Ireland uses a standardised European system of driving licence categories. Each category covers a different type of vehicle, and your licence must include the correct category for whatever you drive.
Understanding the categories helps you apply for the right licence from the start and plan any future category additions.
The Two Groups
Irish driving licences are divided into two groups:
Group 1 — cars, motorcycles, mopeds and work vehicles. These licences are valid for up to 10 years (depending on your age and any medical requirements).
Group 2 — buses and trucks. These licences are valid for 5 years due to the additional medical standards required.
Complete Category List
| Category | What It Covers | Minimum Age |
| **AM** | Mopeds (max 45 km/h) and light quadricycles | 16 |
| **A1** | Small motorcycles up to 125cc and 11kW; motor tricycles | 16 |
| **A2** | Motorcycles up to 35kW | 18 |
| **A** | All motorcycles and motor tricycles (full category) | 20–24* |
| **B** | Cars up to 3,500kg, maximum 8 passengers; includes towing small trailers | 17 |
| **BE** | Category B vehicle with a trailer exceeding 750kg (up to 3,500kg total) | 17 |
| **W** | Work vehicles (e.g. tractors) with max design speed of 40 km/h | 16 |
| **C1** | Medium trucks between 3,500kg and 7,500kg | 18 |
| **C1E** | Category C1 vehicle with trailer | 18 |
| **C** | Heavy goods vehicles over 7,500kg | 21** |
| **CE** | Category C vehicle with trailer over 750kg | 21** |
| **D1** | Smaller buses carrying up to 16 passengers, maximum 8 metres | 21 |
| **D1E** | Category D1 vehicle with trailer | 21 |
| **D** | Buses for 16 or more passengers | 24** |
| **DE** | Category D vehicle with trailer | 24** |
*Category A: You can get it at age 20 by progressive access (holding A2 for two years) or at age 24 by direct access.
**Lower ages apply when the CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) qualification is obtained.
Category B — The Standard Car Licence
For most people in Ireland, Category B is the licence they are working toward. This covers:
- Cars and light vans up to 3,500 kg
- Vehicles carrying up to 8 passengers (excluding the driver)
- Towing a light trailer (up to 750 kg)
Category B is what most learner drivers in Ireland are pursuing when they complete EDT lessons and sit the driving test.
Motorcycle Licences — The Progressive Route
Motorcycle licences follow a progressive route in Ireland:
1. AM — Moped at 16
2. A1 — Small motorcycle at 16
3. A2 — Medium motorcycle at 18
4. A — Full motorcycle at 20 (via progressive access from A2) or 24 (direct access)
You cannot go directly from no licence to a full Category A motorcycle licence. The system is designed to build experience at each stage.
What Does Category B Include Automatically?
When you get a full Category B licence, it also automatically grants you Category AM, meaning you can legally ride a moped without a separate licence.
Adding Categories
You can add new categories to your driving licence later in life. For example, a driver who already holds a Category B licence could later sit tests for Category C (trucks) or Category D (buses). Each category requires its own theory test and practical test.
Licence Codes
Your driving licence may also display codes alongside each category. These codes indicate restrictions or special conditions — for example:
- Code 01 — corrective lenses (you must wear glasses or contact lenses when driving)
- Code 78 — automatic transmission only
Codes vary in detail. If you have a code on your licence and are unsure what it means, the NDLS can clarify.
Which Category Do You Need?
For most people learning to drive in Ireland for the first time, the answer is simple: Category B.
If you are interested in motorcycles, mopeds, trucks or buses, you will need the appropriate category for that vehicle type. The RSA and NDLS can advise on the specific requirements for any category.
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Starting out on Category B? Find out about EDT driving lessons — the mandatory training required before your driving test.
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