What Is Category B On A Driving Licence?

Category B on a driving licence indicates that you can drive vehicles up to 3,500 kg (3.5 tonnes) of maximum authorised mass (MAM) with as many as 8 passenger seats. You may also add a trailer weighing up to 750 kg (0.75 tonne) to the vehicle. Category B is the most common licence category in the UK, allowing you to drive cars, most vans and other vehicles.

There’s also the Cat B auto licence for automatic cars. This licence allows you to drive only automatic transmission vehicles. The regular Cat B licence, however, lets you drive manual and automatic cars under 3,500 kg.

If you passed your test before January 1, 1997, you have even more freedom, as you can drive vehicle and trailer combinations up to 8,250 kg (8.25 tonne) MAM. Drivers with the pre-1997 Cat B entitlement can also drive minibuses with trailers with over 750 kg of MAM.

The eligibility requirements for the B category are pretty simple. You must be at least 17 years old to apply for the provisional licence. You must hold a provisional licence before you can start learning to drive on public roads. You must also pass a medical fitness test and meet certain eyesight standards.

If you’re interested in driving larger vehicles, check out our guide to the C1 licence for 7.5-tonne trucks.

How To Apply For The Category B Licence

Applying for a Cat B licence is a long process but we’ve broken it down into a few basic steps.

Apply for the Provisional Class B Licence: To begin the process of obtaining your full driving licence, you must first apply for a provisional licence. It costs £43 to apply for this provisional licence online. You can drive with this provisional licence, as long as an experienced driver is in the vehicle with you.
Prepare for the Theory Test: After obtaining the provisional licence, you get to take the theory test. You can book the theory test online, comprising multiple-choice and hazard perception parts.
Book & Pass the Practical Test: After passing the theory test, you’ll have to start taking driving lessons with a qualified instructor. The instructor will help you prepare for the practical driving test. The Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA) recommends that students take around 36 hours of driving lessons to be ready for the driving test. Those who need contact lenses or corrective glasses are mandated to wear them.
Receive Your Full Licence: You’ll receive your full car licence after passing the practical test. Your examiner will initially issue you a pass certificate and the DVLA will send the licence to you by post.

Theory Test

The Cat B theory driving test consists of two parts: multiple-choice questions and a hazard perception driving test and we’ll provide a detailed breakdown of each part.

Multiple-Choice Questions: The section is computer-based and covers a wide range of topics, from road safety and traffic laws to driving practices. Subjects also include the Highway Code, road signs and safe driving practices. You will be faced with 50 multiple-choice questions and have 57 minutes to answer them. You must answer 43 correctly to pass this section of the driving test.
Hazard Perception Test: This part of the theory driving test involves watching video clips and trying to spot developing hazards. You’ll watch 14 clips with a total of 15 developing hazards to spot. Each developing hazard is scored out of 5 points. The maximum score for this part of the test is 75 points and you need 44 out of the 75 points to pass.

Preparation for the theory test involves studying the Highway Code and other official Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) revision materials. You can also practice to familiarise yourself with the format and types of questions.

Practical Test

The practical test assesses your ability to drive safely and competently on various roads and in different traffic conditions.

Eye Test: The practical test begins with an eye examination. The examiner will ask you to read a number plate on a parked vehicle. You must be able to read the number plate from 20 metres (65.6 feet) for vehicles with a new-style number plate and 20.5 metres (67.2 feet) for those with old number plates. Those who need glasses or contact lenses are allowed to use them.
Vehicle Safety Questions: Next, the examiner will ask some questions to test your knowledge of the vehicle. These are known as the ‘Show Me, Tell Me questions’.
General Driving Ability: This section lasts around 40 minutes. You’ll drive in various road and traffic conditions, except for motorways, with the examiner giving you directions to follow. Your examiner will ask you to pull over and stop in a safe place several times during the test, including normal stops, a stop at the side of the road and a hill start.
Independent Driving: During the independent driving test, the examiner will ask you to drive around independently for 20 minutes. You’ll be following directions from a Sat Nav and must obey traffic signs to reach your destination.

At the end of these tests, the examiner will tell you whether you passed or failed. You can make up to 15 minor faults and still pass the test but one serious fault results in a fail.

