Driver Licensing

Driver licensing compliance

It’s an offence to drive a vehicle on a public road without an appropriate licence for that vehicle. A company or person may be prosecuted if they cause or permit the offence, and most insurance policies are invalid if the driver is not properly qualified to drive.

Driving licence checking system

If you’re an operator you must have a routine driving licence checking system to cover your employees or agents (such as agency staff). You should ensure your drivers:

• Hold a current licence for that category of vehicle.
• Have not been disqualified from driving.
• Comply with any conditions on the licence (eg wearing glasses or using L-plates).

Find out more about our Driver Licence Checking Service, delivered in conjunction with Licence Bureau.

Driving entitlements for category B drivers

In 1997, driving entitlements for those passing their car tests (category B) were considerably reduced. New category B drivers were no longer able to draw large trailers, drive minibuses or vehicles between 3.5 – 7.5t maximum authorised mass (MAM).

The rules changed again in January 2013, with the introduction of the Third Driving Licence Directive. This meant that in addition to the 1997 restrictions above, category B + E drivers who obtained their licence after January 2013 date were limited as to the weight of trailer they could tow. The Directive imposed a restriction of 3.5t MAM on the trailer, with anything above that trailer weight requiring additional entitlements from a C1 + E licence. This area of licensing can be complex, members are invited to contact the Member Advice Centre for further details.

Drivers who passed their car driving test before 1997 continued to benefit from the C1 (107 – limited to 8.25t MAM) and D1 (101 – not for hire and reward) entitlement until their licence expires at age 70 or their medical status changes.

In December 2021 the law changed to allow anyone who has passed their car driving test will automatically be awarded category BE (also known as B+E) entitlement, allowing them to pull a heavy trailer up to 3.5t MAM behind a car or light van up to 3.5t MAM, with a combination MAM not exceeding 7t. The acquired rights entitlements, described above, have not changed as a result of the recent law change.

In June 2026, the law was revised further to allow Category B licence holders to drive a zero emission vehicle (ZEV) up to 4.25t on a Category B licence. Additionally, these vehicles could also be used to tow trailers up to a combination MAM of 7t.

For more information on driver licensing, contact our Member Advice Centre.

DVLA confirms telephone number for checking non-UK licences

DVLA has also confirmed that any employer looking to check the points held by a non-UK driver’s licence holder is now able to use the local rate telephone number, 0300 790 6801, for enquiries necessary for confirmation of registration (D9) or any endorsements held. This changes the previous situation where the employer would have been required to call using a premium rate number. The options are therefore as follows.

The driver can phone the DVLA Contact Centre on the general line (0300 790 6801 local rate) and leave permission for a third party to call, within a week, for information from the record. The employer can then call the same 0300 number to obtain the details, or

The third party enquirer can telephone the general line (0300 790 6801) on a three-way call with driver and DVLA.

Driving entitlements for category C drivers

Category C licence holders are able to drive a rigid vehicle in excess of 3.5t MAM (not in category D, F, G, or H) and a trailer having a mam not exceeding 750 kgs.

Registering for non-GB licence holders

If you’re a non-GB licence holder living in Great Britain and have vocational entitlement, you must register your details with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) within 12 months of becoming a resident. Drivers of small vehicles can also register, and the D9 application form can be downloaded here.