Driving safely is crucial to protect you and others. It is, therefore, important that you understand the driving licence categories for large vehicles and mopeds, motorbikes and cars. If you don’t understand what you can, and can’t drive, you could break the law or put lives at risk.
In addition to licence categories, some driving licences are issued with certain provisions attached to them. These are specified with the use of condition codes, the most common of which you will find below:
- 01 - eyesight correction, e.g. the driver must wear glasses or contacts
- 02 - hearing/communication aid must be worn
- 10 - modified transmission
- 15 - modified clutch
- 20 - modified braking systems
- 25 - modified accelerator systems
- 30 - combined braking and accelerator systems – for licences issued prior to 28th 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; indicators, hazard, breaking lights etc.
- 44 (8) - seat height adjusted to allow the driver, in sitting position, to have both on the floor at the same time
- 44 (8) – height adjusted to allow driver to 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)
These restrictions, whilst legally binding, are also practical. The fact is, that if you are unable to drive your car safely due to physical attributes or impairments, such as height, sight, hearing or physical control, it is essential that you retake your test, make the adaptations and adjustments specified, or have your car modified appropriately. If you knowingly drive dangerously, regardless of whether there are conditions specified on your licence, you are putting yourself and others at risk, and could face legal action in the event of a collision.
If you are unsure whether you are safe to drive, contact a local driving instructor who will be happy to advise you.