Driving licence categories

This category (AM) allows 14-year-olds and over to drive mopeds (motorbikes under 50 cm3) and small four-wheelers (light quadricycles). It is issued on completion of a minimum 8-hour training course. This is the only category excluded from the points-based licence system.

A category B licence allows you to drive vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 3.5 tonnes, carrying no more than 8 passengers. To obtain a driving licence, you must be of a certain age, have completed a certain amount of training and pass a test consisting of written and driving portions.

There are three categories of motorcycle licences: A1, A2 and A. These categories require different tests and define the size of engine allowed.

The C licence authorises the driving of vehicles used to transport goods or equipment with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of over 7.5 tonnes. There are different licences in this category: C, C1 and C1E.

 

The D licence allows the driving of passenger-carrying vehicles with more than 8 seats in addition to the driver's seat.

The E licence allows the driving of category B, C or D vehicles with trailers. There are therefore three E licences: BE, CE, and DE.

For details of the these categories, visit the Sécurité Routière website.

A Category A or B driving licence is valid for 15 years. Renewal is an administrative process, with no medical or driving test required. It allows you to update your postal address and photo.

 

However, if you have a Category C or D licence, your licence is valid for 5 years. You will be required to undergo a medical fitness examination when renewing your licence.

Driving licence categories


This category (AM) allows 14-year-olds and over to drive mopeds (motorbikes under 50 cm3) and small four-wheelers (light quadricycles). It is issued on completion of a minimum 8-hour training course. This is the only category excluded from the points-based licence system.

A category B licence allows you to drive vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 3.5 tonnes, carrying no more than 8 passengers. To obtain a driving licence, you must be of a certain age, have completed a certain amount of training and pass a test consisting of written and driving portions.

There are three categories of motorcycle licences: A1, A2 and A. These categories require different tests and define the size of engine allowed.

The C licence authorises the driving of vehicles used to transport goods or equipment with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of over 7.5 tonnes. There are different licences in this category: C, C1 and C1E.

 

The D licence allows the driving of passenger-carrying vehicles with more than 8 seats in addition to the driver's seat.

The E licence allows the driving of category B, C or D vehicles with trailers. There are therefore three E licences: BE, CE, and DE.

For details of the these categories, visit the Sécurité Routière website.

A Category A or B driving licence is valid for 15 years. Renewal is an administrative process, with no medical or driving test required. It allows you to update your postal address and photo.

 

However, if you have a Category C or D licence, your licence is valid for 5 years. You will be required to undergo a medical fitness examination when renewing your licence.