What Vehicles Can You Drive With a Category B Licence?
If you hold a Category B driving licence, you already have far more flexibility behind the wheel than most new drivers realise. In many European countries (including the EU, UK, Norway, Switzerland and others) Category B is the “standard car” licence, but the rules surrounding it also let you operate a surprisingly wide range of other vehicles – from small vans to light trailers, and even certain motorcycles and agricultural machines.
In this guide you’ll discover exactly what you can legally drive, the weight‑and‑passenger limits that apply, and the extra combinations that become possible when you add a trailer. We’ll also give you handy tables you can print out, a quick‑reference checklist, and a FAQ section that clears up the most common doubts.
1. The Core Definition of Category B
| Parameter | Legal Limit (EU/UK standard) |
|---|---|
| Maximum authorised mass (MAM) of the vehicle | ≤ 3 500 kg (gross vehicle weight rating) |
| Maximum number of seats (excluding driver) | 8 (so 9 person total) |
| Engine type | Petrol, diesel, hybrid, electric – any power‑train is allowed |
| Minimum age | 17 years (18 in most EU states) |
| Medical standard | Standard health check (vision, general fitness) |
In plain English: with a Category B licence you can drive any car, van, or light truck that weighs no more than 3.5 tonnes when fully loaded, and that can carry up to eight passengers in addition to you.
What That Means for Everyday Vehicles
| Vehicle type | Typical MAM (kg) | Seats (incl. driver) | Example models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small hatchbacks / sedans | 1 200 – 1 600 | 5 | Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Corolla |
| Mid‑size family cars | 1 500 – 2 000 | 5‑6 | Škoda Octavia, Honda Accord |
| Compact SUVs | 1 800 – 2 300 | 5‑7 | Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage |
| Full‑size SUVs & estates | 2 200 – 2 800 | 7‑8 | Volvo XC90, Audi Q7 |
| Light commercial vans (L1‑L3) | 1 800 – 3 400 | 2‑3 (driver + co‑driver) | Ford Transit Connect, Mercedes‑Sprinter (short wheelbase) |
| Pick‑up trucks (light) | 2 200 – 3 500 | 2‑5 | Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger |
| Small electric delivery vans | 2 000 – 3 200 | 2‑3 | Nissan e‑NV200, Renault Kangoo Z.E. |
Tip: The “MAM” figure is the maximum authorised mass printed on the vehicle’s registration certificate (V5C in the UK, Zulassungsbescheinigung in Germany, etc.). Even if a vehicle looks lightweight, a heavily equipped version may exceed 3.5 t and would then fall outside Category B.
2. Adding a Trailer – The B + Trailer Rules
A Category B licence also covers trailers, but the limits differ depending on the trailer’s own weight.
| Trailer weight (MAM) | What you can tow with Category B | Combined MAM (vehicle + trailer) |
|---|---|---|
| ≤ 750 kg | Unlimited – you may tow any trailer up to 750 kg regardless of the car’s weight, provided the combined MAM does not exceed 4 250 kg. | ≤ 4 250 kg |
| > 750 kg | You may tow a heavier trailer only if the combined MAM of vehicle + trailer is ≤ 3 500 kg or ≤ 4 250 kg when the vehicle’s MAM is ≤ 3 500 kg and the trailer’s MAM is ≤ 750 kg. | ≤ 3 500 kg (or ≤ 4 250 kg with the 750 kg trailer rule) |
| > 3 500 kg combined | You need a Category B + E licence (or a dedicated B‑E) – the standard B alone is not enough. | – |
Quick‑reference trailer table
| Scenario | Example vehicle | Max trailer MAM you can legally tow |
|---|---|---|
| Car MAM 1 600 kg (e.g., VW Golf) | Up to 2 650 kg (because 1 600 + 2 650 = 4 250 kg) – but only if trailer ≤ 750 kg, otherwise max 1 900 kg (to stay ≤ 3 500 kg combined). | |
| Van MAM 3 200 kg (e.g., Sprinter) | Trailer ≤ 300 kg (to keep combined ≤ 3 500 kg) – or a 750 kg trailer if you stay under 4 250 kg total. | |
| Small motorhome MAM 3 400 kg | Trailer ≤ 100 kg (practically none). |
Remember: The combined weight limit is the most common cause of accidental licence violations. Always check both the vehicle’s and trailer’s “maximum authorised mass” before hitting the road.
3. Beyond Cars – Other Vehicles You Can Operate
3.1 Light Motorcycles (AM & A1) With a B Licence
Many EU states allow Category B licence holders to ride certain two‑wheelers, provided they meet these conditions:
| Condition | What it allows |
|---|---|
| B + AM (B plus a 6‑month motorcycle course) | Ride mopeds up to 50 cc or electric bikes ≤ 45 km/h. |
| B + A1 (after 2 years of holding B, optional) | Ride motorcycles up to 125 cc, 11 kW power, and a power‑to‑weight ratio ≤ 0.1 kW/kg. |
| Direct B (no extra training) | In the UK and some Nordic countries you can ride a motorbike up to 125 cc if you have held your B licence for at least 3 years (UK “B + 125cc” rule). |
If you’re not sure whether your country grants this privilege, check the local transport authority’s website. The rule is not universal; for example, Germany does not allow B‑holders to ride motorcycles without a separate AM or A1 licence.
