If you are under 16 years of age, you must not use any vehicle in a public place.
Design Gross Vehicle Weight (DGVW) is the term manufacturers use to describe the weight of the vehicle together with the maximum load it is designed to carry (including passengers, fuel, cargo and attachments). The DGVW is usually shown on a metal plate attached to the vehicle by the manufacturer. The DGVW may also be referred to as the Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM).
You must know and understand the carrying capacity of your vehicle or you are at serious risk of having a crash or causing harm. Overloading will reduce your ability to control your vehicle and is an offence.
Conditions attached to categories
Motorcycles
Holders of a driving licence for Category A are entitled to drive motorcycles with an engine output of any size.
Holders of a driving licence in category A2 are entitled to drive a motorcycle with an engine output of 35kW or less, and a power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.02kW per kg and not derived from a motorcycle of double its power.
Trailers
Cars and trailers
If you hold a full category B licence, you may tow a trailer only if:
- the total maximum authorised mass (MAM) of the trailer is 750kg or less;
or the combined MAM of the vehicle and trailer is no more than 3,500kg.
When you use a car to tow a heavier trailer, you must hold a category BE licence. A driver with a car, small van or 4x4 and trailer licence category BE can draw a trailer where the MAM of the vehicle and trailer combination is greater than 3500kg but less than 7000kg.
Heavier vehicles and trailers
You must hold a Category CE, C1E, DE or D1E licence if you want to tow a heavier trailer. These are the licences that entitle you to drive the combinations of the towing vehicles and the trailer (see page 12). Equivalent licences are EC, EC1, ED or ED1.