| By Chandraketu Tripathi | Updated April 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The back of your UK driving licence is packed with letters, numbers and dates telling you exactly what you are legally allowed to drive. Most people only know they have a category B car licence — but there is much more. Here is a full breakdown of every category and key code. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Verdict 2026 Standard car licence: Category B | Automatic only: Code 78 | Corrective lenses required: Code 01 | Full motorcycle: Category A | HGV: Category C | Check your record: GOV.UK → View driving licence | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
How to Read the Back of Your Licence | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Car and Motorcycle Categories | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Lorry, Bus and Specialist Categories | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Common Restriction Codes (Column 12) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Code 78 is very common — if you passed your driving test in an automatic car, this code restricts you to automatic vehicles. To drive a manual, you must pass a manual driving test. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Endorsement Codes (Penalty Points) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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How to Upgrade Your Licence Category | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Verdict 2026 Your driving licence categories are in columns 9–12 on the back. Category B is the standard car licence. Code 78 means automatic only. Code 01 means you must wear corrective lenses. To drive lorries (C) or buses (D) you need additional tests and CPC certification. Check your full record including endorsement codes at GOV.UK in 2 minutes. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does category B mean on a driving licence? Category B is the standard car licence — entitles you to drive vehicles up to 3,500kg with up to 8 passenger seats, plus a trailer up to 750kg. Most UK adults hold category B. What is restriction code 78 on a driving licence? Code 78 means you are restricted to vehicles with automatic transmission. This is added when you pass your driving test in an automatic car. To remove it, you must pass a manual driving test. Can I drive a minibus on a standard car licence? Only if the minibus has up to 8 passenger seats, which falls within category B. For minibuses with 9–16 passenger seats (category D1), you need additional entitlement on your licence. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Related Guides | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sources: GOV.UK driving licence categories, DVLA, DVSA, Road Traffic Act 1988, Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. Always verify. April 2026. |
Driving Licence Categories and Codes UK 2026: Complete Guide
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