Authority conferred by licences
7 Authority conferred by licences
A driver licence of a class specified in regulation 6(1) authorises the holder of the licence to drive a motor vehicle of a particular kind on a public street as set out in this regulation.
A motor cycle licence authorises the holder of the licence to drive a motor cycle.
A car licence authorises the holder of the licence to drive a motor vehicle, other than a motor cycle, that – has a GVM of 4.5 tonnes or less; and is constructed or equipped to seat not more than 12 adults including the driver.
A light rigid vehicle licence authorises the holder to drive a motor vehicle, other than a motor cycle, that – has a GVM of 4.5 tonnes or less and is constructed or equipped to seat more than 12 adults including the driver; or has a GVM greater than 4.5 tonnes but not greater than 8 tonnes.
A medium rigid vehicle licence authorises the holder to drive a motor vehicle, other than a motor cycle, that – has not more than 2 axles; and has a GVM greater than 8 tonnes.
A heavy rigid vehicle licence authorises the holder to drive a motor vehicle, including an articulated bus but not any other articulated vehicle, other than a motor cycle, that – has 3 or more axles; and has a GVM greater than 8 tonnes.
A heavy combination vehicle licence authorises the holder to drive – a prime mover to which is attached a single semi-trailer and an unladen converter dolly; or a prime mover to which is attached a dolly and a single semi-trailer; or a rigid motor vehicle towing – a trailer with a GVM greater than 9 tonnes; and an unladen converter dolly.
A multi-combination vehicle licence authorises the holder to drive any motor vehicle, or combination of vehicles, other than a motor cycle.
A car licence or light rigid vehicle licence only authorises the holder to drive a motor vehicle towing a trailer if – the licence would authorise the holder to drive the motor vehicle without the trailer; and the motor vehicle is towing only one trailer.
A medium rigid vehicle licence or heavy rigid vehicle licence only authorises the holder to drive a motor vehicle towing a trailer if – the licence would authorise the holder to drive the vehicle without the trailer; and the motor vehicle is not an articulated bus and is towing only one trailer; and the GVM of the trailer is not greater than 9 tonnes.
A licence in the hierarchy of licence classes authorises the holder of the licence to drive not only the vehicles appropriate to that class of licence but also vehicles appropriate to any lower class in the hierarchy.
A driver licence does not authorise the holder of the licence to drive a vehicle transporting dangerous goods for which an additional licence or authority is required under the Dangerous Goods (Road and Rail Transport) Act 2010.
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