Driving licenceWorldwide
An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Worldwide. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.
For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.
69. Driving licence
A driving licence is an official document authorising a person to drive one or more specified categories of motor vehicle. It may contain conditions, restrictions, category codes and expiry dates that determine which vehicles the holder may drive.
Drivers must hold a licence that is valid for the vehicle category and jurisdiction concerned. A licence may be provisional, full, restricted, suspended or withdrawn, and additional qualifications may be required for professional driving.
Wikimedia.org • Tony Webster • CC BY
What is a driving licence?
A driving licence is an official authorisation to drive specified categories of motor vehicle.
🔗 gov.uk • GOV.UK, upgrading an automatic car licence to a manual licence; GB example
Is a driving licence the same as a driving permit?
Not necessarily. A learner or instruction permit can authorise supervised practice rather than independent driving; California’s instruction permit is one example. An International Driving Permit is also a different document and accompanies the underlying licence. Check the document’s purpose and the rules of the issuing country.
🔗 dmv.ca.gov • California DMV, learner instruction permits
🔗 gov.uk • UK Government, International Driving Permits accompany a driving licence
Must the licence be valid for the vehicle being driven?
Yes. Holding a licence for one category does not normally authorise driving a vehicle belonging to another category.
🔗 gov.uk • GOV.UK, upgrading an automatic car licence to a manual licence; GB example
What is the difference between an automatic and manual licence?
Some countries restrict a licence obtained after an automatic-vehicle test to automatic vehicles. For example, Great Britain requires a manual-car driving test to upgrade an automatic-only car licence. Check the categories and restrictions on the actual licence.
🔗 gov.uk • GOV.UK, upgrading an automatic car licence to a manual licence; GB example
Is there a universal minimum driving age?
No. Minimum ages differ between countries and vehicle categories.
🔗 gov.uk • GOV.UK, upgrading an automatic car licence to a manual licence; GB example

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