Can I drive a 7.5 tonne lorry or a minibus on my licence?
How to check your licence for C1 and D1, in a couple of minutes.
By Stuart Abbott, former DVSA Vocational Examiner · Last checked against GOV.UK: October 2026 · All resources
"Can I drive that on my licence?" is one of the questions I'm asked most. The answer usually depends on one date: when you passed your car test.
Step 1: look at your licence
Turn your photocard over. The back lists every category you hold, with any restriction codes beside them. You can also check online with View your driving licence on GOV.UK, which is handy if your card is out of date.
Passed your car test before 1 January 1997?
- C1: you'll usually have it, which lets you drive vehicles between 3,500kg and 7,500kg.
- D1 with code 101: you'll usually have this too, which lets you drive a minibus with up to 16 passenger seats, but not for hire or reward.
Passed on or after 1 January 1997?
You'll normally only have category B, which covers vehicles up to 3,500kg with up to 8 passenger seats. To drive anything bigger you'll need to add C1 or D1 by getting a provisional licence and passing the tests. There are limited exceptions for volunteer minibus drivers, explained on GOV.UK: driving a minibus.
What does code 101 mean?
Code 101 means "not for hire or reward". You can't drive a minibus where passengers pay to be carried, or where you're paid to drive them commercially. To remove it, you need to pass the full D1 test.
Turning 70?
When you renew your licence at 70, you can't renew C1 or D1 online. They have to be renewed by post, and you'll need to meet the medical standards for driving those vehicles. GOV.UK explains how to renew at 70.
Official sources
Questions about your training?
Tell me what you drive or operate and I'll point you the right way. I cover Exeter, Plymouth, Torbay, Newton Abbot and the rest of Devon and Cornwall.