Understanding Irish Driving Licence Codes: What They Mean, How They Work and What You Need to Know
If you’re learning to drive in Ireland, applying for a licence, or simply trying to decipher the letters on the back of your driving licence, you’ve come to the right place. This guide breaks down every licence code you’ll encounter, explains how the system is organised, and gives you practical tips for using the information in everyday life.
1. Why Licence Codes Matter
When you look at a standard Irish driving licence, you’ll see a series of letters and numbers printed under the heading “Category” as well as several “Endorsements” on the back. Those codes are the shorthand the Road Safety Authority (RSA) uses to tell you:
| What you are allowed to drive | How long you’ve held the licence | Any restrictions attached |
|---|---|---|
| Cars, motorcycles, heavy trucks, trailers, etc. | Dates of issue / renewal | Glasses, medical conditions, provisional status, etc. |
If you ignore these codes you could unintentionally break the law – for example, driving a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) with only a Category B licence, or riding a high‑powered motorcycle without the correct endorsement. Understanding the codes protects you, your insurer and other road users.
2. The Core Licence Categories (A‑E)
The RSA groups vehicle types into six main categories, labelled A through E. Below is the “quick‑reference” table most learners keep on their dashboard.
| Category | Vehicle Type | Typical Minimum Age | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Motorcycles – any engine size | 24 (or 20 with three‑year full‑bike experience) | Full motorcycle theory + practical test (Category A) |
| A1 | Light motorcycles ≤ 125 cc, ≤ 11 kW, max 0.125 m³ | 17 | Motorcycle theory + practical (Category A1) |
| A2 | Medium motorcycles ≤ 35 kW, power‑to‑weight ≤ 0.2 kW/kg | 18 | Theory + practical (Category A2) |
| B | Cars, light vans, and motor‑homes ≤ 3 500 kg, up to 8 passenger seats | 17 (with learner permit) | Theory + practical (Category B) |
| C | Heavy goods vehicles (HGV) > 3 500 kg, any number of seats | 21 (or 18 with CPC) | Theory (C) + practical (C) |
| D | Buses and coaches (passenger vehicles > 8 seats) | 24 (or 21 with CPC) | Theory (D) + practical (D) |
| E | Trailer or semi‑trailer combinations (adds to any of the above) | 21 (if attached to C/D) | Additional practical test for trailer coupling |
How the categories combine
- BE – Car plus trailer up to 3 500 kg (total ≤ 4 250 kg).
- C1E – Light HGV (3 500 kg–7 500 kg) plus trailer up to 750 kg.
- D1E – Small bus (up to 16 passenger seats) plus trailer up to 750 kg.
When you add a letter E to a category, it means you are qualified to tow a trailer that pushes the combined weight beyond the usual limit for that category.
3. Endorsements – The Fine Print
Besides the main categories, the rear of the licence lists endorsements that indicate special permissions, medical conditions, or restrictions. They are written in the form “Code + Description”. Below is a comprehensive table of the most common endorsements you’ll see on an Irish licence.
| Code | Description | Typical Scenario |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Glasses/Contact lenses required | Vision correction needed |
| 02 | Special vehicle controls required (e.g., hand‑operated) | Physical disability |
| 03 | No vehicles with a trailer coupling > 750 kg | Limited trailer capacity |
| 04 | No vehicles over 3 500 kg | HGV restriction |
| 05 | No automatic transmission vehicles (must use manual) | Learners with manual licence only |
| 06 | No motorcycles over 35 kW | Restriction after an A2 licence |
| 07 | No vehicles with a sidecar | Motorcycle sidecar restriction |
| 08 | No vehicles with a cab (e.g., trucks with enclosed cabin) | Specific occupational restriction |
| 09 | No driving on motorways | Learner or medical restriction |
| 10 | No driving between 10 pm – 5 am | Night‑time restriction (often for learners) |
| 11 | No driving with passengers (for learner) | Learner driver only |
| 12 | No driving with a trailer > 750 kg (re‑iteration) | Duplicate of 03, often appears after a penalty |
| 13 | No commercial vehicle operation | Private‑only licence |
| 14 | No driving a vehicle with a diesel engine over 2 000 cc | Environmental restriction |
| 15 | No driving a vehicle with a turbo‑charger | Performance restriction |
| 16 | No driving a vehicle with a diesel engine > 3 500 kg | Heavy‑diesel restriction |
| 17 | No driving a vehicle with a manual gearbox (if you hold only an automatic licence) | Automatic‑only licence |
| 18 | No driving in a vehicle with a manual transmission (if you hold only a manual licence) | Manual‑only licence |
| 19 | No driving a vehicle with a clutch (for specific disabilities) | Hand‑control vehicles only |
| 20 | No driving a vehicle equipped with a speed limiter > 100 km/h | Limiter restriction |
Tip: If you ever see a code you don’t recognise, check the RSA’s official list (available on the RSA website) or contact your local Driver and Vehicle Licensing Office (DVLA) – they can clarify whether the restriction applies to you.
4. How to Read Your Licence – A Step‑by‑Step Walkthrough
When you receive your licence, it will look something like this (simplified for illustration):
Category: B
Valid From: 01/09/2024 – Expiry: 01/09/2034
Endorsements: 01, 03, 10
- Identify the main category –
Btells you you can drive cars and light vans up to 3 500 kg. - Check the expiry – licences are usually valid for ten years (or five for drivers over 70).
