All 15 driving licence categories - finally completed

agoodlife · 12-05-2026 01:26PM #1

It took me over 5 years but I finally managed to get all of the driving licence categories complete.

I just wanted to share the story, in case it might interest someone here who is thinking of doing the same.

I already had the categories B, AM and W on my full licence since the late 1990s. However, I’ve always loved driving and during COVID, I decided that I would try to get as many of the categories on the back of my licence as I could. I finally passed the CE test last month.

Category A (including A1 and A2) in January 2021

Category C (including C1) in September 2024

Category D (including D1) in April 2025

Category CE (including BE, C1E, D1E and DE) in April 2026

Unfortunately, the category B1 is still blank as that is not available in Ireland….thats annoying. Apart from the CE, I passed all of the tests first time. I passed the CE on the second attempt. In terms of costs, I reckon that the total was about €9,000 for everything. I did not do any CPC tests. I did them all in Cork.

At this moment in time, I don’t plan on using any of them, but I feel very proud of the accomplishment all the same.

Gland · 12-05-2026 01:28PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058438465/all-15-driving-licence-categories-finally-completed

Well done! It's something I've had a vague desire to do for years, but probably never will. I didn't know you couldn't get a B1 here (not that you'd need it I suppose).

donegal_man · 12-05-2026 04:24PM

Congratulations, quite an achievement. I only have A & B, all I've ever needed but sometimes think D could be useful.

Del2005 · 12-05-2026 05:54PM

I did it years ago. My C, CE, D and DE are currently expired and I'm debating doing the medical to renew them when my B expires.

The fact that you get better pay and conditions working in a warehouse then driving a truck or bus is crazy.

?Cee?view · 18-05-2026 08:20PM

Well done. Did it myself as well a few years ago. The 5 year ones are up for first renewal soon. And yes, the B1 is annoying!

mikeecho · 20-05-2026 11:24AM

I did the A B C D ages ago.. i've been meaning to do BE for a good many years, never got around to it.

I've no interest in CE or DE.

In fact its been so long, i dont even know the process of getting a learners permit, or if i have to sit a theory test again, or if i have to do the mandatory lessons for BE.

mikeecho · 20-05-2026 11:28AM

Get it renewed, the handy thing will be that you will have 2 physical licences, albeit with the HGV categories expired on one of them.

Diabhalta · 17-06-2026 10:51PM

It took you 5 years? I would guess like 10+ with all the waiting times. I did BE recently and it took forever. I will never do any other licence in this country that's for sure.

All 15 driving licence categories - finally completed

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