The Complete Guide to UK Drivers License (Including Fees)
To get a UK drivers license Individuals in the United Kingdom need to fulfil the below points
- Be 17 years old or older to receive a driving license
- Pass a theory test, hazard perception and on-road practical test. It is illegal for learners to drive unaccompanied. Learners must have passed their theory test before they can sit their practical test. Drivers must wear a seatbelt at all times when in control of a motor vehicle and are not permitted to wear headphones or talk on the phone while driving.
Vehicle insurance is obligatory and drivers must have both third-party (liability) and own collision cover, although some drivers may be exempt from this requirement by law. The holder of a provisional driving licence is exempt from owning insurance. There are a lot of myths about driving in the UK that we would like to clear up.
Myth: “I can’t drink and drive in the UK“
Fact: “There is no law that bans people from drinking and driving, but it is illegal for learner drivers to be under the influence of alcohol.“
What is a UK drivers license?
In the United Kingdom, a driving licence is the official document issued by Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) which authorises its holder to operate motor vehicles on public roads and highways. All driving licences in the UK are now issued in a new format – a plastic photo-card and a paper counterpart. A driving license in the UK is your ticket to the road, a way to get around.
What are the different types of licenses?
To drive a particular type of vehicle in the United Kingdom (Uk), you need an ‘entitlement’ for that category on your driving license.
Your entitlements may have additional restrictions. Check the restriction codes for your UK drivers license
UK drivers license categories & codes
What you can (and can’t) drive on a standard UK driving license
Category | Type | Additional driving test | Restrictions |
A | Motorbikes | Yes | N/A |
A1 | Motorbikes | Yes | Up to 125cc or 11kW |
A2 | Motorbikes | Yes | Up to 35kW |
AM | 2 or 3 wheeled motors | Yes | Max speed 15.5-28mph |
B | cars | No | Max 8 Passenger seats |
B AUTO | Automatic cars | No | N/A |
B+E | Cat B + trailer | No | Up to 3,500kg |
B1 | Light vehicles | No | Up to 550kg with goods |
C | Large lorries | Yes | Max trailer 750kg |
C+E | Cat C + trailer | Yes | N/A |
C1 | Lorries | Yes | Up to 7,500kg + 750kg trailer |
C1+E | Cat C1 + trailer | Yes | Max combined weight 12,000kg |
D | Bus | Yes | Trailer up to 750kg |
D+E | Cat D + trailer | Yes | N/A |
D1 | Minibus | Yes | Length max 8m, trailer max 750kg |
D1+E | Cat D1 + trailer | Yes | N/A |
F | Tractor | No | N/A |
G | Road roller | Yes | N/A |
H | Tracked vehicles | Yes | N/A |
K | Pedestrian vehicles | No | Self-propelled |
P | 2 wheeled vehicles | No | Max Speed 28 – 31mph |
Q | 2 wheeled motors | No | Max speed 15.5mph |
Driving licence categories :
· Mopeds
· Motorcycles
· Light vehicles and quad bikes
· Cars
· Medium-sized vehicles
· Tractors
· Large vehicles
· Minibuses
· Buses.
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Standard UK drivers licence categories
Category AM : This classification means you can drive two- or three-wheeled motors with a maximum design speed between 15.5mph and 28mph. But, you’ll need to pass a compulsory basic training test (CBT) as well. This classification also includes quad bikes that have a maximum design speed of between 15.5mph and 28mph, weighing no more than 350kg (doesn’t include batteries on electric vehicles).
Category B : To drive any car, Category B is the classification you’ll need; you can drive vehicles up to 3,500kg Maximum Authorised Mass, with up to eight passenger seats. If you’re over 21, Category B also means you can drive motor tricycles that have a power output higher than 15kW; you also get provisional entitlement to ride category motor tricycles that meet Cat A1 or A requirements (and if you’re physically disabled).
Category F : If your licence has category F on it; you can drive an agricultural tractor. That’s right, you can hop behind the wheel of a tractor with no restrictions!
Category K : This driving licence category means you can get behind the wheel of a pedestrian-controlled vehicle; in other words, any self-propelled device you walk behind to control. For example, a mowing machine.
Category Q : With category Q, you can drive a two-wheeled vehicle with an engine size of no more than 50cc, and have a maximum design speed of no more than 15.5mph.
Driving licence categories you might have
Category B1 : If you spot the driving licence category B1, you can drive motor vehicles with four wheels up to 400kg unladen or 550kg if they are designed for carrying goods – this is more common on older driving licences.
