Compare driving licences

A1 licence vs A2 licence

Both are motorcycle licences, aimed at different stages. A1 allows motorcycles up to 125 cc and 11 kW from age 16 — ideal for starting out. A2 raises the cap to 35 kW and requires age 18, unlocking most popular bikes and remains the mandatory step before A. If you're 16-17, only A1 is available; from 18, going straight to A2 is usually the better call.

AM licence vs A1 licence

AM is the most basic licence for a moped (up to 50 cc and 45 km/h), available from age 15. A1 is one step up: motorcycles up to 125 cc and 11 kW from age 16. AM is enough for a small city scooter from a young age; if you want a proper motorcycle as soon as you're 16, skip AM and go straight to A1.

B licence vs A2 licence

Useful if you're choosing between car and motorcycle. B lets you drive cars up to 3,500 kg from age 18: the most general licence. A2 lets you ride motorcycles up to 35 kW from 18. Holding B for 3 years also entitles you to ride A1 (125 cc) bikes in Spain without a specific exam, which often resolves the dilemma.

B licence vs B+E licence

B allows cars and combinations as long as the trailer is light (≤750 kg). B+E is the extension that lets you tow heavier trailers with a car. You only need it if you'll tow caravans, boats or heavy load trailers. Otherwise, B is enough.

C1 licence vs C licence

Both are professional goods-transport licences. C1 covers vehicles between 3,500 and 7,500 kg from age 18. C covers anything over 3,500 kg without limit but requires age 21. For medium trucks (parcel, urban distribution), C1 is enough; for trailers and large trucks, you need C.

C licence vs C+E licence

C allows trucks over 3,500 kg without a trailer (or with a light trailer ≤750 kg). C+E adds heavy trailers (>750 kg). For a conventional tractor + semi-trailer combo you need C+E. C alone falls short the moment the trailer exceeds 750 kg.

D1 licence vs D licence

Professional passenger-transport licences. D1 allows buses up to 16 seats (plus driver) from age 21. D has no seat limit but requires age 24 (or 21 with intensive CAP). D1 is typical for school minibuses and short routes; D is for line buses.

D licence vs D+E licence

D allows buses without a trailer (or with a light trailer ≤750 kg). D+E adds heavy trailers, in practice affecting articulated vehicles or coaches with luggage trailers on long routes. If you only drive conventional buses, D is enough.

B licence vs C licence

B is the car licence: up to 3,500 kg, from age 18. C is professional, for trucks over 3,500 kg, and requires holding B first, age 21+, a specific exam and a reinforced medical exam. B is the entry; C is the next step if you want to work in goods transport.

AM licence vs A2 licence

Typical young-rider comparison: AM allows mopeds (50 cc, 45 km/h) from age 15. A2 allows motorcycles up to 35 kW from age 18, unlocking most modern bikes. If you're 15-17, AM is your only immediate option; once you turn 18, A2 is a massive step up.

C1 licence vs C1+E licence

C1 covers trucks from 3,500 to 7,500 kg without a trailer (or with a light trailer ≤750 kg). C1+E adds bigger trailers, with a total combination GVW not exceeding 12,000 kg. If you work in urban distribution or delivery and need to tow a medium trailer, C1+E is the natural step up from C1.

B licence vs D1 licence

Comparison for drivers moving from car to small-passenger transport. B authorises cars up to 9 seats (driver included). D1 expands to buses up to 16 seats plus driver, requires B first, age 21+, a specific exam and a reinforced medical exam. Typical for school minibuses and short routes.