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What Are the Codes 107 and 101 on My Driving Licence?

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Updated
Written BySari Khaled

When you look at the back of your UK driving licence, you may see numbers (codes) written next to some driving categories. These are DVLA restriction codes. They don’t remove the entitlement — they simply limit how it can be used.

Two codes are commonly seen with grandfather rights: 107 and 101.

Code 107 – Weight restriction (C1E only)

Code 107 usually appears next to C1 and C1E for drivers with grandfather rights.

What it means in simple terms:

  • You can drive a medium lorry (up to 7.5 tonnes) with a trailer
  • But the combined maximum weight of the vehicle and trailer must not exceed 8.25 tonnes

Why this exists:

  • Drivers with grandfather rights did not take a separate trailer test
  • DVLA therefore applies a lower weight limit for safety

Important to know:

  • The 12-tonne limit only applies to full C1E gained by passing a C1E test
  • Code 107 does NOT allow up to 12 tonnes

Code 101 – Not for hire or reward (D1 / D1E)

Code 101 usually appears next to D1 or D1E on licences issued under grandfather rights.

What it means in simple terms:

  • You can drive a minibus (and a minibus with a trailer)
  • The driver must not receive payment for the journey
  • Passengers must not pay for the journey, directly or indirectly

This means:

  • ✔ Private use is allowed
  • ✔ Voluntary or charitable driving is usually allowed
  • ❌ Commercial or paid minibus driving is not allowed

Why this exists:

  • Grandfather rights were granted without a minibus driving test
  • DVLA therefore restricts use to non-commercial driving

Quick Summary

  • Code 107 = weight limit (applies to C1E, max 8.25 tonnes combined)
  • Code 101 = no hire or reward (applies to D1 / D1E)
  • These codes do not remove the entitlement
  • They simply reflect safety restrictions linked to grandfather rights