🚗 Category B: the car licence
What a Category B licence lets you drive, the minimum age, the automatic-only restriction, towing and B+E, and exactly what the theory and practical tests cover.
What Category B covers
- Cars and light vans with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of up to 3,500 kg.
- Up to 8 passenger seats in addition to the driver.
- Towing a light trailer up to 750 kg, or a heavier trailer as long as the combined MAM of car and trailer does not exceed 3,500 kg.
- Minimum age: 18.
Holders of a Category B licence in Malta can also apply for the 125cc permit after a 10-hour training course (see the motorcycle lesson).
Manual or automatic?
If you pass your practical test in a car with an automatic gearbox, your licence is restricted to automatic cars (EU code 78). To drive manual cars later, you must pass another practical test in a manual car. If you pass in a manual car, you may drive both.
Towing: B and B+E
| Combination | Licence needed |
|---|---|
| Car + trailer up to 750 kg | B |
| Car + trailer over 750 kg, total combination up to 3,500 kg | B |
| Car + trailer over 750 kg, total combination over 3,500 kg (trailer up to 3,500 kg) | B+E (extra practical test) |
When towing, the lower speed limits apply: 40 km/h in built-up areas and 60 km/h elsewhere. Stopping distances are longer, and you must check that the trailer's lights, coupling, safety chain/breakaway cable and tyres are in order and that the load is balanced and secured.
Step by step to your licence
- Get a learner's permit through a licensed driving school / Transport Malta.
- Study for and pass the theory test: 35 multiple-choice questions, 45 minutes, pass mark 30/35, on computer at the TM Theory Test Centre in Gwardamangia, in English or Maltese. Bring your learner's permit and ID card.
- Take lessons with your instructor until you can drive safely and independently, including all manoeuvres.
- Book and pass the practical test.
- Receive your licence — probationary for 3 years (0.2 g/l alcohol limit, revoked at 12 points).
What the practical test covers
| Part | What happens |
|---|---|
| Documents | ID card and appointment letter. Arrive 15–30 minutes early. |
| Eyesight check | Reading a number plate at a set distance. |
| "Show and tell" | Two vehicle safety questions: tyres (tread min 1.6 mm, cracks, bulges, pressure), lights, oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid, horn, etc. |
| Special manoeuvres | Usually one or more of: reverse parallel parking, reversing around a corner (L-park), bay parking, turn in the road (3-point turn), hill start, emergency stop, reversing in a straight line. The examiner explains what to do but does not instruct you during it. |
| Road drive | About 30–40 minutes of normal driving in traffic: junctions, roundabouts, crossings, lane discipline, speed, observation and planning. |
Cockpit drill before every drive
Doors closed, seat adjusted, steering wheel and head restraint set, mirrors adjusted, seatbelt on — then handbrake on and gear in neutral (or P) before starting the engine. Examiners notice if you skip it.
