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Vehicle categories & age requirements

The following table outlines the types of vehicle you may drive under each category of licence/permit and the age you must reach before applying for a first learner permit in the relevant category.

Category Vehicle(s) covered Minimum age
Category A Motorcycles - with or without a side-car. There are restrictions on this category of licence. The maximum power output cannot exceed 25 kW or a power/weight ratio of 0.16kW per kg. This restriction continues for a period of two years after obtaining a full category A licence. 18
Category A1 Motorcycles with an engine capacity of 125cc or less, and a power rating of 11kW or less. 16
Category B Vehicles (other than motorcycles - mopeds - work vehicles or land tractors) with a design gross vehicle weight of 3,500kg or less, and seating for up to 8 passengers (apart from the driver). These include a trailer when the trailer's design gross vehicle weight is 750kg or less. More about trailers. 17
Category C Vehicles (other than work vehicles or land tractors) with a design gross vehicle weight of more than 3,500kg, and seating for up to 8 passengers (apart from the driver). These include a trailer when the trailer's design gross vehicle weight is 750kg or less. 18
Category C1 Vehicles in category C with a design gross vehicle weight of 7,500kg or less. These include a trailer when the trailer's design gross vehicle weight is 750kg or less. 18
Category D Vehicles with seating for more than 8 passengers (apart from the driver). These include a trailer when the trailer's design gross vehicle weight is 750kg or less. 21
Category D1 Vehicles in category D with seating for 9 to 16 passengers (apart from the driver). These include a trailer when the trailer's design gross vehicle weight is 750kg or less. 21
Category EB

Combinations of vehicles and trailers when:

  • the towing vehicle is in category B, and
  • the trailer's design gross vehicle weight is greater than 750kg.
 17
Category EC1

Combinations of vehicles and trailers when:

  • the towing vehicle in category C1 and the trailer have a combined design gross vehicle weight of 12,000kg or less, and
  • the design gross vehicle weight of the trailer does not exceed the unladen weight of the drawing vehicle.
 18
Category EC

Combinations of vehicles and trailers when:

  • the towing vehicle is in category C, and
  • the trailer's design gross vehicle weight is greater than 750kg and includes an articulated unit.
 18
Category ED1

Combinations of vehicles and trailers when:

  • the towing vehicle in category D1 and the trailer have a combined design gross vehicle weight of 12,000kg or less, and
  • the design gross vehicle weight of the trailer does not exceed the unladen weight of the drawing vehicle,
  • the trailer may not be used for transporting people.
 21
Category ED Combinations of vehicles and trailers when the towing vehicle is in category D, and the trailer's design gross vehicle weight is greater than 750kg. 21
Category M Mopeds with a maximum design speed of 45km/h or less with an engine capacity of 50cc or less. 16
Category W Work vehicles and land tractors with or without a trailer ¥ the trailer may not be used for transporting people 16

If you are under 16 years of age you must not use any vehicle in a public place.

Design Gross Vehicle Weight (DGVW) is the term used by manufacturers for the weight of the vehicle together with the maximum load it is designed to carry (including passengers, fuel, cargo and attachments). The design gross vehicle weight is usually shown on a metal plate attached to the vehicle by the manufacturer.

You must understand the carrying capacity of your vehicle or you are at serious risk of having a crash or causing harm.

Overloading will reduce your ability to control your vehicle and is an offence.