![SDVH [Self Drive Vehicle Hire]](https://sdvh.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/SDVH_logo_concept_4-02.svg){kind=logo}
So you’ve gotten your driving licence, and you’re probably curious about the range of vehicles it grants you access to. You can obviously drive standard cars like saloons and hatchbacks, but it goes beyond that. This article is for anyone wondering, ‘What can I drive on a normal car licence?’ Our guide breaks down the rules and regulations of car licence categories, clarifying the types of vehicles you can drive and trailers you can tow. We’ll also briefly cover other driving licence categories in the UK.
Table Of Contents
What Can I Drive On A Normal Car Licence?
You can drive vehicles with up to 3,500 kg (3.5 tonnes) of maximum authorised mass (MAM) and as many as 8 passenger seats on a normal driving licence. You can also add a trailer weighing up to 750 kg (0.75 tonne) to the vehicle.
The normal driving licence in the UK is the Cat B licence, and it is the most common licence in the country. Those who secured this licence before January 1, 1997, have the ‘grandfather rights’, which give them even more freedom. If you belong to this category, you can drive vehicle and trailer combinations up to 8,250 kg (8.25 tonne) MAM.
Licence renewal for the B category is every 10 years unless you’re older than 70, then it’s every 5 years.
Vehicles You Can Drive On A Normal Car Driving Licence
Even though the Category B driving licence is not the most advanced in the UK, it allows you to drive numerous vehicles, from regular cars to light commercial vehicles.
- Standard passenger cars: For starters, a Cat B driving licence covers different types of cars, from small hatchbacks to larger saloons and SUVs. You can also drive estate cars, multipurpose vehicles and other cars with less than eight passenger seats.
- Electric vehicles: You can drive electric cars and alternative fuel vans up to 4.25 tonnes.
- Light commercial vehicles: Your normal car licence is all you need for light commercial vehicles like pickup trucks and vans under 3.5 tonnes.
- Trailers: Your Cat B licence also grants you trailer towing access. You can tow caravans and other trailers with a MAM of up to 750 kg. Those with pre-1997 licences can even go beyond the 750 kg limit if the combined MAM of the trailer and towing vehicle is no more than 8,250 kg.
- Motorised tricycles: You can drive motor tricycles with a power output of over 15 kW as long as you’re over 21 years old.
- Campervans: You can drive most campervans. Motorhome driving is also welcome, as long as it is within the limit.
Other Popular Driving Licence Categories
In addition to the Cat B licence, there’s a BE licence that allows holders to drive Cat B vehicles while towing a trailer weighing over 750 kg. Now let’s briefly go over the other popular driving entitlements and the vehicles allowed.
Category A - Motorcycles
Cat A licences are for motorcycles and feature four categories:
- AM: With this licence, you can ride mopeds and light quad bikes with a maximum design speed of over 25 kmh (15.5 mph) but not more than 45 kmh (28 mph).
- A1: This licence grants you driving rights for motorcycles with an engine size of up to 125 cc and a power output of up to 11 kW.
- A2: The A2 is for motorcycles with a power output of up to 35 kW and a power-to-weight ratio not exceeding 0.2 kW/kg.
- A: There are no motorcycle restrictions with this licence.
Category C - Large Goods Vehicles (LGV)
- C1: The Category C1 driving licence allows you to drive medium-sized vehicles between 3,500 kg and 7,500 kg MAM, with a trailer up to 750 kg.
- C1E: The C1E is just like the C1 but with a different trailer capacity. You can drive vehicles of the C1-category weight limit along with a trailer over 750 kg, where the combined MAM is not more than 12,000 kg.
- C: You can drive articulated trucks over 3,500 kg MAM, with a trailer up to 750 kg on a Category C driving licence.
- C+E: With the C+E, you can drive Cat C vehicles while towing a trailer weighing over 750 kg.
Category D - Buses
- D1: The D1 driving licence is for minibuses with 9 to 16 passenger seats and a trailer up to 750 kg.
- D: The D1 licence lets you drive any bus with more than 8 passenger seats, with a trailer up to 750 kg.
- D1E: The D1E is a category for D1 vehicles with a trailer over 750 kg, where the combined MAM is not more than 12,000 kg.
- DE: The DE is a slight upgrade on the D licence, allowing you to drive D vehicles with a trailer over 750 kg.
Note that these licences have different driving tests and driving age requirements.
What Happens If I Drive A Vehicle That I’m Not Entitled To Drive On My Licence?
You may have to face certain consequences if you drive a vehicle that you’re not entitled to drive on your licence, as it is against driving laws. This may be in the form of receiving penalty points on your licence or disqualifying you from driving. You’re also likely to face a hefty fine and the police may even seize your vehicle in some cases. Also, keep in mind that driving a vehicle beyond your licence limit will likely invalidate your insurance coverage, leaving you to bear the cost in the event of an accident.
Hire a car from SDVH. We offer a range of options for different occasions. You can also check out our van rental options, perfect for Cat B licence holders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Normal Car Licence?
A normal car licence is a Category B licence. This is the standard driving licence required to drive most cars, including passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. The total weight of the vehicle (including passengers and load) cannot exceed 3,500 kg (3.5 tonnes) when driving with a Cat B licence.
What Is The Vehicle And Trailer Combination For A Cat B Licence?
The vehicle and trailer combination for a Cat B licence is 3,500 kg (3.5 tonnes). This means the total weight of the vehicle and any trailer attached cannot exceed 3,500 kg. However, if you secured your licence before 1 January 1997, the combined weight limit is much higher at 8,250 kg (8.25 tonnes).
Can I Tow A Caravan With A Normal Car Licence?
Yes, you can tow a caravan with a normal car licence (Category B). This licence allows you to tow caravans up to 750 kg maximum authorised mass (MAM), but the combined weight of the car and caravans can’t exceed 3,500 kg. Those with pre-1997 licences can exceed the 750 kg tow limit but the combined weight of the car and caravan must not be more than 8,250 kg.
Can I Upgrade My Car Licence?
Yes, you can upgrade your car licence. This means adding categories to your licence that allow you to drive larger vehicles and reduce your licence restrictions. You can add categories like BE, C1E, C+E, etc., to your licence, allowing you to tow larger trailers or upgrade to larger vehicle categories like C, C1, D and D1 licences.
Can I Drive A Campervan On A Normal Car Licence?
Yes, you can drive a campervan on a normal car licence. Most campervans on the market are designed to be under 3,500 kg, which is within the limit of the standard Cat B licence. If you’re unsure about the weight of your campervan, it’s best to check the vehicle’s specifications before getting on the road.
Conclusion
Now, you don’t have to keep asking, ‘What can I drive on a normal car licence?’ With a standard car licence in the UK, you have a solid foundation for hiring and driving a range of vehicles. However, if your ambitions extend beyond cars and small vans, you may need a licence upgrade from the Cat B category.
