What do the codes on a driving licence mean?

The codes on a driving licence specify conditions and restrictions: 01 indicates vision correction, 78 restricts driving to automatic vehicles, 70 indicates the conversion of a foreign driving licence and 95 indicates professional qualification (CQC). The code applies to the category printed next to it.

Where to find them

On the back of the European driving licence, the categories and dates are accompanied, where necessary, by harmonised codes. These numbers specify conditions or restrictions associated with driving: they may relate, for example, to the use of spectacles, vehicle adaptations or specific restrictions. The code is not an optional note: if it appears on the document, it forms part of the conditions of authorisation and must be complied with.

The numbering system is harmonised across Europe, but to interpret an entry correctly, you must read the full code and the applicable key. Some codes may have sub-codes or national conditions. Do not assign a meaning based on a partial photograph, a different driving licence or an out-of-date list. If the code is difficult to read or you do not understand it, ask for confirmation from the Vehicle Registration Office or the authority that issued the document.

Common examples: 01.01 indicates spectacles; 01.02 contact lenses; 01.06 spectacles or contact lenses. Code 78 restricts the holder to driving automatic vehicles in the relevant category; 70 indicates a conversion and 95 certifies CQC qualification. Codes may have sub-codes: read all the digits in column 12 and check the European legend, not just the first two.

• Read the full number in column 12 on the back.
• Compare it with the current official legend.
• Ensure you meet the requirements for the category associated with the code.

Codes and vehicles

When the code indicates a modification, check that the used vehicle has had it fitted and that the modification complies with the requirements. For a restriction on use, such as a condition relating to the transmission, it is not enough for the vehicle to ‘appear suitable’: check the specifications and documentation. In the case of a hire or car-sharing arrangement, inform the provider of the requirement before collecting the vehicle. If your driving licence has been renewed or amended, check the most recent version and do not rely solely on a previous copy.

Restrictions may have implications for safety and the legality of driving. Do not attempt to circumvent them with an unauthorised modification, and do not assume that a restriction has lapsed simply because the vehicle has changed. To correct a restriction code or have it removed, you must follow the prescribed procedure, including undergoing assessments where required.

Dealing with a doubt

Column 12 may contain several codes for the same category, and the order or grouping helps to clarify which qualification they refer to. A code may be national or harmonised, and some have subcategories; for this reason, a search using only the first two digits may yield an incomplete result. Avoid posting a photo of your driving licence online to ask for interpretations: it contains personal data. If you need assistance, show the document directly to the relevant office or an authorised professional.

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