Category B+E : If you passed your test before January 1, 1997, you’ll be able to drive a vehicle with a trailer over the usual combined limit of 3,500kg- up to 8,250kg. If you passed your test after this date, you’ll have to take an additional test to tow weights over 3,500kg.
Category B auto : Used instead of a Category B licence, this means you are limited to driving automatic cars only and are not allowed to drive a manual car.
Category P : This is an old category that still lingers on some people’s licences. It refers to two-wheeled vehicles with a maximum design speed of no more than 31mph and an engine size lower than 50cc. On recent licences, this category is merged with Category AM.
Driving licence categories you need to complete an additional test for
Category A : With a category A, you can drive motorbikes with a power output more than 35kW or a power to weight ratio more than 0.2kW/kg.
Category A1 : With a category A1, you can drive light motorbikes with an engine size up to 125cc, a power output of up to 11kW and a power to weight ratio not more than 0.1kW/kg. This category also includes motor tricycles with power output up to 15kW.
Category AM : This driving licence category means you can drive two or three wheeled motors with a maximum design speed between 15.5mph and 28mph. But, you’ll need to pass a compulsory basic training test (CBT) as well.
This classification also includes quad bikes that have a maximum design speed of between 15.5mph and 28mph, weighing no more than 350kg (doesn’t include batteries on electric vehicles).
Category C1 : After passing the appropriate test, you’ll be entitled to drive vehicles weighing between 3,500kg and 7,500kg (with a trailer up to 750kg).
Category C1+E : This driving licence category gives you trailer entitlement to Category C1, meaning you can tow a trailer weighing over 750kg. The catch? The combined weight of both the vehicle and the trailer cannot exceed 12,00kg and the trailer cannot weigh more than the towing vehicle either.
Category C : To get this driving licence category, you’ll need to complete at least to drive vehicles weighing more than 3,500kg (with a trailer up to 750kg).
Category C+E : Category C+E gives you trailer entitlement to Category C, meaning you can tow a trailer weighing over 750kg.
Category D1 : With the D1 driving licence category, you can drive a minibus with no more than 16 passenger seats and a maximum length of 8 metres, once you’ve passed the relevant test. You’ll also be able to tow a trailer up to a maximum weight of 750kg.
Category D1+E : With this classification you can drive D1 category vehicles with a trailer over 750kg – provided the combined weight of the trailer and vehicle do not exceed 12,000kg.
Category D : The Category D code means you can drive any bus with more than 8 passenger seats (with a trailer up to 750kg).
Category D+E : Category D+E lets you tow a trailer over 750kg on a Category D vehicle.
Category G : If you fancy it, the G driving licence category gives you entitlement to drive a road roller.
Category H : With Category H, you can drive tracked vehicles- and yes, this includes tanks.
Other : You don’t need a driving licence for electric bikes, mobility scooters or powered wheelchairs.
DRIVING LICENCE CODES
Along with categories covering what vehicles you can drive, you’re driving licence codes add a wealth of other information about you – the holder. Here’s what you need to know.
Why are driving licence codes different to categories?
Driving licence categories dictate the types of vehicles that an individual can drive, whereas driving licence codes tell you what conditions actually apply.
How do I check my driving licence codes?
You can find the driving licence codes that relate to your licence by looking under section 12 on the reverse of your driving licence. Ignoring codes can result in big fines, so it’s essential to take note of any restrictions on your licence and comply.
Here are some of the common driving licence codes you could find listed under section 12.
Code: 01 : This means you need eyesight correction when driving and you’ll need to wear glasses or contact lenses when driving – by law. Failure to do so could result in a fine and penalty points. You’ll also need to report any changes to your vision or any corrective surgery.
Code: 02 : The 02 driving licence code means that a hearing or communication aid must be worn when behind the wheel. As with eyesight, you must tell the DVLA about any changes to your hearing.
Code: 106 : Restricted to vehicles with automatic transmissions.
Code: 115 : Not a restriction per-se, but this driving licence code lets authorities know that the holder of the licence is an organ donor.
Click here for a full list of driving licence codes and what they mean.
UK drivers license application : How does the process work?
Getting your driver’s license can be a fun, exciting at the same time tedious experience! Tedious for citizens who find it difficult to go through the technicalities of getting a Uk drivers license. Being able to drive opens a whole world of possibilities and new beginnings. To successfully earn your license in the United Kingdom, you’ll need to
A) Apply for a provisional license,
B) Pass a theory test, and
C) Pass your Practical driving exam.
Once you fulfil these, you can hit the road and see the world!
Having a drivers licence is an essential milestone in everyone’s life. The qualification enables the holder to drive a motor vehicle unaccompanied, which is necessary to undertake the majority of tasks in life. Knowing how to get your first drivers license is easier than you think and can be achieved with just a little guidance. The following will explain how to get your UK drivers license.
