Irish Driving Licence Categories – What You Need to Know
If you’re living in Ireland or planning to move here, one of the first practical items on your checklist will be obtaining a driving licence. The Irish system can look a little complicated at first glance because licences are divided into several categories, each of which governs what kind of vehicle you’re legally allowed to drive.
In this post you’ll get a complete, easy‑to‑read rundown of every licence category, the vehicles they cover, the age and medical requirements, and the typical steps you’ll follow to upgrade from one class to another. By the end you’ll be able to look at a licence letter—say “B” or “C1”—and instantly know what you’re allowed (and not allowed) to do on the road.
1. Quick‑Look Summary Table
| Category | Minimum Age* | Vehicle Types (main examples) | Key Restrictions / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 24 (or 21 with approved training) | Motorcycles of any engine size, including those with > 35 kW power | Requires full motorcycle training; A1 and A2 are sub‑categories for smaller bikes (see below). |
| A1 | 16 | Light motorcycles ≤ 125 cc, ≤ 11 kW, max 0.1 kW/kg | Often the first step for young riders; must hold for 2 years before upgrading to A2. |
| A2 | 20 | Motorcycles ≤ 35 kW, power/weight ratio ≤ 0.2 kW/kg | Can be upgraded to full A after 2 years of riding. |
| B | 17 (with learner permit) | Cars ≤ 3 500 kg GVW, ≤ 8 passenger seats, trailers ≤ 750 kg | Most common car licence; B1 (light vehicles) and B+E (larger trailers) are extensions. |
| B1 | 18 | Light motor vehicles ≤ 550 kg (or 425 kg for passenger‑car‑type) – e.g., quad‑bikes, small tractors | Usually added to a full B licence; not required for standard cars. |
| C | 21 (or 18 with CEU) | Large goods vehicles > 3 500 kg GVW – e.g., trucks, lorries | Must hold a B licence first; CEU = Certificate of Professional Competence. |
| C1 | 18 | Medium goods vehicles 3 500 – 7 500 kg GVW – e.g., small trucks, larger vans | Can be an intermediate step before full C. |
| D | 24 (or 21 with CEU) | Public service vehicles – buses, coaches, minibuses (≥ 9 passenger seats) | Requires a B licence, plus medical clearance. |
| D1 | 21 | Small buses/minibuses ≤ 16 passenger seats, length ≤ 8 m | Often used for school‑run or community transport. |
| E | 17 (with B) | Trailer attached to a vehicle – any size, provided combined GVW ≤ 3 500 kg | The B+E extension allows larger trailers up to 3 500 kg. |
| F | 16 | Agricultural tractors and self‑propelled machines | Separate from road licences; primarily for farm use. |
| G | 16 | Mopeds ≤ 50 cc, ≤ 4 kW, max speed 45 km/h | Can be taken with a B licence as a “light vehicle” addition. |
* Minimum age is the youngest you can apply for a licence in that category; some categories require you to hold a lower licence for a certain period before you can upgrade.
2. How the System Works – A Step‑by‑Step Roadmap
- Apply for a Learner Permit
- You’ll need an RV‑1 form, a passport‑style photo, proof of identity, and a medical questionnaire (Form D 236).
- The National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) website lets you book the mandatory theory test online.
- Pass the Theory Test
- 40 multiple‑choice questions, 35 must be correct to pass.
- You can retake the test as many times as needed, but you must wait at least 7 days between attempts.
- Take Practical Driving Lessons
- For Category B, you’ll need a minimum of 6 hours of professional instruction (plus any extra private practice you want).
- If you’re aiming for a motorcycle licence (A, A1, A2) you’ll need to complete a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course before you can ride on public roads.
- Pass the Practical Test
- The test consists of a manoeuvres portion (e.g., reverse parking, hill start) and a road‑checking section (about 30 minutes).
- For motorcycles, you’ll also have a off‑road handling part (tight‑slalom, emergency stop).
- Receive Your Full Licence
- Once you pass, the NDLS will issue a photo card licence that displays all the categories you hold.
- If you later add a new category (e.g., C1 for a small truck), you’ll go through a similar process—new theory, new practical, new medical checks if required.
3. Why Category Letters Matter – Real‑World Scenarios
| Situation | What Your Current Licence Allows | What You Must Do to Upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| Renting a midsize van (2 000 kg) | B – yes, because it’s under 3 500 kg | No upgrade needed; just ensure the van’s total GVW stays below 3 500 kg. |
| Driving a 5 000 kg delivery truck | B – no, exceeds 3 500 kg limit | Apply for C1 (requires a B licence already). |
| Taking a friend’s 1 200 cc motorcycle | A – yes, any size | If you only hold A2, you cannot ride > 35 kW. You’d need a full A licence. |
| Operating a 9‑seat community bus | D – no, you need at least D1 (max 16 seats) | Apply for D1 (minimum age 21) and complete the bus‑type practical test. |
| Towing a 2 200 kg caravan behind a car | B – no, trailer > 750 kg | Add the E extension (B+E) after passing a practical trailer test. |
These examples illustrate how the letter on your licence dictates the legal boundaries of the vehicle you can operate. Ignoring them can lead to fines, insurance invalidation, or even criminal prosecution.
