Understanding the categories in the drivers’ license is not for laymen. But when it comes to hiring a van for personal use or business purposes, knowing the difference between category B and Category C license could literally save you/your business a lot of trouble. It could make a world of difference; knowing the line between staying legally responsible and compliant and getting pulled over by the police.
Your Full category B drivers’ license would not give enough leverage to bring just about any vehicle of your choice on the road. Let us reveal to you the restrictions that apply so you could hire a bigger vehicle for that big home move or business event without a hitch.
What vehicles can I hire/drive using a category B license?
The standard UK driving license (Category B) enables the holder to drive any automobile weighing up to 3.5 tons. It doesn’t matter whether the weight is all-inclusive or just the vehicle.
By going through the back of the drivers’ license, you would find out which categories you qualify for. Moreover, how long you have been legally driving also holds significant importance. Drivers who qualified for the license between 1997 and 2013 can tow a trailer without further tests, however, the weight limitation applies- the weight of the vehicle and trailer combined must not exceed 4.2 tons (750Kg for the trailer, and/or any other weights).
The difference between category B and category C Drivers’ License
For drivers looking to operating a vehicle that weighs more than 3.5 tons, they would require a category C license. The applicant of this category undergoes an additional test to see whether or not you could drive such a huge vehicle. Those who have passed their test before 1997 automatically qualify for a Category C license.
License holders from before 1997 can legally drive medium-sized to large vehicles that weight up to 7.5 tons, with/without a 750Kg trailer, without further assessment.
You should check the back of your license to ensure whether or not you are authorized enough as certain permissions vary or are removed when licenses or the policies are renewed.