Driver's License Requirements in the UK – Simple Guide

Got a plan to drive a car, a van, or a big HGV? First thing you need is a licence that matches the vehicle. The rules are clear, but they can feel messy if you’ve never looked at them before. This page breaks down the must‑know bits so you can get behind the wheel with confidence.

In the UK you must be at least 17 to hold a standard car licence (Category B). If you want to drive a motorcycle, the age drops to 16 for a moped and 17 for larger bikes. For HGVs (Category C or C+E) the minimum age is 18, and you’ll need extra medical checks. No matter the vehicle, you’ll need a valid UK address, a good eyesight level (6/12 or better with glasses if needed), and you can’t have a disqualifying criminal record.

Getting Your First Licence

Start with a provisional licence. You apply online or by post, show your identity, and pay a fee. Once you have it, you can practice on public roads but only with a qualified supervisor and the ‘L’ plates displayed. The next step is the theory test – a multiple‑choice part and a hazard‑perception video. Pass that, book a practical test, and you’re almost there.

The practical test varies by vehicle. For a car it’s a 40‑minute drive covering normal road situations and a manoeuvre like reverse parking. For an HGV you’ll face a longer test that includes off‑road checks, coupling and uncoupling, and a heavier‑vehicle manoeuvre. Passing both parts gives you a full licence for that category.

Keeping Your Licence Up to Date

Licence renewal isn’t just a paperwork chore. If you’re over 70, the DVLA may ask for a new medical report every three years. For HGV drivers, a medical exam every five years is standard, and any change in health (like eyesight or a new condition) must be reported. Forgetting to renew on time can lead to a fine or a temporary loss of driving rights.

Points on your licence work the same for cars and HGVs. Accumulating 12 points in three years triggers a disqualification. To avoid this, drive defensively, obey speed limits, and stay clear of risky behaviours. If you lose points, you can take a voluntary retest to clear them early.

Want to add a new vehicle class later? You don’t need a fresh full licence – just a separate practical test for the new category. Many drivers add a motorcycle or a larger truck after a few years of experience. The key is to keep your medical fitness up to date and to practice the specific skills for each class.

Quick checklist:

• Age minimum met for your vehicle type.
• Valid UK address and residency.
• Good eyesight (with correction if needed).
• Provisional licence, then pass theory.
• Book and pass the practical test for your category.
• Schedule regular medical checks, especially for HGV.
• Renew before expiry and report any health changes.

Follow these steps, and you’ll stay legal, safe, and ready for the road – whether you’re cruising in a hatchback or hauling a load across the country.