Category B licence and vans: what can you drive?

The Category B driving licence is one of the most common licence types in Italy due to its versatility and the fact that it allows the holder to drive a wide range of vehicles, including many types of vans. However, understanding the limitations and permitted uses of this licence is essential—especially for those looking to rent a van for personal or professional purposes.

Category B licence: what you can drive

The Category B licence allows you to drive a wide variety of vehicles, making it one of the most versatile licences available. In fact, a valid Category B licence—issued at least 12 months prior and currently valid—is required to rent any vehicle from the AmicoBlu van fleet. Additionally, to rent any type of van from AmicoBlu, you must present the original copy of your Category B driving licence, which must be clearly legible and in good condition. Without it, vehicle rental is not permitted.

With this licence, you can drive:

• Passenger cars with up to 9 seats, including the driver.
• Vehicles with a total weight of up to 3.5 tons.
• Light vans that comply with the legal weight limits.
• Light trailers, as long as the total weight of the vehicle does not exceed 4.25 tons.

Beyond these, the Category B licence also allows you to drive motorcycles up to 125 cc (in some EU countries only) and light electric vehicles. This makes it ideal for those seeking a balance between flexibility and simplicity.

When it comes to vans, however, it's crucial to check the vehicle's specifications—such as total weight and maximum allowed load—to avoid operating a vehicle that exceeds the licence’s legal limits. Discover AmicoBlu’s full range of vans.

How long is the category B licence valid?

The validity of a Category B licence depends on the driver's age:

• Up to age 50: valid for 10 years.
• Between 50 and 70 years: validity is reduced to 5 years.
• Over 70 years: must be renewed every 3 years.

Renewal involves a mandatory medical check-up to ensure physical and mental fitness. It's important to remember that the validity is calculated from the date of issue or the last renewal, not from the expiration date printed on the licence. For those driving professionally—such as van drivers—keeping track of renewal deadlines is crucial to avoid penalties and ensure road safety.

Van rental and category B licence: what to know

When it comes to van rental and the Category B licence, there are several key points to keep in mind to understand what types of vans you can legally drive:

• Vehicle Compatibility: Not all vans can be driven with a Category B licence. Make sure the vehicle’s total weight does not exceed 3.5 tons.
• Available Van Types: You can rent various types of vans, including box vans, refrigerated vans, or vans with a tail lift.
• Required Documentation: A valid driving licence and a credit card for the security deposit are necessary for renting a van.
• Specific Needs: Choose your van based on the load to be transported. For instance, a box van is ideal for moving, while a refrigerated van is better suited for food transport.

Renting a van with a Category B licence is a practical solution for individuals and businesses needing to transport goods quickly and affordably—without owning a vehicle.

Vans and category B licence: what is the maximum load Capacity?

The maximum load capacity of a van that can be driven with a Category B licence is strictly tied to the vehicle’s total permissible weight. The law states that the total weight—including the load—must not exceed 3.5 tons.

In practical terms, if the van's empty weight is 2 tons, the load must not exceed 1.5 tons. This limit is essential for ensuring vehicle safety and compliance with road regulations.