UK Driving Licence Restrictions & Codes: The 2025 Compliance Guide
Your driving licence is more than just a form of ID to buy age-restricted products. It is a precise legal contract between you and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Turn your photocard over, and you will likely see a series of cryptic numbers in column 12.
These are your driving licence restrictions.
Ignorance of these codes is not a valid defence in court. In 2025, with road policing technology becoming smarter and regulations around medical fitness tightening, driving a vehicle that doesn’t match your codes can lead to a £1,000 fine, penalty points, and, perhaps most dangerously, invalidated insurance.
This guide decodes the complex “Section 12” restrictions, explains the critical driving licence restrictions UK drivers must know, and details the major regulatory shifts that hit in July 2025.
Where to Find Your Licence Restrictions (Section 12)
Before we analyse the specific codes, you need to know exactly what you are looking for. Many drivers assume their entitlement is based solely on the vehicle categories (like B for cars or A for motorcycles), but the restrictions dictate how you are allowed to drive those vehicles.
Reading the Back of Your Photocard
Flip your photocard licence over. You will see a grid containing columns numbered 9, 10, 11, and 12.
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Column 9: The vehicle category (e.g., ‘B’ for cars).
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Column 10: The date your licence for that category starts.
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Column 11: The date that specific entitlement expires.
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Column 12: The restrictions codes.
If you see numbers like 01, 78, or 115 in Column 12 next to a vehicle category, that restriction applies specifically to that vehicle type. If the code is listed at the very bottom of the card under strictly “12”, it applies to your entire licence.
The Digital Record: Why the Card Doesn’t Show Everything
Pro-Tip: Your plastic card might be lying to you. If you have updated your address, renewed your licence, or had points added recently, the physical card may not reflect your current legal status immediately.
The DVLA’s digital database is the single source of truth. Fleet managers and employers rely on this, not your plastic card. You should verify your current driving licence restrictions UK status using the official government portal at least once a year.
[GOV.UK View or share your driving licence information]
2025 Major Updates: What Has Changed?
The legislative landscape for UK motorists shifted significantly this year. The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 introduced specific changes to address an ageing population and the transition to electric vehicles (EVs).
The July 2025 “Fitness to Drive” Overhaul (Aged 70+)
As of July 2025, the DVLA updated the medical standards for drivers renewing their licence at age 70. While the “self-declaration” system remains, the DVLA has introduced stricter validation checks.
Drivers over 70 must now be aware that police forces have increased authority to conduct random eyesight spot checks at the roadside. Failing to read a number plate from 20 metres can result in immediate licence revocation. Furthermore, there is a stronger emphasis on cognitive screening for renewals if a driver has a history of flagged medical notifications.
New 4,250kg Weight Limits for Electric Vehicles (EVs)
This is a massive change for van drivers and owners of heavy electric SUVs.
Traditionally, a standard Category B car licence only allowed you to drive a vehicle with a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of up to 3,500kg. However, EV batteries are heavy. A fully loaded electric van often breaches this 3,500kg limit, legally putting it into Category C1 (light lorry) territory.
To support the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, the government now allows Category B licence holders to drive alternatively fuelled vehicles (like electric vans) up to 4,250kg MAM.
The Catch: This only applies if the extra weight is purely due to the powertrain (batteries), not added cargo capacity. You also must complete a minimum of 5 hours of specific training to activate this entitlement if you are driving for commercial purposes.
Extended 54-Month Rule for Ukrainian Licence Holders
Following the 2025 amendment, the Department for Transport extended the period Ukrainian refugees can drive in Great Britain on their home nation’s licence. The previous 3-year limit has been adjusted, allowing driving for up to 54 months from the date of arrival without needing to exchange for a UK licence, provided the driver remains medically fit.
Common Driving Licence Codes Explained
The DVLA uses hundreds of codes. Some are administrative, while others fundamentally change what you can drive. Here are the most critical ones you are likely to encounter.
Code 01: Eyesight Correction
This is the most common restriction found on UK licences.
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01: Eyesight correction (generic).
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01.01: Glasses.
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01.06: Glasses or contact lenses.
The Trap: If your licence specifies 01.01 (Glasses) and you are stopped by the police while wearing contact lenses, you are technically in breach of your licence conditions. While officers often use discretion, strictly speaking, your code demands glasses. If you switch between the two, ensure your medical record reflects 01.06.
Code 78: Automatic Transmission Restriction
If you pass your driving test in an automatic vehicle, you will get Code 78 on your licence. This legally bars you from driving a manual vehicle.
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The Consequence: Driving a manual car with a Code 78 restriction is equivalent to driving without a licence.
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The Fix: To remove this code, you must pass a practical driving test in a manual car.
Code 101: Not for Hire or Reward
You will often see this next to Category D1 (minibuses) or C1 (light lorries). It means you can drive these vehicles, but you cannot make a profit from doing so. You cannot work as a paid delivery driver or a paid minibus driver using these “grandfather rights” entitlements.
Code 115: The Organ Donor Indicator
This is an administrative code, not a restriction. It simply indicates that you have registered your details on the NHS Organ Donor Register. It does not affect your ability to drive.
Vehicle Categories and Weight Restrictions (MAM)
Understanding codes is useless if you don’t understand the categories they apply to. The confusion usually stems from vehicle weight.
