Licensing, Documentation, and Penalties
What this domain tests
This domain covers licence categories, the documents that must be with the vehicle, and the penalties for driving outside the law. It rewards knowing exactly what Category B permits and what evidence you must produce at a checkpoint.
Category B and documents
- A Category B licence covers light vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes gross weight and up to 9 seats including the driver.
- Larger vans, lorries and minibuses above those limits need the appropriate higher category.
- Carry your licence, the vehicle registration card and a valid technical inspection certificate; insurance details should also be available.
- A licence is issued after a medical check and the required theory and practical tests, and must be renewed before expiry.
- Driving unlicensed, unregistered or without a valid inspection exposes you to fines and can invalidate insurance cover.
Penalties
Penalties are set by law and rise with seriousness and repetition: fines for document and helmet offences, phone use, red-light running and speeding; heavier sanctions for drink driving, driving without a licence and leaving the scene. Police may immobilise a vehicle that cannot be shown to be registered or roadworthy.
Worked example
A Category B licence holder is asked to drive a 12-seat company minibus. He must decline: the vehicle exceeds the 9-seat limit for Category B, so driving it is driving without the correct licence. The reasoning is the vehicle's seating capacity and gross weight, not the driver's experience or the shortness of the trip. If the minibus is carrying passengers for hire, additional requirements apply.
Traps
- Assuming a car licence covers any vehicle with a steering wheel.
- Driving on an expired licence because renewal is pending.
- Leaving documents at home and expecting a checkpoint to accept a phone photo.