Driving Licence Codes: Everything You Need To Know
If you've held your licence for any length of time, you're likely familiar with the information displayed on the front. After all, that's the part you'll show as proof of ID. However, even drivers who have been on the road for years may not have paid much attention to the reverse side of their licence. Take a closer look, though, and you'll notice some numbers. These aren't random; they actually represent key information about you as a driver. Ignoring them in certain situations could even result in hefty fines.
In this article, we'll explore what these driving licence codes mean, why they're so important, and the potential consequences of failing to adhere to them.
What are driving licence codes?
You're likely familiar with the details on the front of your full UK driving licence – your name, address, and the date your licence was issued. It's also got that slightly awkward black-and-white photo of you. But what you probably haven’t noticed is the back of your licence.
Similar to the front, the reverse side contains important information. If you turn it over, you'll find a small table with numbered columns. Here's what each column represents:
- Column 9: Lists the types of vehicles you're entitled to drive.
- Column 10: Shows the earliest date from which a driving category is valid.
- Column 11: Indicates the date when the driving category is no longer valid.
- Column 12: Includes driving licence codes that outline any restrictions in place.
These codes in Column 12 relate to various rules or limitations that apply to your driving or the vehicle you're operating. The restrictions may cover health-related conditions (like needing glasses or contact lenses), vehicle specifications (e.g., limited seating or weight restrictions), or modifications to your vehicle (such as special braking systems or controls).
You can refer to the table below for a full list of driving licence codes!
Driving Licence Codes
- 01 – Eyesight correction (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 and accelerator systems (for licences issued before 28 November 2016)
- 31 – Pedal adaptations and pedal safeguards
- 32 – Combined service brake and accelerator systems
- 33 – Combined service brake, accelerator, and steering systems
- 35 – Modified control layouts
- 40 – Modified steering
- 42 – Modified rear-view mirror(s)
- 43 – Modified driving seats
- 44 – Modifications to motorcycles
- 45 – Motorcycle only with sidecar
- 46 – Tricycles only (for licences issued before 29 June 2014)
- 70 – Exchange of licence
- 71 – Duplicate of licence
- 78 – Restricted to vehicles with automatic transmission
- 79 – Restricted to vehicles in conformity with the specifications stated in brackets
- 96 – Allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer where the trailer weighs at least 750kg and the combined weight of the vehicle and trailer is between 3,500kg and 4,250kg.
- 97 – Not authorised to drive category C1 under certain regulations on tachographs in road transport
- 101 – Not for hire or reward (you’re not allowed to make a profit)
- 102 – Drawbar trailers only
- 105 – Vehicle not more than 5.5m long
- 106 – Restricted to vehicles with automatic transmissions
- 107 – Not more than 8,250kg
- 108 – Subject to minimum age requirements
- 110 – Limited to invalid carriages/transporting people with restricted mobility
- 111 – Limited to 16 passenger seats
- 113 – Limited to 16 passenger seats, except for automatics
- 114 – With special controls required for safe driving
- 115 – Organ donor
- 118 – Start date for earliest entitlement
- 119 – Weight limit for vehicle does not apply
- 121 – Restricted to conditions specified in the Secretary of State's notice
- 122 – Valid on successful completion of compulsory basic training (CBT)
- 123 – Limited to vehicles not more than 5.5m long, except for automatics
- 124 – Limited to drawbar trailers only, except for automatics
- 125 – Tricycles
How does the DVLA know which codes I need on my licence?
When you applied for your provisional licence, part of the process involved filling out a medical questionnaire to disclose any health conditions that could affect your driving. The DVLA uses this information, along with any category-specific stipulations, to determine which driving licence codes should be applied to the back of your card. For instance, if you declared that you need a hearing or communication aid, the 02 code will appear on your licence. If you're an organ donor, your licence will display the 115 code.
It's vital that you keep your driving licence up to date – whether it’s a change in your medical condition, address, or marital status. Failing to do so could result in a fine of up to £1,000 from the DVLA!
What if I ignore my driving licence codes?
Although these codes might seem easy to overlook, it’s essential to not only understand which ones apply to you but also to follow the rules they represent. Violating these conditions could have serious consequences.
While roadside checks for driving licence code violations are rare, certain breaches could lead to a £100 on-the-spot fine. For example, if your licence includes the 01 code (for eyesight correction) and you're not wearing your glasses or contact lenses, you could face this fine. You could also accumulate 3 to 6 penalty points for “driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence” and receive an additional fine based on 50% of your weekly salary (up to £1,000).
Even though the chances of being caught for not following your driving licence codes are slim, do you really want to risk a fine or points on your licence? It’s easy to glance at the back of your licence and check if there are any restrictions in place. It's a small effort that could save you a lot of trouble later!
For more guidance on how to manage your driving, get in touch with Leo Driving School via live chat