When you decide to get a driver’s license, the first thing you encounter is the question of categories. What do A, B, C, or D mean? Which category allows you to drive a minibus, and which – a truck? What is the difference between B and B1 or C and C1? These designations are not just letters. They determine what vehicles you can drive, your responsibilities on the road, and even career opportunities that may open up.
Driver license categories are an official classification of vehicles, regulated by Ukrainian legislation and aligned with European standards. In 2025, these rules remain in effect, but it is important to understand the nuances: from age restrictions to new conditions for obtaining categories with trailers.
For many driving school students, this is a source of confusion. That is why our team has prepared this guide, clear for everyone.
What driver license categories exist in Ukraine?
In Ukraine, driver licenses are divided into 15 categories, each determining which type of vehicle you are allowed to operate. For convenience, they are divided into main categories, subcategories, and categories with trailers.
| Category | Vehicle Type | Weight / Number of Seats |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Mopeds, scooters | Engine < 50 cm³, electric motor < 4 kW |
| A | Motorcycles | Engine > 50 cm³, electric motor ≥ 4 kW |
| B1 | Quad bikes, tricycles | Up to 400 kg |
| B | Passenger cars | Up to 3.5 t, up to 9 seats |
| BE | Passenger cars with trailer | Trailer over 750 kg |
| C1 | Medium trucks | 3.5–7.5 t |
| C1E | C1 with trailer | Trailer over 750 kg |
| C | Heavy trucks | Over 7.5 t |
| CE | C with trailer | Trailer over 750 kg |
| D1 | Small buses | Up to 16 passenger seats |
| D1E | D1 with trailer | Trailer over 750 kg |
| D | Large buses | Over 16 passenger seats |
| DE | D with trailer | Trailer over 750 kg |
| T | Trams, trolleybuses | – |
Differences between driver license categories
B and B1
Category B – for driving passenger cars up to 3.5 tons and up to 9 seats (including driver). Category B1 is for quad bikes and tricycles up to 400 kg.
C and C1
Category C1 allows driving trucks from 3.5 to 7.5 tons. Category C – over 7.5 tons, for professional drivers.
D and D1
Category D1 – buses up to 16 passengers, category D – over 16 passengers.
When category +E is needed
Categories marked "+E" (BE, C1E, CE, D1E, DE) allow towing a trailer over 750 kg. To open them, usually at least one year of experience in the main category is required.
Automatic transmission and code "78"
If you took exams on a car with automatic transmission, code "78" is placed on your license, allowing only automatic vehicles. To remove it, you must pass the exam on a manual car.
Age restrictions and conditions
| Category | Minimum Age | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | 16 years | Mopeds, scooters |
| A | 16 years | Motorcycles |
| B1 | 18 years | Quad bikes, tricycles |
| B | 18 years | Passenger cars up to 3.5 t |
| BE | 19 years | Trailer over 750 kg |
| C1 | 18 years | Trucks 3.5–7.5 t |
| C1E | 19 years | Trucks with trailer |
| C | 18 years | Trucks over 7.5 t |
| CE | 19 years | Trucks with trailer |
| D1 | 21 years | Buses up to 16 passengers |
| D1E | 21 years | D1 with trailer |
| D | 21 years | Buses over 16 passengers |
| DE | 21 years | D with trailer |
| T | 21 years | Trams, trolleybuses |
Additional requirements for experience
To obtain categories with a trailer (+E), you need at least one year of driving experience in the main category. For C, CE, D, DE categories, medical confirmation and additional courses may be required.
When several categories can be obtained at once
- B + BE (car and trailer)
- C + CE (truck and trailer)
- D + DE (bus and trailer)
How to get the required driver license category?
- Medical certificate. Pass medical examination and obtain certificate.
- Driving school training. Theoretical and practical lessons.
- Exams at the service center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Theory and practical driving.
- Receive the driver’s license. Initial license valid for 2 years.
Most demanded categories in 2025
- B – versatility of passenger cars;
- C and CE – for professional truck drivers;
- D – for passenger transportation;
- A – motorcycles;
- Categories with trailers (+E).
Why study at "Pilot Auto"?
- Over 10 years of experience in driver training.
- Individual approach.
- Modern vehicle fleet.
- High exam passing rate.
- Full support at all stages.
Remember: quality training ensures not only fast license acquisition, but also safety and confidence behind the wheel. Contact "Pilot Auto" today!
