Drivers who wish to operate a car, minibus, or light commercial vehicle must hold a B class driving licence. Under the old regulation there were nine licence categories; since 1 January 2016 the system was reorganized into 16 classes: A1, A2, A, B1, B, BE, C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, DE, M, F, G, K. Those who obtain a B class licence also gain the rights associated with the F class. Drivers must operate only the types of vehicles permitted by the licence they hold. In addition, B class licence holders are authorized to drive F class vehicles and may tow a light trailer not exceeding 750 kg. If they wish to tow a trailer over 750 kg, they must pass the relevant test; upon successful completion the trailer permission will be recorded on their licence.
According to the 2016 regulation, applicants for B class licences and current B licence holders are no longer allowed to drive minibuses. In that case, a D1 or D licence must be obtained to operate a minibus. With a minimum age of 18 and at least primary school graduation, holders of a B class licence may drive vehicles in categories M, B1 and F. They are also permitted to ride mopeds, quadricycles, and tractors, and to drive articulated vehicles with a maximum authorized weight of up to 4,250 kg.
Drivers who obtained their licences before the 2016 regulation change may drive both manual and automatic vehicles. However, under the new rules, applicants who train and take the exam using an automatic transmission vehicle will have the restriction “automatic transmission only” recorded on their licence; they are then permitted to drive only automatic cars. Drivers whose licence is restricted to automatic transmission are not authorized to operate manual-transmission vehicles.
Automatic Transmission B Class Licence
The training program for candidates seeking a B class licence consists of two stages. The first stage is theoretical and covers courses such as Traffic and Environmental Knowledge, First Aid, Engine and Vehicle Technology, and Traffic Etiquette. After completing the theoretical instruction, candidates who intend to obtain a B class automatic transmission licence must sit the official driving exam on dates set by the Ministry of National Education. Candidates who score 70 or above progress to the second stage and take the practical driving test (road test).
Validity Period of the B Class Automatic Licence
The validity period of a B class licence issued for automatic transmission vehicles is 10 years. In other words, individuals who hold a B class licence restricted to automatic transmission may use that licence for a period of 10 years before renewal is required.
Violations That Lead to Cancellation of a B Class Licence
- Running a red light — 20 penalty points
- Violation of parking prohibitions — 20 penalty points
- Failing to yield to pedestrians at a crosswalk — 20 penalty points
- Improper lane changes that violate rules — 20 penalty points
- Not wearing a seat belt — 15 penalty points
- Using a mobile phone while driving — 10 penalty points
- Failing to obey speed limits — 10 penalty points
- Operating a vehicle that has not passed inspection — 10 penalty points
Renewal of B Class Licences
Drivers who obtained their B class licences before 1 January 2016 are required to renew their licences under the new regulation. Renewed licences are valid in approximately 80 countries, and applicants must confirm their current health status as part of the renewal process. B class licence holders must submit a medical certificate every 10 years. For E class licences the medical certificate requirement is set at every 5 years.