When a licence is no longer needed

If you no longer want to drive you should return your licence to us at DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AB. Include  a letter explaining that you no longer want a licence.

Your health

You must let us know if you have ever had, or currently suffer from, any medical condition that could affect your ability to drive safely. If you need to tell us that you have a medical condition you will need to fill in a questionnaire that you can get from www.gov.uk/health-conditions-and-driving or you can request one by phoning 0300 790 6806.

You can find information about relevant health conditions on our website at www.gov.uk/health-conditions-and-driving

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS)

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS) is a condition which often goes undiagnosed. If it is not fully assessed and treated, this can cause sleepiness and other symptoms which can be a serious risk factor in road traffic accidents. For further details about how to recognise symptoms go to www.gov.uk/obstructive-sleep-apnoea-and-driving

Eyesight buy driving licence online

Important – Have you had your eyesight checked recently? If you haven’t, regular eyesight tests will reassure you that you still meet the legal standards.

The legal eyesight standard means that you must be able to read a car number plate from 20 metres.

You must not have been told by a doctor or optician that your eyesight is currently worse than 6/12 (decimal 0.5) on the Snellen scale. If you are in any doubt you should discuss with your optician or doctor. If required, you may wear glasses or corrective lenses to meet both  of these standards.

There are higher eyesight standards for those who drive medium or large vehicles, minibuses or buses.

Bioptics (telescope) are not acceptable for use while driving in Great Britain and it is not acceptable to use a bioptic device to meet the visual acuity standard. A bioptic device cannot be used to pass the number plate test. Further information is available on our website at  www.gov.uk/driving-eyesight-rules

If you have any questions about standards for eyesight, or any other medical condition, you can contact us:

• by writing to DVLA, Drivers Medical Group, Swansea,  SA99 1TU
• by phoning 0300 790 6806 between 8am  and 7pm Monday to Friday, and between 8am  and 2pm on Saturdays

When you contact us, please give your full name and address, and your date of birth or driver number.  Also give us as much information as possible about  your medical condition

General information

Your driving licence

Your driving licence will show your photo, signature and the categories of vehicle you are entitled to drive.

You should not cover your driving licence with any stickers. buy driving licence online

An example of the front of a driving licence

A letter L on the provisional licence confirms that the holder is a learner driver.

             the licence is valid for                      address

An example of the back of a driving licence

All European categories Category ‘valid

Category ‘valid to’ date

Information/restriction codes

Overflow of information/ restriction codes

Unique card identifier

All European categories                 Category ‘valid displayed in the table               from’ date   Category ‘valid to’ date

Information/restriction codes

The ‘<’ = ‘earlier than’ symbol (if shown) means that the date shown has been worked out using the earliest information available.

Overflow of information/                 Unique card identifier restriction codes

Note: you will not be entitled to drive any category of  vehicle that has lines shown 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 for example holders of full category A would be entitled to ride a category A2 vehicle. You can check categories you have provisional entitlement to drive at:  www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence

The categories of vehicle

For more information on vehicle categories go to: 

www.gov.uk/driving-licence-categories

Maximum weights

All weights quoted in the table on pages 8, 9 and 10 relate to ‘Maximum Authorised Mass’ (MAM). This is the total weight of the vehicle when loaded.

Descriptions of vehicle categories on or after 

19 January 2013 

Category	Description	Minimum age	Notes
A	A motorcycle of a power exceeding 35kW or with a power to weight ratio exceeding 0.2kW per kgA motorcycle of a power not exceeding 35kW with a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.2kW per kg and derived from a vehicle of more than double its power. A motor tricycle with a power exceeding 15kW	24	See notes 1, 10 and 11
B1	Four wheeled light vehicles • Motor vehicles with four wheels up to 400kg unladen weight or 550kg for vehicles intended for carrying goods	17
B	Cars Motor vehicles with a MAM not exceeding 3,500kg, designed and constructed for the carriage of no more than eight passengers in addition to the driver with a trailer up to 750kg As category B but with a trailer weighing more than 750kg.  The total weight of the vehicle and trailer can’t weigh more  than 3,500kg	17	See notes 2 and 11
C1	Medium sized vehicles • Vehicles between 3,500kg and  7,500kg, designed and constructed for the carriage of no more than eight passengers in addition to the driver with a trailer up to 750kg	18	See notes 5 and 10
C	Large goods vehicles • Vehicles over 3,500kg with a trailer up to 750kg, designed and constructed for the carriage of no more than eight passengers in addition to the driver	21	See notes 3 and 10

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