Vehicle Categories
Core concepts
Bulgarian categories mirror the EU directive. AM covers mopeds up to 45 km/h and 50 cc. A1, A2 and A cover motorcycles by power and age. B covers cars up to 3,500 kg and up to eight passenger seats, and allows a trailer up to 750 kg, or a heavier trailer if the combination stays within 3,500 kg and the trailer does not exceed the towing vehicle's mass. BE extends B for heavier trailers. C covers goods vehicles over 3,500 kg, with C1 covering 3,500–7,500 kg. CE and C1E add trailers. D and D1 cover buses, with DE and D1E for trailers. Age minimums and progressive access (e.g. C requires B or a separate test, with a minimum age of 21, or 18 with a certificate of professional competence) are frequently examined.
Traps in questions
A common trap is the 3,500 kg combination rule for B: the trailer may exceed 750 kg only if the total does not exceed 3,500 kg and the trailer mass does not exceed the unladen mass of the towing vehicle. Another trap is confusing "permissible maximum mass" with actual mass. C1 is not a licence for trailers; you need C1E. Category D is for buses, not for large vans. Questions also test whether a category obtained abroad is valid and the medical fitness requirements.
Worked example / rule of thumb
Rule of thumb: "B plus trailer: 750 kg free, or heavier only within 3,500 kg total." Example: a car of 1,600 kg unladen towing a 1,200 kg trailer gives a 2,800 kg combination - legal under B, because the total is under 3,500 kg and the trailer is lighter than the car.