Category B vs. B1: What Can You Actually Drive?
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Category B: This is your standard car licence. It allows you to drive vehicles up to 3,500kg MAM with up to 8 passenger seats.
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Category B1: This refers to motor tricycles, quad bikes, or light vehicles up to 400kg unladen (or 550kg if they are designed for carrying goods).
Many new drivers assume B1 allows them to drive small vans. It does not. B1 is strictly for lighter, often three or four-wheeled specialist vehicles.
Towing Rules in 2025: The B+E “Automatic” Entitlement
The rules on towing changed back in late 2021, but many drivers are still catching up. In 2025, if you pass your standard driving test, you automatically get the B+E entitlement.
This means you can tow a trailer up to 3,500kg MAM. You no longer need to take a separate towing test. However, the DVLA strongly recommends taking voluntary training. If you cause an accident because you don’t know how to reverse a trailer or hitch it correctly, you can still be prosecuted for driving without due care and attention.
Medical Restrictions and “Section 8” Limitations
Not all restrictions are printed as simple codes. Some are tied to the duration of the licence itself.
Under Section 88 of the Road Traffic Act, drivers can sometimes drive while their application is with the DVLA. However, for those with medical conditions, “Short Period Licences” are becoming more common.
Short-Term Restricted Licences
If you have a medical condition like diabetes (treated with insulin), epilepsy, or a heart condition, the DVLA may refuse to give you a standard 10-year photocard. Instead, you may receive a 1, 2, or 3-year restricted licence.
These licences require regular medical reviews. The restriction here isn’t just about how you drive, but if you can continue to drive. You must renew these promptly; there is no grace period for an expired medical licence.
[Check if a health condition affects your driving (GOV.UK)]
The Consequences of Non-Compliance
Why does all this matter? It comes down to liability.
Invalidating Your Car Insurance
This is the area where most drivers get caught out. Insurance policies almost always contain a clause stating the policy is valid only if the driver “holds a valid licence to drive the vehicle.”
Experience Anecdote: I recently consulted with a driver who made a claim after a minor collision in a manual van. He held an automatic-only licence (Code 78). Even though the accident wasn’t his fault (he was rear-ended), the insurer voided his policy the moment they checked his licence codes. He was left personally liable for thousands of pounds in damages.
Penalties, Fines, and Revocations
Driving in breach of your licence codes falls under “driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence” (LC20).
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Fine: Up to £1,000.
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Points: 3 to 6 penalty points.
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Seizure: Police have the power to seize the vehicle at the roadside.
For new drivers (within 2 years of passing), receiving 6 points results in immediate revocation of your licence. You would have to retake both your theory and practical tests.
Conclusion
Driving in the UK is a privilege maintained by administrative diligence, not just road skill. The numbers on the back of your card are not suggestions; they are strict legal boundaries.
With the 2025 updates regarding medical fitness for older drivers and the new weight allowances for electric vehicles, the rules have become more nuanced. A code that meant one thing a decade ago might have different implications today.
Your Next Step: Take five minutes today to check your photocard. If you wear glasses, check for Code 01. If you drive a work van, check your weight entitlements. If you are unsure, visit the DVLA website to view your full digital driving record. It is better to spot a discrepancy now than to discover it at the side of the road with a police officer.
FAQs
What does Code 122 mean on a driving licence?
Code 122 relates to a “valid on successful completion: Basic Moped Training Course”. It ensures that if you have a provisional moped licence, you must complete your Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) to validate it.
Do I need to tell DVLA if I only wear glasses for night driving?
Yes. If you cannot meet the standard eyesight test (reading a number plate from 20 metres) in good daylight without glasses, you need Code 01. If you meet the daylight standard but struggle at night, you should still consult an optician and the DVLA medical advisors, as night blindness can be a notifiable condition.
Can I drive a 3.5-tonne van on a standard UK licence?
Yes. A standard Category B licence allows you to drive a vehicle up to 3,500kg MAM. If the van exceeds this weight (unless it is a zero-emission vehicle eligible for the 4,250kg allowance), you need a C1 entitlement.
What happens if I drive a manual car with an automatic (Code 78) licence?
You are driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence. This is a criminal offence leading to a fine of up to £1,000, 3-6 penalty points, and likely invalidation of your insurance.
What is the 2025 eye test rule for over-70s?
While the law still relies on self-declaration at renewal, the 2025 updates have empowered police to conduct more frequent roadside eyesight checks. Failing a roadside check can lead to immediate revocation of your licence by the DVLA.
How do I remove a restriction code from my licence?
It depends on the code. For medical codes (like 01), you need to provide medical evidence that the condition no longer exists (e.g., after laser eye surgery). For competency codes (like 78), you must pass a new driving test in a vehicle that meets the higher standard (e.g., a manual car).
What does “Not for Hire or Reward” mean?
This usually applies to Category D1 or C1 entitlements gained through “grandfather rights.” It means you can drive the vehicle for personal use or voluntary work, but you cannot accept payment for driving or for carrying passengers.
Is Code 115 mandatory to have on my card?
No, Code 115 is purely an indicator that you are on the NHS Organ Donor Register. It does not restrict your driving or affect the validity of your licence if it is missing.
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