.25 tonnes.

A Category B+E Licence allows drivers to employ a Category B vehicle with a trailer that does not normally fall within typical Category B parameters. This is important for heavy towing capacities, as the weight of the trailer is allowed to rise to 3,500 kilograms. However, keep in mind that both the vehicle and trailer cannot weigh more than 7 tonnes.

Vans and Commercial Vehicle Driving Licence Categories

These driving license vehicle categories are generally required by those who own a business but would be applicable if when hiring one of our Ford transits vans. The Category C1 Licence is standard and can be obtained by anyone 18 years of age or older. The vehicle can weigh between 3,500 and 7,500 kilograms while an attached trailer can weigh no more than 750 kilograms.

A Category C1+E Licence allows drivers to two trailers weighing more than 750 kilograms. However, the trailer cannot weigh more than the vehicle. The combined weight of both cannot exceed 12,000 kilograms.

A Category C Licence allows anyone over the age of 21 to operate a heavy goods vehicle weighing over 3,500 kilograms as long a the trailer does not weigh more than 750 kilograms. Finally, a Category C+E Licence accommodates for trailers weighing over 750 kilograms.

Minibuses and Coaches

The standard license when driving one of our minibuses or a coach is a Category D1 Licence. Stipulations include no more than 16 passenger seats, a total length not exceeding 8 meters, and a trailer weighing up to 750 kilograms.

A D1+E Licence provides room for a heavier trailer under the assumption that the trailer does not weigh more than the vehicle. Also, both can weigh no more than 12,000 kilograms.

A Category D Licence allows those over the age of 21 (like the others mentioned above) to drive a coach or a minibus with more than 8 passenger seats as well as a trailer weighing less than 750 kilograms. A D+E Licence enables those over 21 to drive a coach or bus with a trailer weighing over 750 kilograms.

Mopeds and Motorcycles

Those over the age of 16 can obtain a Category AM Licence. This covers two- or three-wheeled vehicles as well as light quadricycles weighing no more than 350 kilograms and not exceeding speeds of 45 kilometers per hour.

A Category A1 Licence can be obtained at age 17 and covers motorbikes with maximum engine capacities of 125 cubic centimeters. Maximum power outputs of 11 kW and power-to-weight ratios of 0.1 kW per kilogram cannot be exceeded.

A Category A2 Licence is for those aged 19 years or older. Power outputs cannot exceed 35 kW and the power-to-weight ratio is increased to 0.2 kW per kilogram. Finally, those who have reached 21 years of age can apply for a full Category A Licence.

Hiring A Vehicle

Hiring a vehicle with Newbury Vehicle Hire has never been easier, our transparent and affordable service offers our customers peace of mind and satisfaction. If you are still unsure about which category on your driving license you require for one of our vehicles, then contact us on 0635 44 519 where a member of our team will be more than happy to assist.

To hire a vehicle from Newbury Vehicle Hire, take a look at the range we have available here.