3.2 Agricultural & Forestry Machines
| Vehicle | Maximum MAM | Licence requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Tractors (Category T) | Up to 3 500 kg | Category B is sufficient for light tractors used on public roads, provided the MAM does not exceed 3 500 kg. |
| Self‑propelled agricultural machines (e.g., combine harvesters) | ≤ 3 500 kg | Often covered by B if they are road‑legal and meet the weight limit. |
| Off‑road only machines (e.g., tracked excavators) | Any weight | No road licence needed – but you cannot drive them on public highways. |
3.3 Light Buses & Minibusses
If the vehicle has no more than 9 seats total (including the driver) and a MAM ≤ 3 500 kg, a Category B licence is enough. This includes:
- Small community shuttles (e.g., 8‑seat electric minibusses)
- Passenger vans converted for group transport
- Taxi‑type vehicles that stay under the weight and seat limits
However, any vehicle with 9 or more passenger seats (so 10 + including driver) requires a Category D1 licence, regardless of weight.
4. Checklist: Do You Meet the Requirements?
- Check the vehicle’s registration for its maximum authorised mass (MAM).
- Count the seats – more than eight passenger seats = you need a different licence.
- If towing, locate the trailer’s MAM and add it to the vehicle’s MAM.
- Confirm the combined weight does not exceed 3 500 kg (or 4 250 kg when the trailer ≤ 750 kg).
- Review special permissions for motorcycles, tractors, or minibusses in your country.
If any of the above checks fail, you’ll need to either:
- Choose a lighter vehicle/trailer,
- Upgrade to a B + E (for heavier tow combinations),
- Obtain an additional licence category (A1, D1, etc.).
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1 – Can I drive an electric scooter with a Category B licence?
A: Only if the scooter is classified as a moped (max 45 km/h, ≤ 50 cc or equivalent electric power) and your country recognises the B + AM extension. In many places you need a separate AM licence.
Q2 – I own a 4 000 kg van. Can I still drive it with my B licence?
A: No. The van exceeds the 3 500 kg MAM limit for Category B. You would need a Category C1 licence (or B + E if you also want to tow a trailer).
Q3 – What about a 3 000 kg motorhome with a small trailer?
A: You may tow a trailer ≤ 750 kg, as the combined weight (3 000 + 750 = 3 750 kg) stays under the 4 250 kg threshold for a light trailer. If the trailer’s MAM is above 750 kg, the combined limit must be ≤ 3 500 kg, which would not be possible here.
Q4 – Can I drive a 2‑seater sports car that weighs 2 200 kg?
A: Absolutely. Seat count and weight are within Category B limits.
Q5 – I want to start a small delivery business using a 3 200 kg van and a 500 kg cargo trailer. Is my B licence enough?
A: Yes, because the trailer is under 750 kg and the combined MAM is 3 700 kg, which is still below the 4 250 kg ceiling for a light trailer.
Q6 – Are there any age restrictions for towing heavy trailers?
A: In most EU states you must be at least 18 years old to hold a Category B licence, and some jurisdictions require a minimum of 21 years to tow a trailer over 750 kg. Always verify local regulations.
Q7 – Does a Category B licence cover driving a car‑sharing vehicle?
A: Yes, as long as the car itself meets the B‑category weight and seat limits. Car‑sharing services often use compact or midsize models that fit comfortably within those boundaries.
6. Real‑World Scenarios
Scenario 1 – Weekend Camping with a Small Motorhome
You own a 3 200 kg motorhome and want to bring a 600 kg pop‑up trailer for extra luggage.
- Motorhome MAM: 3 200 kg
- Trailer MAM: 600 kg (≤ 750 kg)
Combined = 3 800 kg, which is under the 4 250 kg limit for a light trailer. Category B is sufficient.
Scenario 2 – Starting a Food‑Truck Business
Your food‑truck conversion is built on a 2 800 kg van chassis and you need a 1 000 kg trailer for extra stock.
- Van MAM: 2 800 kg
- Trailer MAM: 1 000 kg (> 750 kg)
Combined = 3 800 kg – exceeds the 3 500 kg limit for a heavy trailer, so you would need a B + E licence or a lighter trailer.
Scenario 3 – Driving a 125 cc Motorcycle in the UK
You have held a Category B licence for 4 years. In the UK you can ride a 125 cc bike (max 11 kW) under the “B + 125cc” rule without taking a full motorcycle test.
7. Bottom Line
A Category B licence is far more versatile than the simple “car licence” label suggests. It grants you the freedom to drive:
- Cars, SUVs, and light trucks up to 3.5 t and 8 passenger seats.
- Light commercial vans and pick‑ups used for work or personal transport.
- Trailers up to 750 kg with a generous combined‑weight ceiling, and heavier trailers provided the total stays under 3.5 t.
- Certain two‑wheelers (mopeds, 125 cc motorcycles) when an additional endorsement or training is completed.
- Road‑legal tractors and agricultural machines that fit within the weight limit.
- Small minibusses that carry up to eight passengers.
Before you hop into a new vehicle or attach a trailer, just run the quick checklist, verify the registration documents, and you’ll stay safely within the law. If you ever outgrow the limits – perhaps because you need a larger trailer for a growing business – upgrading to a B + E or a C1 licence is a straightforward next step.
Enjoy the road, and drive confidently knowing exactly what your Category B licence lets you command!