Choosing Your License in Morocco: Complete Guide to Categories A to E
admin
A driver's license is a passport to mobility and independence. But did you know that there isn't just one type of license? In Morocco, as in many countries, licenses are divided into different categories, each authorizing you to drive specific types of vehicles. Understanding these distinctions is essential before embarking on your training. At autoecoles.ma, we will enlighten you on the different categories of driving licenses available in the Kingdom, from motorcycles to heavy goods vehicles, to help you make the right choice.
Why Understand License Categories?
Knowing about driving license categories goes far beyond simple curiosity. It allows you to:
- Target your training: Enroll in the right driving school and the right learning program.
- Planning your career: Certain professions (transport, logistics) require specific permits.
- Avoid violations: Driving a vehicle you are not authorized to drive can result in heavy fines and penalties.
The Main Categories of Permits in Morocco
Here is an overview of the most common categories in Morocco, with their specificities and minimum age requirements:
1. AM License: Moped and Light Quadricycle
-
- Authorized vehicles: Mopeds (engine capacity
- Minimum age: 16 years old.
- Specificity: Often the first step towards mobility for young people. The training is shorter.
2. A1 and A licenses: Motorcycles
-
- A1 License (Light Motorcycles):
- Authorized vehicles: Motorcycles with a maximum cylinder capacity of 125 cm³ and a power not exceeding 11 kW.
- Minimum age: 16 years old.
- License A (All Motorcycles):
- Authorized vehicles: All motorcycles, without limitation of cylinder capacity or power.
- Minimum age: 18 years old.
- Specificity: The A license automatically covers the A1 license.
3. Driving Licence B: The Most Common (Light Cars)
-
- Authorized vehicles: Passenger cars and light commercial vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) not exceeding 3,500 kg and with a maximum of 9 seats (including the driver). Also allows towing a trailer with a GVW not exceeding 750 kg.
- Minimum age: 18 years old.
- Specificity: It is the most requested and most versatile permit for daily life.
4. Licenses C and C1: Heavy Goods Vehicles (Trucks)
-
- C1 license:
- Authorized vehicles: Goods transport vehicles with a gross vehicle weight between 3,500 kg and 7,500 kg.
- Minimum age: 21 years old (with a B license of at least 2 years).
- C license:
- Authorized vehicles: Goods transport vehicles with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 3,500 kg (without upper gross vehicle weight limit).
- Minimum age: 21 years old (with a B license of at least 2 years).
- Specificity: Essential for careers in road freight transport.
5. Permits D and D1: Public Transport Vehicles (Buses)
-
- D1 license:
- Authorized vehicles: Passenger transport vehicles with more than 9 seats and fewer than 17 seats (including the driver).
- Minimum age: 21 years old (with a B license of at least 2 years).
- D license:
- Authorized vehicles: Passenger transport vehicles with more than 9 seats (including the driver), with no limit on the number of seats.
- Minimum age: 21 years old (with a B license of at least 2 years).
- Specificity: Required for bus and coach drivers.
6. Permit E (EB, EC, ED): Vehicles with Heavy Trailer
-
- EB Permit: Category B vehicles towing a trailer with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 750 kg, and with a total gross vehicle weight + trailer weight exceeding 4,250 kg.
- EC permit: Category C vehicles towing a trailer with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 750 kg.
- ED permit: Category D vehicles towing a trailer with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 750 kg.
- Minimum age: Depends on the base category (B, C, D).
- Specificity: Necessary for heavy hitches, often for professional or leisure use (large caravans).
Step 3: Preparation and Examination of the Highway Code (Theoretical)
This is the first major test, and it requires solid preparation.
- Theoretical Courses: Attending the Highway Code classes provided by your driving school is essential. This is where you'll learn the rules, signs, priorities, and all the specifics of the Moroccan Highway Code.
- Intensive Training: Practice multiple sets of questions (available online, on apps, or through your driving school). This is the best way to memorize and understand the logic of the questions.
- The Code Review: It usually takes place at an approved center. You'll answer a series of questions on a computer. The threshold for success is high, which is why it's important to avoid the common mistakes we've already covered on our blog!
- Pro tip: Don't rush. Read each question and answer option carefully.
Step 4: Driving Lessons and Practical Test
Once you have the Code, it’s time to practice!
- Driving Hours: The minimum number of hours is set by law, but the goal is to acquire sufficient vehicle control and a good understanding of the road. Your instructor will adapt the program to your progress.
- Learning Maneuvers: Parking, reversing in a straight line, turning around... These specific maneuvers will be practiced until they become a reflex.
- Driving in Traffic: Your instructor will guide you through various situations (city, road, roundabouts, intersections) to help you get used to Moroccan traffic.
- The Practical Exam: This is the culmination of your training. It takes place in two phases: a technical inspection (questions about the vehicle) and a road test, where you will have to demonstrate your autonomy, safety, and compliance with the Highway Code. An inspector evaluates your performance.
Step 5: After the Exam – Waiting and Getting the License
The big day has passed, and the wait for the results begins.
- Results : They are usually communicated within a few days. If successful, congratulations!
- Provisional Permit: A provisional certificate may be issued to you while your permanent license is being processed. This allows you to drive legally.
- Final License: A few weeks later, you can collect your biometric driver's license card from the National Road Safety Agency (NARSA) or the relevant authority, often through your driving school. Keep it safe!
- If unsuccessful: Don't get discouraged! Failure is part of the learning process. Analyze your weaknesses with your driving school, retake a few driving lessons if necessary, and present yourself with more confidence.
Additional Tips for New Drivers in Morocco
Congratulations, you now have your Class B driving license! But the learning doesn't stop there.
- Prudence : The first few months are crucial. Drive carefully, obey speed limits, and be especially vigilant.
- Accompanied Driving (if applicable): If you have had the opportunity to drive accompanied, continue to take advantage of it.
- Formation Continue : Do not hesitate to take additional training if you feel you have gaps (for example, driving on the motorway, driving at night).
- Compliance with the Code: The Highway Code is your ally for everyone's safety.
