If the vehicle you're driving is carrying goods, then your driver's license needs to have the DL code B2 (less than or equal to 3500 kg GVW) and/or C (more than 3500 kg GVW). There is also a distinction between B and B1: the former has a limit of up to 8 seats (covering most SUVs which generally have 7, some have 8) while the latter is for 9 or more seats, meaning it's the one required for shuttle van, UV Express, and PUV drivers. Instead of a 4500-kilogram gross vehicle weight (GVW) limit, the new B and B1 DL codes upgrade it to 5000 kilograms GVW.
Previously, a restriction code of 2 will allow a driver to operate most passenger vehicles, but the new counterpart has been altered somewhat. Under the new DL codes system, motorcycles are classified as A while tricycles are classified A1. In the older restriction system, a license with restriction number 1 can drive either a motorcycle or a tricycle. Essentially it's the same thing but is a bit more specific on what vehicles a license holder can and can't drive. Sent to us by a subscriber who recently renewed their driver's license in CAR (Cordillera Administrative Region), the license restriction system has been tossed out in favor of 'DL codes'. Now, it looks like the Land Transportation Office (LTO) recently revised the system of driver's license (DL) restriction codes.
