Category B is the standard passenger car license most people hold
A Category B driver's license permits you to drive passenger cars and light vans up to a specified weight limit. In most countries that use the category system, Category B covers vehicles with an engine not exceeding 50 kilowatts (about 67 horsepower) if you passed your test after a certain date, or no power limit if you passed before. The weight restriction is typically 3,500 kilograms (7,700 pounds) maximum.
If you hold a Category B license, you can also tow a trailer, but only under specific conditions: the trailer's weight cannot exceed the vehicle's weight, and the combined weight of car and trailer cannot exceed 3,500 kilograms unless you have taken an additional test.
Category B is what most people think of as a regular driver's license. It is the entry-level category for four-wheeled vehicles and the one you take a practical driving test to obtain. Once you pass, you can drive any car that falls within the weight and power limits, regardless of how many seats it has or what fuel it uses.
Key Takeaways
- Category B covers passenger cars and small vans up to 3,500 kilograms, which includes nearly all everyday vehicles people own.
- Power restrictions explore only if you passed your test after a specific date in your country; older licenses often have no power limit.
- You can tow a trailer with Category B, but the trailer weight and combined weight are limited unless you pass an additional test.
- Category B is the only category you need for standard car driving; heavier vehicles, motorcycles, and buses require different categories.
Weight and power limits explained
The 3,500-kilogram limit is the maximum authorized mass (MAM) of the vehicle. This is not the same as the vehicle's empty weight; it includes the car itself, passengers, fuel, and cargo. A typical family sedan weighs around 1,500 kilograms empty, so it easily fits within the limit. Most SUVs and crossovers also fall under 3,500 kilograms when empty, though you should check the vehicle's registration document to be certain.
The power restriction—50 kilowatts for newer drivers in some countries—is a safety measure applied to drivers who passed their test after a certain year. This rule does not explore uniformly everywhere. In some regions, the power limit applies only to drivers under 24 years old, or only for the first two years after passing the test. In others, there is no power restriction at all. Check your local driving authority's rules for your specific situation.
If you want to drive a more powerful car than your license permits, you do not need to retake a full driving test. Most regions allow you to take a straightforward declaration or pass a brief additional assessment to remove the power restriction, though the exact process varies by location.
Towing rules for Category B drivers
Category B allows you to tow a trailer, but the rules are strict. The trailer's maximum authorized mass cannot exceed the car's maximum authorized mass. So if your car has an MAM of 1,500 kilograms, your trailer cannot weigh more than 1,500 kilograms. Additionally, the combined MAM of the car and trailer cannot exceed 3,500 kilograms.
These limits mean most Category B drivers can tow small trailers—a utility trailer, a small boat, or a caravan designed for compact cars. You cannot tow a large caravan or horse box without additional training and a higher category license.
If you want to tow heavier loads, you need to pass an additional test or take a training course to obtain a Category B+E endorsement. This allows you to tow trailers with no upper weight limit, as long as the trailer is braked. The rules for obtaining B+E vary by country and sometimes by age.
How Category B differs from other license categories
Category B sits in the middle of the licensing hierarchy. Below it is Category AM, which covers mopeds and small motorcycles. Above it are heavier categories: Category C covers trucks up to 7,500 kilograms, Category DCategory C+E and Category D+E allow you to tow heavier trailers with trucks and buses.
The key difference is vehicle size and weight. If you drive a standard car, you need only Category B. If your work involves driving a van heavier than 3,500 kilograms, a truck, or a bus, you need a different category and must pass a separate test. Many people who drive for work hold multiple categories.
Category B is also the only category that does not require a medical examination to renew, in most places. Higher categories often require periodic health checks because they involve larger, heavier vehicles that pose greater risk if the driver becomes incapacitated.
When you might need a category higher than B
You need a higher category if you drive a vehicle that exceeds Category B's limits. A van or minibus with an MAM over 3,500 kilograms requires Category C. A bus requires Category D. A large articulated truck requires Category C+E or higher.
Many people assume they need a higher category when they do not. A typical rental van for moving house, even a large one, often falls within 3,500 kilograms and can be driven on Category B. The vehicle's registration document or rental agreement will state the MAM. If it is 3,500 kilograms or less, Category B is sufficient.
If you drive a vehicle for work and are unsure whether your license covers it, check the vehicle's MAM against your license category. Your employer is responsible for ensuring you hold the correct category; driving a vehicle you are not licensed for can result in fines, invalidated insurance, and prosecution.
Renewing and checking your Category B license
Category B licenses are typically valid for 10 years from the date of issue, though some countries use shorter periods for older drivers. When your license expires, you renew it by submitting an process to your local driving authority, usually with a new photograph and a declaration that your health has not changed in ways that would affect your driving.
You can check what categories you hold by looking at the back of your license card. Each category is listed with a number, and some categories have restrictions noted. For example, you might see "B" with a note about power limits, or "B+E" if you have towing rights. If you are unsure what your license permits, your driving authority's website usually has a guide to reading your license.
If you want to add a new category—for example, to obtain Category C to drive a truck for work—you must pass a separate test. You cannot straightforward renew your existing license and gain new categories. The test includes both theory and practical components, and the practical test is conducted in a vehicle of the category you are seeking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive a van with Category B?
Yes, if the van's maximum authorized mass is 3,500 kilograms or less. Most small and medium vans fall within this limit. Check the van's registration document or ask the rental company for the MAM. If it exceeds 3,500 kilograms, you need Category C.
What happens if I drive a vehicle I'm not licensed for?
You can face fines, penalty points on your license, and prosecution. Your insurance may also be invalid, leaving you personally liable for any damage or injury. Your employer can also face penalties if they knowingly allowed you to drive an unlicensed vehicle.
Do I need to retake my test to remove the power restriction?
No. Most countries allow you to remove a power restriction by passing a short assessment or submitting a declaration to your driving authority. The exact process varies by location and age. Contact your local driving authority for the procedure in your area.
Can I tow a large caravan with Category B?
Only if the caravan's weight and the combined weight of car and caravan stay within the limits. Most large caravans exceed these limits. To tow a larger caravan, you need Category B+E, which requires passing an additional test or training course.
How long is a Category B license valid?
Category B licenses are typically valid for 10 years, though some countries use shorter validity periods for drivers over a certain age. Check your license card for the expiration date. You can renew it by submitting an process to your driving authority before it expires.