DVLA Licence Categories
- Category C
- A rigid body large goods vehicle over 7.5 tonnes (commonly called a “Class 2”) If you want to drive a vehicle in this category, you will have to meet the medical requirements, apply for provisional Category C entitlement, and pass the LGV theory test before taking a driving test in a vehicle of this size. You must be 21 years of age to drive a vehicle in this Category or conform to the exceptions (i.e. military or registered trainee with the Young LGV Driver Training Scheme). You do not have to pass a test in Category C1 before taking a test in Category C.
- Category C+E
- An articulated large goods vehicle (commonly called a “Class 1 or Artic”) or large truck over 3,500kg towing a single axle trailer over 5,000kg or any other trailer over 750kg (wagon and drag combination) If you want to drive a vehicle in this Category, you will first have to hold a Category C licence. After passing the Category C test, your licence should have C+E provisional entitlement included when it is returned from the DVLA.
- Category D
- If you want to drive a large passenger-carrying vehicle (PCV) for hire or reward you must apply for a Category D licence. This will entitle you to drive any size of bus including double deckers. If you want to drive a vehicle in this Category, you will have to meet the medical requirements, apply for provisional Category D entitlement, and pass the PCV theory test before taking a driving test in a vehicle of this type. You must be 21 years of age to drive a vehicle in this category or at 18 years, have an agreement with the DVLA that restricts you to driving up to a maximum of 50 km from the bus depot that you are working from.
- Category D1
- If you want to drive a minibus for hire or reward you can apply for either a Category D or D1 licence. This will entitle you to a minibus with up to 16 seats for hire and reward. If you want to drive a vehicle in this Category, you will have to meet the medical requirements, apply for provisional Category D/D1 entitlement, and pass the PCV theory test before taking a driving test in a vehicle of this type. You must be 21 years of age to drive a vehicle in this Category or at 18 years, have an agreement with the DVLA that restricts you to driving up to a maximum of 50km from the bus depot that you are working from.