The letters and numbers on your license show what vehicles you can legally drive
The codes A1, B1, and B2 printed on your driver's license are vehicle category codes. They tell you which types of vehicles you are permitted to operate. These codes come from an international classification system used across most countries, and they appear on licenses issued in the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, and the EU.
Not every license has all these codes. The codes you hold depend on when you passed your driving test, what vehicle you tested in, and what your state or province allows. If a code does not appear on your license, you cannot legally drive that category of vehicle, even if you think you can operate it safely.
Understanding what you can and cannot drive matters for insurance, employment, and avoiding fines. If you drive a vehicle outside your license category, your insurance may not cover an accident, and you can be cited by police.
Key Takeaways
- A1 permits you to ride motorcycles up to 125cc with a maximum power output of 11 kilowatts, and you must be at least 16 years old to hold this category.
- B1 covers three-wheeled vehicles (tricycles and quad bikes) with a maximum power of 15 kilowatts, and is available from age 16 in most jurisdictions.
- B2 is for light four-wheeled vehicles with a maximum mass of 400 kilograms and power of 15 kilowatts, designed for people aged 16 and over.
- These codes are most common on licenses in countries that follow EU vehicle classification rules; US licenses typically use different categories.
- Driving a vehicle outside your license category can result in fines, license suspension, and denial of insurance coverage in an accident.
A1: Motorcycles up to 125cc
A1 is the code for light motorcycles. If you hold A1, you can ride motorcycles with an engine size of 125 cubic centimeters (cc) or smaller and a maximum power output of 11 kilowatts (about 15 horsepower). The motorcycle's power-to-weight ratio cannot exceed 0.1 kilowatts per kilogram.
You must be at least 16 years old to obtain an A1 license in most countries that use this system. Some jurisdictions allow you to take the test on a 125cc bike, while others require you to pass on a smaller displacement motorcycle first. Once you hold A1, you can ride any 125cc motorcycle that meets the power limit, regardless of the brand or model.
A1 does not permit you to ride larger motorcycles, even if you are a skilled rider. If you want to ride a 250cc or larger bike, you must pass a separate test for the A2 or A category.
B1: Three-wheeled vehicles and light quads
B1 covers three-wheeled vehicles — motorcycles with a sidecar, trikes, and some quad bikes. The vehicle must have a maximum power output of 15 kilowatts (about 20 horsepower) and a maximum mass of 550 kilograms. The power-to-weight ratio cannot exceed 0.1 kilowatts per kilogram.
You must be at least 16 years old to hold B1 in most places. The test usually involves riding a three-wheeled vehicle on a closed course and on public roads. Some jurisdictions require you to hold A1 first, while others allow you to test directly for B1.
B1 does not permit you to drive four-wheeled cars or larger quad bikes. If a vehicle has four wheels and is not classified as a light quad under B1 rules, you need a different license category.
B2: Light four-wheeled vehicles
B2 is for light four-wheeled vehicles — small cars, light trucks, and quad bikes that do not fit into other categories. The vehicle must have a maximum mass of 400 kilograms (about 880 pounds) and a maximum power output of 15 kilowatts. The power-to-weight ratio cannot exceed 0.1 kilowatts per kilogram.
You must be at least 16 years old to obtain B2 in most countries using this system. The test involves driving a light four-wheeled vehicle on a closed course and on public roads. Once you pass, you can drive any four-wheeled vehicle that meets the B2 specifications.
B2 does not permit you to drive standard cars, vans, or trucks. If a vehicle exceeds the 400-kilogram mass limit or the 15-kilowatt power limit, you need a category B or C license instead.
Where you see A1, B1, and B2 codes
These codes appear on driver's licenses in countries that follow the EU vehicle classification system. This includes all European Union member states, the UK, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and many other countries worldwide. If you learned to drive and received your license in one of these countries, your license will show these codes.
The United States, Canada, and Australia use different license classification systems and do not use A1, B1, or B2 codes. If you hold a US driver's license, you will not see these letters on it. However, if you move to a country that uses EU codes or if you hold an international driving permit, you may need to understand what these codes mean.
Some countries recognize foreign licenses for a limited time (usually 12 months) before requiring you to convert to a local license. When you convert, your new license will show the codes that match your driving history and the vehicle categories you tested in.
What happens if you drive outside your license category
Driving a vehicle that is not covered by your license category is illegal in all jurisdictions that use these codes. If you are stopped by police while driving a motorcycle when you only hold a B1 license, you can be fined, have your license suspended, or face criminal charges depending on local law.
Insurance is another serious consequence. If you have an accident while driving a vehicle outside your license category, your insurance company may refuse to pay for damage or injuries. This means you could be personally liable for all costs — repairs, medical bills, and legal fees. Some insurers will cancel your policy entirely if they discover you drove an unlicensed vehicle category.
Employers who hire drivers also check license codes. If you are hired to drive a specific vehicle type and your license does not cover it, you cannot legally perform the job. Commercial driving jobs almost always require verification that your license matches the vehicle you will operate.
How to add a new category to your license
If you want to drive a vehicle category you do not currently hold, you must pass a separate driving test for that category. You cannot straightforward pay a fee or submit paperwork — you must demonstrate that you can safely operate the vehicle.
The test process varies by country and region. Generally, you will need to take a written test on traffic laws and vehicle-specific rules, pass a practical driving test on a closed course, and pass a road test in traffic. Some jurisdictions allow you to test for multiple categories at once if you wish.
The cost of testing, the waiting time for an appointment, and the number of attempts allowed before you must reapply all vary. Contact your local licensing authority for the specific requirements, fees, and timelines in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride a 125cc motorcycle with a B1 or B2 license?
No. B1 and B2 are for three-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles only. To ride any motorcycle, including a 125cc bike, you must hold an A1, A2, or A license. The categories do not overlap.
What if I got my license before these codes existed?
Older licenses issued before the EU code system was introduced may not show these categories. If your license is from before the early 2000s, contact your local licensing authority to find out what vehicles you are legally permitted to drive. You may be able to request an updated license that shows the codes.
Do I need a different insurance policy for each vehicle category?
Not necessarily. One insurance policy can cover multiple vehicle categories if you own or regularly operate vehicles in different categories. However, you must tell your insurer about every vehicle you drive and may support your license covers each one. Driving an unlicensed vehicle category voids your coverage.
If I move to the US, do I need to convert my A1, B1, or B2 license?
Yes. The US does not recognize EU license codes. You will need to take a US driving test and receive a US license, which uses different categories. Your foreign license may be accepted as proof of identity during the conversion process, but you must pass a US test to drive legally.
Can I drive a quad bike with a B2 license?
Only if the quad bike meets the B2 specifications: maximum 400 kilograms mass and 15 kilowatts power. Larger quad bikes require a different license category. Check the vehicle's specifications before driving.