Every driver on the road holds a unique piece of documentation known as a driving license. Driving licenses are seen as regular everyday documents, but they are significant. Driving licenses are seen as common simple documents, but they are substantial. Driving licenses are seen as standard documents but are important. Anyone found driving without one can serve jail time or be a victim of paying hefty fines because they have broken the law.
And here is the kicker:
These same licenses are very different as the holders might have gone through various training pieces to equip them to drive the motorcar they have today. YYou are not trained and might be in trouble if you are found driving a car if you are found driving a vehicle. So much so, this piece will take a deeper dive into the different license categories used in various countries. However, you must note that these rules and licensing types might differ from state to state, so you must consult the country’s law first.
So without any further ado, let’s get this show on the road.
But before we get to that, here are some of the fundamental questions a safer driving course coordinator will ask before enrolling you into the driving school program.
What cars or machines do you intend to operate?
Here you will indicate what you would like to operate; a vehicle like a bus, a small personal car, a station wagon, a tractor for farming, or a motorcycle. After this information, they will direct you to the best license category.
For what purpose will you be driving?
Will you be using this car for commercial purposes or personal reasons? This is what this question entails. Someone driving a school bus might have a different degree of activity than someone driving a private car, which should be indicated on the license. And that is because moving people around entails extra training since you will be responsible for other people’s lives your hand.
Categories of driving licenses
Motorcycle license category
This license allows you to drive a machine with two or three sets of wheels. This category includes a sidecar, a forecast, a trailer, and a motorcycle. To get this license, you must have attained the age of 18. In Australia, it is usually indicated by the letter R; in the UK, category A.
Car licensing category
This license allows you to carry 12 people, including you, as the driver. This gives the holder the right to drive a car with four wheels that do not exceed 4.5 tonnes in weight. You mostly attain this license from 16 and above, indicated by the word car in Australia. In the UK, these are under the C category. This lot does not include operating a motorcycle or any other vehicle in the last category.
Heavy vehicles license category
These licenses differ according to the vehicle’s weight and capacity it carries to the fullest. However, the size must be above 4.5 tonnes, and the passenger carriage above 12 people, including the driver. This included trailers that transport cargo and buses that move people from one place to another.
Australia has five different kinds of heavy vehicle licenses: the light rigid-LR, the medium rigid-MR, the heavy rigid-HR, the heavy combination-HC, and the multi-combination-MC. Each of these categories has different requirements.
Marine license category
Yes, even capitals that drive water vessels need a license that allows them to sail. These licenses apply to both commercial use and personal use. In Australia, you should be at least 12 years to get this license. But at this age, your consent will have so many restrictions that you must adhere to.
Forklift license
To become a forklift operator, you also need a different license that ensures you know what you are doing. Forklifts require special training to ensure the safety of the drivers, other people, and the goods being lifted.
Other licensing categories
If you are to become a driver of a car used to move people or objects from one spot to another, you get this license. This category includes a taxi license, firearm license, tow truck accreditation, and driving authority in dangerous zones such as war zones, game parks, and forests.
Requirements for getting approved
Each of the above licensing has different requirements, so if you want to get any, check with your country and state. All in all, the majority will have an age restriction. Some allow people who have attained 16 or 18, but exceptional cases like the marine license have 12 years old age. This goes to emphasize that different licensing has different age requirements.
Secondly, you must train in these fields before getting a certificate for driving these machines. Thirdly, there is always an ultimate test that the traffic police administrators carry out to ensure you get the right training before going on the road. And lastly, you have to provide essential documentation like your Id, birth certificate, or passport to get registered.
Grounds you lose your license.
Losing the right to operate a car is very easy, but some can easily be avoided. The few are reckless driving, driving under the influence of a drug or alcohol, leaving the scene of an accident, and illegal racing. If you are found several times on the wrong side of the law with such cases, your license is revoked immediately.
Other reasons that may not necessarily be your doing, like insanity, loss of sight or hearing, or a limb, may lead to losing the right to drive. In contrast, other cases mean you take a new driving course for people with disabilities. All in all, it is done in the best interests of all road users.