Driving licence codes might look like random numbers and letters, but they carry important information about what you can legally drive and any conditions you must follow. From restrictions on vehicle types to medical requirements or specialist adaptations, these codes ensure that drivers stay safe and compliant on the road. In this guide, we’ll break down what the codes mean, why they matter, and how to understand the ones on your own licence.
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What Are Driving Licence Codes?
Your UK driving licence contains codes that provide important information about the types of vehicles you can drive and any restrictions that apply to you. These codes are usually printed on the back of your photocard driving licence and are used by the DVLA, law enforcement, and employers to ensure drivers comply with legal requirements.
Understanding these codes is essential for all drivers, especially if you plan to drive vehicles like vans, motorcycles, or large trucks, or if you have medical conditions that affect your ability to drive.
Why Driving Licence Codes Matter
- Legal Compliance – Certain vehicles can only be driven if your licence shows the correct entitlement codes. Driving without the correct code is illegal.
- Employer Requirements – Many employers check licence codes to ensure staff are qualified to drive company vehicles.
- Medical Restrictions – Codes indicate restrictions related to eyesight, medical conditions, or use of adaptive equipment.
- Insurance Purposes – Driving outside your licence entitlement may invalidate your insurance.
Common UK Codes
Here’s a table of the most common UK driving licence codes and what they mean:
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 01 | Eyesight correction (e.g., glasses or contact lenses) |
| 02 | Hearing/communication aid |
| 10 | Modified transmission |
| 15 | Modified clutch |
| 20 | Modified braking systems |
| 25 | Modified accelerator systems |
| 30 | Combined braking & accelerator systems (on licences issued before 28 Nov 2016) |
| 31 | Pedal adaptations and pedal safeguards |
| 32 | Combined service brake & accelerator systems |
| 33 | Combined service brake, accelerator & steering systems |
| 35 | Modified control layouts |
| 40 | Modified steering |
| 42 | Modified rear-view mirror(s) |
| 43 | Modified driving seats |
| 44 | Motorbike modifications (umbrella category) |
| 44 (1) | Single operated brake |
| 44 (2) | Adapted front-wheel brake |
| 44 (3) | Adapted rear-wheel brake |
| 44 (4) | Adapted accelerator |
| 44 (5) | Adjusted manual transmission and clutch |
| 44 (6) | Adjusted rear-view mirror(s) |
| 44 (7) | Adjusted commands (e.g., indicators, brake light) |
| 44 (8) | Seat height allows two feet on ground when stopped |
| 44 (11) | Adapted foot rest |
| 44 (12) | Adapted hand grip |
| 45 | Motorcycles only with sidecar |
| 46 | Tricycles only (on licences issued before 29 Jun 2014) |
| 70 | Exchange of licence (e.g., for medical reasons, returning from abroad) |
| 71 | Duplicate licence (e.g., lost or damaged) |
| 78 | Restricted to vehicles with automatic transmission |
| 79 | Restricted to vehicles matching specified criteria on licence |
| 79 (2) | Restricted to category AM vehicles (3-wheel or light quadricycle type) |
| 79 (3) | Restricted to tricycles |
| 96 | Vehicle + trailer: trailer ≥750 kg and combined weight 3,500–4,250 kg |
| 97 | Not allowed to drive category C1 vehicles requiring a tachograph |
| 101 | Not for hire or reward (non-commercial driving only) |
| 102 | Drawbar trailers only |
| 103 | Subject to certificate of competence |
| 105 | Vehicle not more than 5.5 m long |
| 106 | Restricted to vehicles with automatic transmission (alternate code) |
| 107 | Vehicle weight not more than 8,250 kg |
| 108 | Subject to minimum age requirements |
| 110 | Limited to transporting persons with restricted mobility |
| 111 | Limited to 16 passenger seats |
| 113 | Limited to 16 passenger seats, except for automatics |
| 114 | Requires special controls for safe driving |
| 115 | Organ donor |
| 118 | Start date is for earliest entitlement |
| 119 | Weight limits for vehicle do not apply |
| 121 | Conditions specified in the Secretary of State’s notice apply |
| 122 | Valid after completing Basic Moped Training Course |
| 125 | Tricycles only (on licences issued before 29 Jun 2014) |
Note: The DVLA maintains an official list of codes, which may be updated periodically. Always check DVLA Driving Licence Codes for the most current information.
How to Check the Codes On Your Licence
- Check the Back of Your Photocard Licence – Look at the section labelled “12” on the back.
- Visit the DVLA Website – The DVLA provides an online service to check your licence details and understand what each code means.
- Review Paper Licences – Older paper licences also have codes in the same format but may differ slightly in presentation.
Tips for Managing Your Licence Codes
- Update Your Licence Promptly – If you develop a medical condition, adapt your vehicle, or change vehicle type entitlements, inform the DVLA immediately.
- Keep a Copy of Your Codes – Useful for employment, insurance, or rental purposes.
- Understand International Implications – Some codes may affect what vehicles you can drive abroad. Always check local rules when travelling.
FAQ: Driving Licence Codes
Q1: What is a driving licence code?
A: A driving licence code is an alphanumeric or numeric identifier that specifies your vehicle entitlements, restrictions, or medical requirements on your UK driving licence.
Q2: Where can I find my driving licence codes?
A: Codes are printed on the back of your photocard licence, usually in section 12.
Q3: Can I drive a different type of vehicle than my code allows?
A: No. Driving outside your licence entitlement is illegal and may invalidate your insurance.
Q4: How do I update my driving licence codes?
A: Contact the DVLA with any changes, such as medical conditions or vehicle modifications. You may need a doctor’s declaration.
Q5: What do medical codes mean?
A: Medical codes indicate conditions that affect your driving, such as corrective lenses, prosthetics, or adaptive vehicle controls.
Q6: Are all codes mandatory?
A: Codes that appear on your licence indicate mandatory restrictions or requirements. Ignoring them may result in fines or disqualification.
Q7: Can employers check my driving licence codes?
A: Yes. Many employers, especially those with fleet vehicles, verify your codes to ensure legal compliance.
Q8: Do licence codes expire?
A: Vehicle entitlements themselves may be indefinite, but some medical restrictions require regular reassessment and updating.
Q9: Where can I get a full list of all driving licence codes?
A: The DVLA provides an official list online at DVLA Driving Licence Codes.
Q10: Will driving abroad be affected by licence codes?
A: Some countries may interpret UK codes differently. Check local regulations and carry documentation if required.
Q11: Can I appeal a driving licence code restriction?
A: In some cases, yes. If a restriction is based on medical conditions or administrative errors, you can appeal via the DVLA with supporting evidence.
Q12: Do driving licence codes affect insurance premiums?
A: Yes. Certain codes, especially restrictions or medical conditions, may influence how insurers calculate risk and premiums.
Q13: Can I remove a restriction code from my licence?
A: Some restrictions can be removed once conditions are resolved or medical assessments are passed. Contact the DVLA for guidance.
Q14: Are driving licence codes the same for provisional licences?
A: Provisional licences also have codes, mainly to indicate learner restrictions and vehicle categories allowed for learning.
Q15: How often should I review my driving licence codes?
A: At least once per year, or whenever you experience changes to medical conditions, vehicle adaptations, or legal entitlements.
Final Thoughts
Understanding driving licence codes is essential for legal, safe, and insured driving in the UK. By knowing your codes, you can ensure compliance, avoid fines, and provide accurate information to employers or insurance providers.
Always keep your driving licence updated and consult the DVLA if you’re unsure about any codes or restrictions.
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