Why your parents can legally drive a minibus but you probably can’t – and what the strange letters on your licence mean

THE back of driving licences can be confusing for anyone, but it is important you check it to know what vehicle you are legally qualified to drive.

The reason you need to understand the confusing letters and numbers at the back is that if you are driving a vehicle that is not covered by your licence, your insurance will be automatically invalid. 

 And to make matters even more confusing, the date when you passed your driving licence can also limit what type of vehicle you can’t drive but your parents probably can.

Indeed, the laws have changed over the years, and this has impacted your UK standard driving licence.

The biggest change came into force on January 1, 1997, and it limited the type of vehicle you are able to drive without additional tests to legally drive such as category A, C, and D vehicles – motorcycles, vans and lorries.

If you have passed your test before 1997, you are automatically legally allowed to drive a minibus, for instance. But if you have passed your test after 1997, you are not qualified to do so.

As of this month, those who sit their driving licences are now only allowed to drive category B, F, K, Q, and AM vehicles – standard cars, agricultural tractors, mowing machines and small two or three wheeled vehicles.

“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,” founder of insurance comparison platform Quotezone.co.uk, Greg Wilson, said.

“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.”

Here, we break down what the letters and numbers on the back of UK driving licences mean and what you need to look out for – it could save you a fixed penalty fine of £300 and six penalty points.