How Much Does A Cat B Licence Cost

A Cat B licence costs £128. After paying £43 for the provisional licence, the theory driving test costs £23, while the practical test fee is £62. Your driving training is, however, going to be your biggest expense in the quest for the Cat B licence. You will need a driving instructor who can offer, ideally, 36 hours of training. The cost of your driving lessons might vary depending on the qualifications of your instructor and how many training sessions it takes to get you up to speed.

Types Of Vehicles Covered by Category B

The B driving licence category grants you access to a range of vehicles, such as:

Standard Cars: You can drive different types of cars, such as the saloon, hatchback, estate and other passenger vehicles with up to 8 seats.
Vehicles With Trailers: The Cat B licence also grants you access to passenger cars with trailers. You can tow a trailer with a MAM of over 750 kg, as long as the combined MAM of the vehicle doesn’t exceed 3,500 kg.
Vans: The Cat B licence also works for anyone looking to drive 3.5-tonne vans and other light commercial vehicles.
Tricycles: In addition to four-wheel vehicles, you can drive those that run on three wheels. The Category B licence allows you to drive motor tricycles with a power output of over 15 kW. However, you must be at least 21 years old to do so.
Campervans: You can also drive campervans and small motorhomes with this licence.

See here for a comprehensive guide to vehicles you can drive on a Cat B licence.

Renewing And Maintaining A Category B Licence

You only have to renew your licence once every 10 years after you have obtained it. The renewal frequency goes up to every five years if you’re over 70 years old. It will cost you a total of £21.50 (including DVLA fees) to renew your licence. You’ll need your current licence, a valid UK passport, addresses for the last 3 years and your National Insurance number.

In addition to renewing your licence, you also need to keep it updated. This involves informing the DVLA if you change your name or address. Also, keep track of any penalty points you may have on your licence. Accumulating 12 or more points within 3 years can lead to disqualification.

SDVH offers a range of car rental options within the UK. You can also look into our 3.5-tonne van hire deals if you’re looking for other Cat B vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is A Cat B Licence?

A Cat B licence is the standard licence for driving cars in the UK. This licence allows you to drive cars and other vehicles up to 3,500 kg (3.5 tonnes) in MAM as long as they don’t have more than eight passenger seats. You can also tow trailers up to 750 kg (0.75 tonnes), as long as the combined weight of the car and trailer doesn’t exceed 3,500 kg.

Do I Need Driving Lessons To Obtain A Category B Licence?

No, you don’t need driving lessons to obtain a Category B licence. However, it’s wise to take these driving lessons as they provide essential training in road safety and vehicle control. They also help you prepare for your practical test and even the theory test. The driving lessons will be taken by a driving instructor who is an experienced driver.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Cat B Driving Licence?

It takes between 3 and 6 months to obtain a Category B driving licence. The exact time you’ll need to secure this licence might vary depending on your driving experience, the number of lessons you take and your learning pace. The availability of your driving instructor can also affect how quickly you can complete lessons and become ready for the test.

Can I Drive A Van With A Category B Licence?

Yes, you can drive a van with a Category B licence. However, there are a few conditions. For one, it should be a Cat B van, weighing less than 3,500 kg MAM. It also can’t have more than 8 seats in addition to the driver’s seat. Luckily, most standard vans used for work and other personal activities fall within these limits.

Can I Upgrade My Category B Licence?

Yes, you can upgrade your Category B licence to drive larger vehicles. All you need to do is apply for those licences and pass the driving test for the desired category. You have a couple of options for upgrades, including the C1 licence, the D1 licence and the Cat C licence. Some categories might automatically upgrade others. For example, passing a C+E (large goods vehicle and trailer) test usually upgrades your B+E (car and trailer) licence.

Conclusion

So what is Category B on a driving licence? It’s basically the UK’s standard licence, which permits the operation of vehicles up to 3,500 kg with a maximum of eight passenger seats and the towing of trailers up to 750 kg. While it has restrictions on weight and passenger capacity, it caters to the needs of most individuals and families. Get this licence, and you’re on your way to becoming an experienced driver.

What Is Category B On A Driving Licence?