Types of UK Driving Licences Explained. Rules around driving licences can be tough to understand. This is why we wrote a guide to explain all about the different types of UK driving licences out there. These rules can become tougher if your licence wasn’t issued in the UK. Nevertheless, after reading this guide, you will fully understand the various types of driving licences.
What is a UK Driving Licence?
This is an official document that authorizes its holder to operate motor vehicles on highways and other public roads. It is administered in England, Scotland, and Wales. By the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and in Northern Ireland by the Driver & Vehicle Agency.
Types of UK Driving Licences by Test
1) Full Driving Licence
The full UK driving licence is the one that you get after passing your theory and practical test. People usually find this a bit difficult to get because this is the most important one. Normally, you get this particular license after passing both the practical and theory test, and you are issued a pass certificate. Also, you must apply for this license within 2 years of passing your driving test. Otherwise, your pass certificate will be invalid and you will need to re-sit your exam. At this point, you must be wondering if you can literally buy the full UK driving licence without passing any test. Well, the answer is YES! We can definitely help you out.
2) Provisional UK Driving Licence
A provisional driving licence is issued before you pass your driving test. This license allows you to drive on all UK roads (under supervision) except motorways. To take your theory test, practical driving test, and your first driving lesson, you need a provisional driving licence. Some people still face problems trying to get a provisional driving licence. If that is the case with you, stop searching, we are here to help you. To get started, simply click the button below.
Types of UK Driving Licence by Category
Category | Type |
---|---|
A | Motorbikes |
A1 | Motorbikes |
A2 | Motorbikes |
AM | 2 or 3-wheeled motors |
B | Cars |
B auto | Automatic cars |
B+E | Cat B + trailer |
B1 | Light vehicles |
C | Large lorries |
C+E | Cat C + trailer |
C1 | Lorries |
C1+E | Cat C1 + trailer |
D | Bus |
D+E | Cat D + trailer |
D1 | Minibus |
D1+E | Cat D1 + trailer |
F | Tractor |
G | Road roller |
H | Tracked vehicles |
K | Pedestrian vehicles |
P | 2 wheeled vehicles |
Q | 2 wheeled motors |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for obtaining a UK driving licence?
- You need to be at least 17 years old to drive a motorcar or motorcycle and age 21 for lorries and buses.
- Must be a UK resident.
- Show proof that you have been living in the country for 185 days within the past 12 months.
Can I drive in the UK with a foreign driving licence?
If you hold a full licence issued in a country within the European Union you can drive in the UK using your original licence until it expires. The same applies to those with a European Economic Community (EEC) licence. Also, you can drive in the UK for up to 12 months on a licence issued in a ‘designated country’ (Andorra, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Hong Kong, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Republic of North Macedonia, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates and Zimbabwe).
Can foreigners get a UK driving licence?
Only UK residents can apply for a UK driving licence. The requirement for applying for a UK driving licence as a foreigner is to show proof that you've been living in the country for 185 days within the past 12 months.
How much does a driving licence cost without exam?
LICENCE TYPE | COST |
---|---|
PROVISIONAL LICENCE | £320 |
FULL LICENCE | £620 |