4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I drive a motorcycle with a Category B licence?
A: No. Motorcycle licences are separate (A, A1, A2). However, if you have a B licence you can add a G (moped) endorsement after passing the relevant theory and practical tests.
Q2: Do I need a medical exam for every licence category?
A: Not for every category. A basic Medical Questionnaire (Form D 236) is required for most licences, but Category C, C1, D, D1 have stricter health standards, often needing a full Medical Examination (Form D 239) and a doctor’s certificate.
Q3: What is the “CEU” I keep hearing about?
A: The Certificate of Professional Competence (CEU) is mandatory for professional drivers of large goods vehicles (C) and passenger‑carrying vehicles (D). It proves you have the required knowledge and skills for commercial road transport.
Q4: I’m 19 and want to drive a 4 000 kg van for work. Can I get a C1 licence?
A: Yes. The minimum age for C1 is 18, provided you already hold a full B licence and pass the C1 theory and practical tests. You’ll also need a medical clearance.
Q5: Do I have to retake the theory test if I add a new category later?
A: Absolutely. Each new category (or extension like B+E) has its own theory test, even if the content overlaps with what you already know.
Q6: What happens if I lose my licence card?
A: Apply for a replacement through the NDLS website. You’ll need to submit a signed declaration and pay a small fee (currently €15). The replacement will show all categories you currently hold.
Q7: Can I hold multiple categories on a single licence card?
A: Yes. The Irish licence card displays all letters you possess, e.g., “B, B+E, C1, D1”. This means you’re legally cleared for each of those vehicle types.
Q8: Is there a “grandfather clause” for older licences?
A: Licences issued before 1 January 2013 were on a paper format and used a different categorisation system. Those licences were automatically converted to the new card format, preserving the categories you held at that time.
5. Tips for a Smooth Licence Upgrade
| Tip | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Start the medical questionnaire early | Some doctors’ offices have long waiting lists, especially for categories that need a full medical exam. |
| Book theory tests well in advance | Slots can fill up quickly in larger towns, and you’ll need the test result before you can schedule a practical appointment. |
| Use a certified driving school | For categories like C1 and D1, professional instructors know the exact manoeuvres the examiner will test, reducing the risk of a failed attempt. |
| Keep a driving log (for motorcycle categories) | If you aim for a full A after A2, you must hold the A2 licence for 2 years and be able to prove you’ve been riding regularly. |
| Check your insurance policy | Some insurers treat “new” categories as higher risk and will adjust premiums; confirm before you start driving a new vehicle type. |
| Practice with the exact vehicle | Trailers, buses, and large trucks have different blind spots and braking distances; hands‑on practice is essential. |
6. Common Misconceptions Debunked
- “If I have a B licence, I can drive any car.”
False. The B licence only covers vehicles up to 3 500 kg GVW and 8 passenger seats. Anything larger (e.g., a 4 000 kg van) needs a C1 or C endorsement. - “Motorcycle licence A automatically includes A1 and A2.”
False. While a full A licence permits you to ride any motorcycle, the restriction codes on the card may still display A1 or A2 for record‑keeping. It’s not an extra qualification you need to pass again. - “I can add a trailer to my B licence without any test.”
Partly true. Adding a B+E (large trailer) does require a practical test, but a standard B licence already allows you to tow a trailer up to 750 kg without extra paperwork. - “The age limit for category D is 24, no exceptions.”
False. If you complete a CEU (professional driver training) you can obtain a D licence at 21. - “A replacement licence will automatically reset my categories.”
False. The replacement card mirrors the exact categories on your original licence. You won’t lose any endorsements.
7. Bottom Line – Your Roadmap to Full Driving Freedom
Understanding the lettered categories on an Irish driving licence is far more than a bureaucratic curiosity. It determines which vehicle you can legally operate, what training you need, and even influences your insurance costs.
- Start with a B licence if you need a car.
- Add A1/A2 for light motorcycles, then upgrade to A when you’re ready.
- Consider C1 or C if your work involves goods vehicles.
- D/D1 are for those who want to drive buses or community minibuses.
- E is the go‑to for trailer enthusiasts and families needing larger caravans.
By following the step‑by‑step process, completing the required theory and practical tests, and keeping your medical paperwork up‑to‑date, you’ll be able to stack categories on a single licence card—giving you the flexibility to drive almost any road‑legal vehicle on the island.
Ready to take the next step?
Visit the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) portal, book your theory test, and start your journey toward a fully qualified Irish licence. Safe driving! 🚗🏍️🚌