Driving licence types
Compare driving licence categories across Europe and the United States. Minimum ages, vehicle classes, and free theory practice — explained for each country.
AutoviaTest.comEuropean licence categories (EU/EEA, UK, Switzerland)
Harmonised under EU Directive 2006/126/EC. The minimum ages shown are the EU standard — individual countries may set them higher or lower.
- Entry age: 18+ yrs
Car licence (B)
Standard licence for cars and light vehicles up to 3,500 kg with up to 8 passenger seats.CarsSmall vansLight trailers
- Entry age: 16+ yrs
Motorcycle licence (A)
The tiered EU motorcycle system, from light A1 bikes to unrestricted category A.MotorcyclesScootersTricycles - Entry age: 18+ yrs
Truck licence (C)
Goods-vehicle licences, from medium C1 trucks to heavy category C lorries.TrucksLorriesHeavy goods vehicles - Entry age: 21+ yrs
Bus licence (D)
Passenger-transport licences, from D1 minibuses to full category D buses and coaches.BusesCoachesMinibuses - Entry age: 16+ yrs
Moped licence (AM)
Licence for mopeds and light quadricycles with a maximum design speed of 45 km/h.MopedsLight scootersLight quadricycles
United States licence classes
Issued by each state. There is no single national minimum age for ordinary driving; commercial (CDL) ages are set federally by the FMCSA.
- Entry age: 16+ yrs
US driver license (class C/D)
Standard non-commercial driver license for passenger vehicles, issued by each state DMV.Passenger carsSUVsLight trucksVans (under 26,001 lbs)
View details - Entry age: 16+ yrs
US motorcycle license (class M)
Motorcycle license or endorsement for two- and three-wheeled vehicles, issued by each state DMV.MotorcyclesMotor-driven cyclesThree-wheeled motorcyclesView details - Entry age: 18+ yrs
Commercial driver license (CDL)
Federal CDL for operating commercial motor vehicles — Class A, B, or C with optional endorsements.Semi-trucks (Class A)Buses (Class B)Hazmat vehiclesTankersPassenger transportView details
Compare European licence categories
Minimum ages follow the EU standard (Directive 2006/126/EC); individual countries may set them higher or lower.
| Category | Minimum age | What you can drive |
|---|---|---|
| Car Licence (B) | 18+yrs | Cars, Small vans, Light trailers |
| Motorcycle Licence (A) | 16+yrs | Motorcycles, Scooters, Tricycles |
| Truck Licence (C) | 18+yrs | Trucks, Lorries, Heavy goods vehicles |
| Bus Licence (D) | 21+yrs | Buses, Coaches, Minibuses |
| Moped Licence (AM) | 16+yrs | Mopeds, Light scooters, Light quadricycles |
Why choose AutoviaTest?
Comprehensive, up-to-date theory practice for every licence type across dozens of countries
About licence types
Each licence type has its own minimum age, vehicle classes, and test format. Select any licence above to explore:
- Minimum age requirements and how they vary by country
- Vehicle types and categories you can drive
- Country-specific test formats and pass marks
- Free practice questions and mock exams
- Study guides and official sources
Understanding the categories
Progressive access (motorcycles)
You can step up from A1 to A2 to A as you gain experience, or take direct access to a higher category at an older age.
Accompanied driving
Several countries let you drive from 17 — or younger — when accompanied by an experienced driver before you may drive solo.
Professional driving (CPC)
Driving lorries or buses for a living requires a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) in addition to the licence.
Upcoming EU changes
New EU rules adopted in 2025 (Directive 2025/2205) will gradually introduce accompanied driving from 17 across the EU, a digital driving licence, and a probationary period for new drivers.
This page is a general guide. Minimum ages and categories follow EU Directive 2006/126/EC (Europe) or state and FMCSA rules (United States) and can change. Always confirm the current requirements with your national or state licensing authority before applying.
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