People are just realising what letters on the back of driving licences really mean
SCOTS are being warned to check the letters on the back of their driving licences to make sure they are properly qualified to drive.
Car insurance comparison experts Quotezone.co.uk have warned many drivers do not realise they are only entitled to driver certain vehicles once they pass their tests.
The experts are warning if a driver drives a vehicle not covered by their licence, their insurance is automatically invalidated.
The type of vehicle a driver can drive is found as letters on the back of their licences.
But, to make matters more confusing, the types of vehicles drivers are legally allowed to drive depends on the date they passed their test.
Motoring laws changed on 1st January 1997 to make roads safer meaning drivers had to take a further test to drive motorcycles, vans and lorries- letters A, C, and D on the back of licenses.
This means those who passed their tests before 1997 can automatically drive more vehicles and also means drivers can tow vehicles.
Those who passed their tests after 1997 are now required to have further tests and permits to be able to tow.
And as of September this year, drivers passing just the standard test are only allowed to drive vehicles in categories B, F, K, Q and AM vehicles.
Quotezone.co.uk founder Greg Wilson said: “There are many different types of vehicles, and it is important for drivers to know what they are legally allowed to drive so that they avoid penalties and ensure their motor insurance is valid.
“The rules of the road are constantly evolving, 2022 has been a significant year for change, most notably the updates to the Highway Code in January that gave more priority to vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians, so it’s best practice for all road users to keep themselves up to speed with the latest additions.”
The vehicles people are able to drive can be found on the back of individuals drivers licences and also include the exact dates to which you can drive them.
What do the letters mean?
AM
Two or three wheeled vehicles with a maximum speed of between 15.5 and 28 mph, and a maximum weight of 350kg.
A1
Motor tricycles with a power output of up to 15kW. Motorbikes with an engine size up to 125cc, power output of up to 11kW, and a power to weight ration no more than 0.1kW/kg.
A2
Motorbikes with a maximum power output up to 35kW, and power to weight ration of 0.2kW/kg. This also covers motorbikes in the A1 category.
A
Motorbikes with power output over 35kW, or power to weight ration of 0.2kW/KG. Motor tricycles with a power output over 15k. A1 and A2 motorbikes are also covered.
B1
Motor vehicles with four wheels with a maximum weight of 550kg if they are designed for carrying goods, or 400 kg if they are not carrying a load.
B
A standard car. If you passed your test after 1st January 1997, you can drive vehicles with a maximum combined weight of 3500kf and eight passenger seats. You can also drive motor tricycles with a power output over 15kW if you are over 21. If you passed before 1st January 1997, you can drive a combined weight of 8250kg, and a minibus with a trailer over 750kg.
C1
Vehicles with a maximum weight between 3,500 and 7,500 kg, with a trailer up to 750kg.
C
Vehicles over 3,500kg, with a trailer up to 750kg.
D1
Vehicles with no more than 16 passenger seats, a maximum length of 8 metres, and a trailer up to 750kg.
D
Any bus with more than eight passenger seats, with a trailer up to 750kg.
BE
Vehicle with maximum weight of 3,500kg with a trailer.
C1E
C1 category vehicles with a trailer over 750kg, however the combined weight cannot exceed 12,000kg.
D1E
Category D vehicles with a trailer over 750kg, yet the combined weight cannot exceed 12,000kg.
DE
Category D vehicles with a trailer over 750kg.
F
Agricultural tractors.
K
Mowing vehicles and pedestrian-controlled vehicles.
Q
Two and three wheeled vehicles without pedals, with a maximum engine size of 50cc and speed of 15mph.
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