- Read each endorsement –
01= you must wear glasses;03= you cannot tow a trailer > 750 kg;10= you cannot drive between 10 pm‑5 am. - Look for extra categories – If you later pass a C test, a new line will appear:
Category: C (C1E).
Remember: the most restrictive rule wins. In the example above, even though a B licence usually permits a small trailer, the 03 endorsement overrides that permission.
5. Upgrading or Adding Categories – What You Need to Do
| Current Category | Desired New Category | Typical Path | Key Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| B | BE | Apply for a Trailer Endorsement (Category E) | Practical towing test (if you have no prior experience) |
| B | C1 | Pass C1 Theory + C1 Practical | Vehicle inspection, road test with a light HGV |
| A2 | A | Complete A Theory + A Practical (full motorcycle) | More advanced manoeuvres, higher speed control |
| Any | D1 | Pass D1 Theory + D1 Practical | Bus specific manoeuvres, passenger safety checks |
| Learner | Full Licence | Pass the Driving Test for your category | Hazard perception, vehicle control, eyesight test |
How to apply:
- Book your theory test through the RSA website – you’ll need a Learner Permit first.
- Complete a minimum of 12 months of driver education (or 6 months if you have a full licence in another EU state).
- Schedule the practical test with an authorised driving school.
- Pay the relevant fees (the RSA outlines the exact amounts for each category).
- Collect your new licence at the post office or DVLA office – the new categories will be added to the existing card; you never receive a brand‑new card unless you change your name or address.
6. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | Why It Happens | How to Prevent It |
|---|---|---|
| Driving a trailer larger than allowed (ignoring code 03) | Forgetting the endorsement when renting a trailer for a move | Keep a printed copy of your licence in the vehicle; double‑check trailer weight before hiring |
| Using a motorcycle licence (A) on a scooter > 125 cc without A1 endorsement | Assuming “motorbike” covers all two‑wheelers | Verify the exact engine size and power output before you ride |
| Assuming a Category B licence lets you drive an automatic bus | Misreading “B” as “any bus” | Remember that buses require a D category, regardless of transmission |
| Overlooking the night‑time restriction (code 10) after passing a learner test | Not reading the small print on the back of the licence | Highlight any time‑based restrictions with a bright marker when you first receive the licence |
| Forgetting to renew before the expiry date, resulting in a “lapsed” licence | Assuming the 10‑year period is automatic | Set a calendar reminder six months before the expiry date; renewal is online and quick |
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I drive a vehicle from another EU country with my Irish licence?
A: Yes. An Irish licence is recognised throughout the EU. However, you must still obey any restrictions printed on your licence (e.g., night‑time bans). If you plan to stay abroad for more than 12 months, you may need to exchange the licence for a local one.
Q2: I have a restriction code 01 (glasses). Do I need to wear glasses while driving a rental car abroad?
A: Absolutely. The restriction travels with you. If you fail to wear corrective lenses, you could be fined for driving without a valid licence.
Q3: How do I add a new category without re‑taking my theory test?
A: If you already hold a full licence (not a learner) you can apply for a Category Change (e.g., B → BE) without a new theory test. You’ll only need to complete the practical test for the added category.
Q4: What happens if I lose my licence?
A: Report the loss to the RSA immediately (online or at a post office). They’ll issue a replacement licence for a small fee. The replacement will contain the same categories and endorsements as the original.
Q5: Can I drive a vehicle with a higher power output than my licence permits if I have a “temporary permission” from a driving school?
A: No. Temporary permissions are only for driving lessons under supervision. Once you are on your own, you must stay within the limits of your licence categories and endorsements.
Q6: Are there any age‑related changes to the codes?
A: Yes. Drivers over 70 must renew their licence every 5 years and may be asked to undergo a medical assessment. Certain categories (e.g., D) also have higher minimum ages (24, or 21 with a Certificate of Professional Competence – CPC).
Q7: How do I know if my licence has been updated after a recent test?
A: The RSA sends an email confirmation and updates the electronic licence record. You can log in to the MyTransport portal to view the latest categories and endorsements.
8. Practical Checklist – Keep This on Hand
- Print a copy of your licence (front and back) and store it in your vehicle.
- Note any endorsement codes in a separate notebook – especially time‑based or trailer restrictions.
- Before renting a vehicle, verify that the vehicle type matches one of your licence categories.
- When planning a road trip, check the combined weight of your car + any trailer against the limits of your category + any “E” endorsement.
- Set a reminder for licence renewal (10 years for most, 5 years after 70).
- Keep your eyesight test up‑to‑date – a new prescription may change your endorsement from none to
01. - If you acquire a new category, update the checklist and inform your insurance provider to avoid premium miscalculations.
9. Final Thought – The Licence Is More Than a Piece of Plastic
Your Irish driving licence is a compact, coded résumé of what you’re legally allowed to operate on the road. By understanding each letter, number, and restriction, you safeguard yourself from inadvertent offences, keep insurance premiums fair, and enjoy the freedom of the road with confidence.
Take a moment today to review the codes on your licence. If anything looks unfamiliar, use the tables above as a reference, and don’t hesitate to call the RSA or your local licensing office for clarification. The more you know, the smoother—and safer—your journeys will be.
Safe driving! 🚗🛣️