The LTO-issued Driver’s License has recently undergone significant updates, replacing the previous Restriction Codes with the new DL Codes. These DL Codes serve a similar purpose, indicating the types of motor vehicles a license holder is legally permitted to drive. To provide clarity on this matter, here is a comprehensive guide that allows you to quickly determine whether you are authorized to operate a specific vehicle.
Decoding DL Codes
The former Restriction Codes were used to determine a motorist’s eligibility to drive motorcycles, motor vehicles, or commercial vehicles. However, the new DL Codes now incorporate specific details to differentiate between motorcycles and tricycles, the attachment of trailers, trucks versus buses, and more. Here, you will find a simplified breakdown of the DL Codes along with the corresponding vehicles they authorize you to drive.
DL Code A or A1 is required for operating a 2- or 3-wheeler motorcycle. Holders of both A and A1 Codes are permitted to drive motorcycles falling under the L1 – L7 categories. Further information on these categories can be found above.
For driving vehicles with four wheels or more, your license should have DL Code B, B1, or B2 indicated. The “B” Codes are regulated based on factors such as Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), passenger capacity, and cargo capacity. Detailed descriptions and visual representations of the applicable vehicles can be found above.
DL Codes C and D are exclusively reserved for holders of a Professional Driver’s License. Similar to the B Codes, they are subject to GVW, passenger capacity, and cargo capacity requirements. Code C permits the operation of closed cargo trucks, while Code D is specifically for passenger buses.
Additionally, Professional Driver’s License holders can obtain DL Codes BE and CE for operating light and heavy articulated vehicles, respectively, which are commonly known as vehicles with attached trailers.
DL Code BE applies to vehicles with a GVW of 750 kg or less (Category 01), or those exceeding 750 kg but not surpassing 3,500 kg (Category 02). On the other hand, DL Code CE pertains to heavy commercial trailer trucks exceeding 3,500 kg GVW.
