This archive report was first published on 12 July 2021.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has introduced a new system of driving classes and categories, replacing the traditional B, C, and E categories. The new system is designed to provide a more comprehensive and structured approach to driving licensing.
According to the NTSA, the new categories are divided into 7 groups: A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. Categories A to D are further subdivided into different classes, while categories E to G define special driving classes.
When applying for a digital driving license, applicants will be classified into one of these classes based on their qualifications and experience.
Category A Driving Licenses ¶
Category A driving licenses are for motorcycles and are divided into three subcategories: A1, A2, and A3.
Category A1 is for mopeds, which are motorcycles with an engine capacity of up to 50cc. To qualify for a Category A1 license, applicants must be at least 16 years old and have completed a motorcycle training course.
Category A2 is for light motorcycles, which are motorcycles with an engine capacity above 50cc. To qualify for a Category A2 license, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have completed a motorcycle training course.
Category A3 is for motorcycle taxis, couriers, and three-wheelers. To qualify for a Category A3 license, applicants must be at least 21 years old, have completed a motorcycle training course, and have at least one year of riding experience.
Category B Driving Licenses ¶
Category B driving licenses are for light vehicles and are divided into three subcategories: B1, B2, and B3.
Category B1 is for light vehicles with a maximum gross vehicle weight of 3500 kg and a maximum trailer weight of 750 kg. To qualify for a Category B1 license, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have completed a light vehicle training course.
Category B2 is for light vehicles with an automatic gearbox and a maximum gross vehicle weight of 3500 kg and a maximum trailer weight of 750 kg. To qualify for a Category B2 license, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have completed a light vehicle training course.
Category B3 is for professional drivers and is for light vehicles with a maximum gross vehicle weight of 3500 kg and a maximum trailer weight of 750 kg. To qualify for a Category B3 license, applicants must be at least 21 years old, have completed a light vehicle training course, and have at least one year of driving experience.
Category C Driving Licenses ¶
Category C driving licenses are for medium and heavy trucks and are divided into four subcategories: C1, C, CE, and CD.
Category C1 is for light trucks with a maximum gross vehicle weight of 7500 kg and a maximum trailer weight of 750 kg. To qualify for a Category C1 license, applicants must be at least 22 years old and have completed a medium truck training course.
Category C is for medium trucks with a maximum gross vehicle weight of 7500 kg and a maximum trailer weight of 750 kg. To qualify for a Category C license, applicants must be at least 24 years old, have completed a medium truck training course, and have at least two years of driving experience.
Category CE is for heavy trucks with a trailer or semi-trailer and a maximum gross vehicle weight of 7500 kg. To qualify for a Category CE license, applicants must be at least 28 years old, have completed a heavy truck training course, and have at least four years of driving experience.
Category CD is for heavy goods vehicles for the transportation of hazardous materials. To qualify for a Category CD license, applicants must be at least 30 years old, have completed a heavy goods vehicle training course, and have at least two years of driving experience.
Category D Driving Licenses ¶
Category D driving licenses are for buses and are divided into three subcategories: D1, D2, and D3.
Category D1 is for vans with a maximum of 14 passengers. To qualify for a Category D1 license, applicants must be at least 22 years old and have completed a bus training course.
Category D2 is for mini-buses with 14 to 32 passengers. To qualify for a Category D2 license, applicants must be at least 25 years old, have completed a bus training course, and have at least three years of driving experience.
Category D3 is for large buses with 33 or more passengers. To qualify for a Category D3 license, applicants must be at least 30 years old, have completed a bus training course, and have at least three years of driving experience.
Category E Driving Licenses ¶
Category E driving licenses are for special professional driving licenses and are divided into one subcategory: E.
Category E is for special professional driving licenses, which allow drivers to operate vehicles classified under categories C1, C, CE, D, D1, D2, and D3. To qualify for a Category E license, applicants must be at least 21 years old, have completed a special professional driving course, and have at least three months of driving practice.
Category F Driving Licenses ¶
Category F driving licenses are for special driving licenses and are divided into one subcategory: F.
Category F is for special driving licenses, which allow drivers to operate vehicles classified under categories E, ED, ECE, ED1, ED2, and ECD3. To qualify for a Category F license, applicants must be at least 25 years old, have completed a special driving course, and have at least one year of driving experience.
