Changes to the UK Driving Licence

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

New driving licences are being introduced to comply with the new European Union rules which come into force on Saturday 19 January 2013.

The new style licence will look different to the current one.
All vechicle categories will be listed on the back of the licence with the dates against the relevant entitlements.
You won’t be entitled to drive any category of vehicle that has lines instead of dates. However, if you have passed a test in a larger vehicle you may still be entitled to drive or ride smaller vehicles of that type which have lines shown instead of dates, eg holders of full category A would be entitled to ride a category A2 vehicle.

The changes will mainly affect motorcyclists, lorry, bus and minibus drivers and those who tow trailers.

All licences issued on or after 19 January 2013 will show moped categories as AM and q in place of category p. But if you held full category p before this date you’ll keep this entitlement and it will be shown on your licence together with new categories AM and q.

If the new rules are confusing or you require any more information, visit the GOV UK website which shows you a complete list of the categories and examples of the new look driving licence for 2013.