We previously looked at the driving licence categories for larger vehicles and mopeds. Here, we look at the driving vehicle categories for more common vehicles: motorcycles, quads and cars.
Motorcycles – Categories A1, A2 & A
A1 – applies to small motorbikes up to 125cc engine and power output of 11kw or less. In addition, the power-to-weight-ratio must be equal to or less than 0.1kw/kg. Motor tricycles with power output of 15kw or less are included in this category.
A2 – this code allows drivers to drive category A1 vehicles and a motorbike with a power-to-weight-ratio of up to 0.2kw/kg and a power output of no more than 35 kw.
A – category A allows the driver to drive vehicles specified in categories A1 and A2, as well as motorbikes with a power-to-weight-ratio of no more than 0.2 kw/kg, and power output of 35 kw or less.
Light Vehicles and Quads – Category B1
B1 – allows drivers to drive four-wheeled vehicles weighing up to 400 kg, or 550 kg if they are designed for carrying goods.
Cars – B prior to 01.01.1997, B after 01.01.1997, B Auto and BE
B - if you passed your licence before 1st January 1997, you will be able to drive a vehicle and trailer up to 8,250 kg, and a minibus with trailer over 750 kg maximum weight.
B – if you obtained your licence after 1st January 1997, you can drive all vehicles up to 3,500 kg, with a trailer of up to 750 kg and up to 8 passenger seats. (i.e. a car or people carrier, not a minibus). As long as your maximum load is less than 3,500 kg, you can take trailers weighing more than 750 kg. If you are over 21 years old, you can drive motorcycles with power of up to 15 kw. A provisional category B licence also applies as a provisional A1 or A licence for drivers with physical disabilities; this rule doesn’t apply to able-bodied drivers.
B Auto – this licence only allows you to drive automatic vehicles. The limitations are the same as those in category B, the difference is that this category is restricted only to the driving of automatic vehicles.
BE – BE category licence holders can drive a vehicle of up to 3,500 kg and you can tow a trailer. If the “valid from” date on the BE category is before 19th January 2013, you can tow a trailer of any size, but if it is after 19th January 2013, the trailer can’t exceed 3,500 kg Maximum Authorised Mass.
Are you worried that you don’t have the right driving licence, or do you want to upgrade your existing licence? Contact a local driving instructor for more information.