What size vehicle can I hire and drive with a standard driving license?

Written by VMS Vehicle Hire on 16th July 2019

standard-driving-license

Knowing what size vehicle you can hire with a standard driving license can be a minefield. Especially if you are looking at hiring more than just a standard car. VMS Vehicle Hire makes this simple for our customers to understand every day! 

Many of our customers ask us what size vehicle they are legally allowed to drive when they hire a vehicle from us. For the most part, a standard driving license allows you to drive a wide range of cars, however, because VMS Vehicle Hire specialise in lots of commercial vehicles too, we want ensure all of our customers are prepared before they hire. Here we have broken it down for you to make hiring your chosen vehicle that much easier. 

 

UK Licence Holders

If you passed your driving test after 1st January 1997 you are entitled to drive category B vehicles. 

Category B vehicles are vehicles up to and including 3.5 tonne GVW and vehicles with a maximum of 9 seats (driver and 8 passenger seats). 

In order to drive a 7.5 tonne GVW vehicle, category C1 is required. A further test is necessary in order to obtain entitlement to this driving category.

If in doubt, please check your driving license. 

Alternatively, you can check your driving category entitlements at gov.uk/view-driving-licence.

 

Non UK Licence Holders

Normally, non-UK licence holders are entitled to drive category B vehicles as above. If in doubt, you can obtain further advice at gov.uk/driving-nongb-licence.

 

If you have any concerns, then our central reservations team are on the other end of a phone to help you. Simply call 0800 622 6242 or visit our contact page today!

Got anymore questions? Head to our FAQ page.

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