Driving Licence Codes

If you’ve ever taken a close look at your UK driving licence, you may have noticed a series of numbers and letters printed on the back these are known as driving licence codes. While they might seem confusing at first, these codes actually provide important information about what you can (and sometimes can’t) do as a driver.

In this article, we’ll explain what UK driving licence codes mean, why they matter, and how to check or update them.

What Are Driving Licence Codes?

Driving licence codes are restrictions or conditions that apply to your ability to drive certain vehicles. They can appear:

• Alongside vehicle categories (e.g., B, C1, D1)
• As numbers in column 12 on the back of your plastic licence

These codes indicate whether you need to meet specific conditions, such as wearing glasses, using adapted controls, or being limited to automatic transmission.

Common UK Driving Licence Codes (and What They Mean)

Here are some of the most frequently seen codes on UK driving licences:

• 01 – Must wear corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses)
• 78 – Restricted to vehicles with automatic transmission
• 79 – Restricted to vehicles that meet certain conditions (e.g., 79(2): tricycles)
• 106 – Restricted to vehicles with a tachograph
• 118 – Start date of the licence
• 122 – Must have modified transmission

Each code corresponds to a specific condition set by the DVLA, often for medical, safety, or licensing reasons.

Where Can You Find These Codes?

To locate your driving licence codes:

1. Look at the reverse side of your photocard licence (Section 12).
2. You’ll see a table with vehicle categories, dates, and any applicable codes in the final column.

For example:
Under category B (cars), if you see 01 in column 12, it means you must wear glasses or contact lenses while driving.

Medical Driving Licence Codes

Some codes relate to medical conditions. For example:

• 02 – Hearing aid required
• 46 – Vehicles with prosthetic device only

If you have a disability or health condition, the DVLA may apply one or more codes to your licence after a medical review or driver assessment.

Why These Codes Matter

Ignoring or breaking the conditions attached to a driving licence code is illegal and could:

• Invalidate your insurance
• Lead to fines or penalty points
• Cause issues if you’re involved in an accident or police stop

For instance, if your licence has code 78 and you drive a manual car, you could be charged with driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

Can Licence Codes Change?

Yes. If your circumstances change such as corrective surgery removing the need for glasses you can contact the DVLA to update your licence.

You may need to:

• Submit medical proof
• Reapply with a new D1 form
• Have your licence reissued without certain codes

Always keep your licence up to date to stay on the right side of the law.

Final Thoughts

Driving licence codes in the UK may seem like small print, but they carry big meaning. Whether it’s a medical condition, a restriction on transmission type, or a requirement to wear glasses, these codes are there for safety yours and everyone else’s.

If you’re ever unsure what a specific code means, you can:

• Check the official DVLA website
• Call DVLA for clarification
• Ask your GP or optician (if the code relates to your health)

Tip: Understanding your UK driving licence codes helps ensure you’re driving legally and safely and could even help avoid fines or complications down the road.