A) Applying for a Provisional License
- Meet the basic age and vision requirements : To apply for a provisional driving license, you must be at least 15 years and 9 months old and be able to read a number plate from 20 metres (66 ft) away. Try testing your vision at home with the number plate on a friend’s or family member’s vehicle
- Gather your Identity documents : Identity documents include the following: a current passport, biometric residence permit, European Union or European Economic Area identity card, a recent bank or building society statement with your National Insurance number (if you are a pensioner), a birth, adoption, or naturalisation certificate, a photocopy of the front page of your benefits book or an original benefits letter, a marriage certificate or divorce papers, or a college or university union card, education certificate, or PASS proof of age card.If your name has changed, you should also include your marriage or civil partnership certificate, a deed poll, or a statutory declaration.
- If your name has changed, you should also include your marriage or civil partnership certificate, a deed poll, or a statutory declaration.
- If your gender has changed, you should also include a deed poll, statutory declaration, or your gender recognition certificate.
- You must include an original identity document (unless you have a valid UK biometric passport) and a colour passport-style photograph with your application.
- Your identity document and photograph must be signed by a UK resident with a valid photo-card driving license.
- The person signing your document and photograph should be one of the following: a businessperson, librarian, lawyer, teacher, engineer, police officer, bank or building society member, civil servant, religious minister, magistrate, local councillor, or member of Parliament.
3. Apply for your provisional license online : You can apply for your provisional license online. Once on the application website, you’ll need your Government Gateway ID, an identity document (unless you have a valid UK biometric passport), a list of the addresses where you’ve lived for the last 3 years, and your National Insurance number (if you know it). With all of this information, you’ll be able to fill out your application.
There is a £34 application fee for using the online system. The system accepts MasterCard, Visa, Electron, Maestro or Delta debit or credit card
4. Apply by post as an alternative to the online application : You can also apply by post by filling out form D1 (available at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency or certain branches of the post office).
There is a £47 fee that must be paid with a cheque or postal order made payable to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.
Send your application to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AD (if all your documents are from the UK) and DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AF (if any of your documents are from outside the UK).
4. Wait for your provisional license to arrive before driving :If you apply online, you should receive a confirmation email after you submit your application and your license should arrive within 1 week. If you applied via post, your license could take up to 3 weeks to arrive. Do not drive before you’ve received your license.
B) Taking the Driving Theory Tests
- Study for the theory exams : The theory exams are based on 3 books: The Highway Code, Know Your Traffic Signs, and Driving: The Essential Skills. You can purchase these books online or at any high street bookshop. You should also purchase the official guide to hazard perception, which can be found online for PC or Mac, on the Google Play Store or App Store for tablets and phones, or at any high street bookshop.
The theory exam may ask you questions about what different traffic signals mean, where a child under 11 should sit in your car, how to pass a motorcycle, how to turn from a major onto a minor road, and many other topics.
You can also take the online practice theory tests by visiting https://www.gov.uk/take-practice-theory-test.
2. Book your theory test : You can book your theory test online by visiting https://wsr.theorytest.direct.gov.uk/testtaker/signin/SignInPage/DSA?locale=en_GB. You’ll need an email address to do so; if you don’t have an email address, you’ll need to book your test by phone. You can find contact information and testing locations by visiting https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/driver-and-vehicle-standards-agency/about/access-and-opening.
Once you’ve booked the appointment for your theory test, you’ll need to pay a fee via debit or credit card.
The fee for cars and motorcycles is £23, the fee for lorries and buses is £26 for the multiple choice test, £11 for the hazard perception test, and £23 for the case studies.
3. Pass a 50-question multiple choice test : You will have 57 minutes to complete your test and you will need to answer 43 questions correctly to pass. The questions will deal with anything from driving regulations, to road signs, to vehicle safety. Some of the questions may relate to case studies (short stories based on real-life situations).
Your practice tests and study guides will include all of the information you may face during the test.
4. Pass the hazard perception test : Before you take your hazard perception test, you’ll be shown a video explaining how the test works. Then, you’ll be shown 14 video clips featuring everyday driving situations that have at least 1 hazard situation. To identify the hazard situation, you must click the mouse as soon as you see the hazard developing.
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The hazard perception test may include developing hazards like pedestrians getting into a car in an unexpected place, vehicles unexpectedly reversing from a side road onto a main road, heavy goods vehicles obstructing your view, parked cars obstructing traffic, and many more.
The sooner you click the mouse after you identify the hazard, the higher the score you will receive. You can earn up to 5 points for each correctly identified hazard.
You will only get one chance to guess during each video. You won’t be penalised for getting an answer wrong, but if you click continuously or in a pattern you won’t earn any points.
C) Taking the Practical Driving Exams
Practice driving with an eligible friend, family member, or driving instructor : The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency recommends that you utilize an approved driving instructor, but you can also practice driving with a friend or family member that is at least 21 years of age and has had their driver’s license for at least 3 years. You must have an “L” on the vehicle to drive. You can practice driving at any time of the day or night.
Testing anxiety affects people in various settings. It may be in the workplace, classroom, or a driving exam.
If you want to take a driving exam, prepare by previewing the testing area and instrument.
Practice with someone to have a mock experience of what it will feel like when the examiner sits next to you in your car.
You can purchase an “L” plate online or at a local store like Halford’s or Wilkinson’s.
You can find an approved driving instructor, by visiting https://www.gov.uk/find-driving-schools-and-lessons.
2. Make an appointment for your practical driving exams : You must be at least 17 years of age to drive in the United Kingdom, so you’ll need to wait until then to make your appointment for your practical driving exams. To make your appointment, visit https://driverpracticaltest.direct.gov.uk/application?execution=e1s1.
You will need to know your UK driving license number and have a debit or credit card ready (the fee is between £65 and £72 depending on the type of vehicle).
If you had a driving instructor and would like them to administer your exam, you’ll need to know their personal reference number.
You need to bring your driver’s license and theory test pass certificate with you to the exam.
If you had a driving instructor and they are administering your exam, you can use their car for the test. If you don’t have a driving instructor, you’ll need to bring your own car.
3. Answer the examiner’s vehicle safety questions correctly : There are 2 types of vehicle safety questions: “show me” questions and “tell me” questions. The “tell me” questions occur prior to the driving exam and involve you answering questions about vehicle safety. The “show me” questions will occur during the driving exam and will require you to demonstrate safe vehicle practices.
Examples of “tell me” questions would be “Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey,” “Tell me how you would make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash,” and “Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.”
Examples of “show me” questions would be “When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you would wash and clean the rear windscreen?”, “When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you would operate the horn?”, and “When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you would open and close the side window?”
4. Pass the general driving ability exam : Your general driving ability exam will last around 40 minutes. First, you will be asked to drive in various road and traffic conditions (but not on motorways). Then, you’ll be required to pull over to the side of the road, pull away from the side of the road, and make a hill start. You’ll also be asked to do one of the following: parallel park, park in a parking bay, or reverse for 2 car lengths before rejoining traffic.
4. Pass the general driving ability exam : Your general driving ability exam will last around 40 minutes. First, you will be asked to drive in various road and traffic conditions (but not on motorways). Then, you’ll be required to pull over to the side of the road, pull away from the side of the road, and make a hill start. You’ll also be asked to do one of the following: parallel park, park in a parking bay, or reverse for 2 car lengths before rejoining traffic.
Your examiner will be grading you based on your committal of minor and major driving faults. You are allowed up to 15 minor faults, but cannot commit any major faults.
Examples of minor faults would be failing to observe a yield sign, hesitating at a traffic light, not being aware of another car’s turn signal, or driving too close to the car in front of you.
Examples of major faults would be crossing a junction, leaving your turn signal on after completing a turn, being in the wrong lane when approaching a roundabout, or driving through a stop light.
5. Pass the independent driving portion of the exam : After the general driving ability exam, you’ll be tasked with completing 20 minutes of independent driving. During this portion, the examiner will either enter a destination into a satellite navigation system or ask you to follow road and traffic signs under their direction.
Out of every 5 independent driving tests, 4 will rely on satellite navigation.
If you’re unsure of where the next step off your route is, ask your examiner for help.
Independent driving routes are designed by the examiners at each testing location. You can download these routes online and practice them beforehand.
If you can’t see traffic signs, the examiner will direct you until you can.
If you take a wrong turn, don’t panic. You won’t be penalized. The examiner will help you get back on track.
Conclusion: How to Apply for Your First UK Drivers License
One of the most important things you will need to do when you turn 18 is to apply for your first driving license. Getting a driving license is not just about being able to drive on the roads, but it also means that you are legally allowed to drive on public roads.
Your driving license will be valid for 10 years, and if you are over 21, it will be valid for life. You can apply for your first driving license at 17 years old if you have completed a CBT course and passed both the theory and practical tests.
In conclusion, the future of driving is more than just a driver’s license. It is about the safety of people on the road. It is about reducing the number of accidents and improving infrastructure. . The future of driving is autonomous cars.
