Category C+E
Our Category C+E courses will allow you to operate the following type of vehicle:
- An articulated Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) with a weight of over 7.5 tonne.
- A trailer over 750Kg
The C+E entitlement is the highest licence held by individuals, which makes it a great way to upskill in the logistics and road freight sector. As of November 15th 2021, you are now able to train straight from a car to a Category C+E vehicle. This means that you can skip the class 2 HGV licence.
What’s Included
- The Class 1 licence entitlement opens up a many job opportunities in the logistics and transport sector.
- You automatically gain the Category C licence entitlement When you gain your Category C+E licence.
- Dedicated 3a reversing areas, so you can build your confidence when learning to reverse a Category C+E vehicle.
- Complete your training in our modern automatic C+E vehicles.
- Receive training from our highly experienced instructors, many who are on the Register of Logistics Instructors.
Course Modules
If you are looking to obtain your Category C+E and only hold a Category B car licence, you will be required to complete all of the modules outlined below, if however you are looking to upgrade from a Category C to a Category C+E licence, you will NOT need to complete the D2, D4, Theory revision, Multiple Choice, Hazard Perception or Module 2 Theory test as you should already have obtained these previously for your Category C.
- *D2 provisional licence application.
- *D4 medical form.
- Completed by your local doctor or GP, along with conducting your medical assessment
- Theory revision access.
- If needed, a theory revision account will be issued to you. Once your login credentials have been received, you can revise for the relevant theory test(s) online from the comfort of your own home.
- **Multiple Choice Theory tests.
- This is booked on your behalf at a location convenient to you.
- **Hazard Perception Theory test booked.
- This is booked on your behalf at a location convenient to you.
- **Module 2 Theory test
- This is booked on your behalf at a location convenient to you.
- 3.5 to 35 hours of driver training (depending on the option you choose), which will include both your 3a off-road & 3b on-road practical driving test with a DVSA examiner.
- Thorough training, which is conducted by an experienced Class 1 instructor.
- Completing and passing your Module 4 Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) training and test.
- This includes completing a vehicle walkaround check, safe vehicle loading, emergency situation assessment and prevention of trafficking.
- Use of 2 Start’s own Cat C+E articulated lorries to provide essential experience and skills if you haven’t driven a Category C+E vehicle prior to your course.
- Use of our modern air-conditioned classrooms to make your training experience comfortable.
- Covered by our vehicle Insurance at no extra cost.
- All vehicle fuel is included with your training at no extra cost.
- Retests can be added (for a small additional cost) in the event that you do not pass first time.
*Assistance in completing the forms is available upon request.
**These can be booked individually or together.
Course Benefits
Accredited Training Centre
DVSA Approved Training Areas
Experienced Instructors
Use Of Our Category C+E Articulated Lorry
High Pass Rates
4.9/5 Star Rating on Google
Own Fleet Of Vehicles
Test & Train In the Same Location/Area
Multiple DVSA Approved Test Centres
Course Durations
3.5 Hours
7 Hours
14 Hours
17.5 Hours
20 Hours
28 Hours
30 Hours
32 Hours
35 Hours
Vehicle Requirements
To operate a Class 1 HGV, you must be:
- 18 years old
- At least hold a Category B (Car) licence
As of November 2021, you can now go from a car licence, straight to a category C+E licence. However, we understand that this is a big jump, so many still opt to gain their Category C licence first, then upgrade from a C licence to a C+E.
Ongoing Requirements
Upon the completion of your Category C+E training and test, as well as obtaining your Class 1 driving licence, you must complete Module 2 & 4 initial Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), as well as completing 35 hours of initial CPC thereafter to remain compliant when driving professionally (also known as for hire or reward).
This is an ongoing requirement, which you must complete over a five-year rolling period, either booked in 1-day increments, or a block booking of 5-days, which will equate to the full 35-hour requirement.
Test Requirements
During your Category C+E training, you must complete several tests at each stage of your journey. Although, this is dependent on any tests you have already completed prior to booking your course with us. The tests are a combination of both theory and practical elements.
- For your medical examination, this will be conducted by qualified medical examiner, either a local doctor or GP.
- The theory, MOD 2 & 4 CPC part of your course will include the case studies, multiple choice, hazard perception and initial CPC tests. These are completed on a PC in a controlled test environment, which will be at a testing facility convenient to you.
- The 3a (off-road) reversing test is conducted by a DVSA approved examiner. This test will take place at one of our DVSA approved testing areas, which you will have used for practicing throughout your training course. The 3a test will require you to implement your training and show the examiner that you can manoeuvre the Category C+E vehicle to the standards outlined by the DVSA. You will also be expected to complete the “S” shaped reversing exercise.
- The 3b (on-road) driving test is conducted by an official DVSA examiner who you will meet in our reception area. The examiner will confirm your credentials and then begin your practical test for the Class 1 articulated vehicle. You will drive a set route, along with numerous challenges to test your driving abilities. These several driving types are used to show the examiner your ability to safely drive and manoeuvre the Class 1 lorry in line with the laws & legislations of UK roads. To pass, you must successfully drive with no more than 12 driving faults or any serious driver faults or more than 4 recurring minor faults (which can be deemed a major by the examiner).
Further Training
Apart from the periodic driver certificate of professional competence, which is continuous training, you can also look at additional courses to increase your earning potential.
For example, ADR training is a way to change your job role if you are looking to transport dangerous goods by road, which can also count towards your periodic CPC hours.
If you are looking for a step up into a management role, becoming a Transport Manager is a great way to enhance your skills in managing fleets and supporting a team of drivers, alongside ensuring deliveries are met.
Earning Potential
Reputable Salary Checkers estimate the following for a truck driver across the South Coast:
While all efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, we suggest conducting your own research and use these figures for information purposes only.
Who is this course for?
Any one over the age of 18 who already holds a Driving licence can book our Category C+E driver training course. You can now go from a car to artic licence, so anyone looking to fast track their HGV licence can do so.
So, if you are planning to join the logistics sector or looking to upgrade you licence entitlement to increase job prospects, then obtaining your Class 1 licence is the best opportunity for you to upskill.
What can I drive with a Category C+E licence?
You Category C+E licence permits you to operate an articulated HGV weighing over 7,500Kg, with a trailer over 750Kg.
What will you receive upon successful completion of this course?
Once you pass the test for your Class 1 HGV licence, you will be handed your Category C+E pass certificate.
You must then send your driving licence to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) so that they can update your category entitlements to include Category C+E.
Once you receive your updated licence, you will have the “Category C+E” entitlement on the back of your licence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Category C+E driver training?
Category C+E driver training is designed for individuals who want to drive large vehicles, such as articulated lorries or trucks with a trailer. It combines Category C (rigid vehicles) and Category E (vehicles with a trailer) to allow drivers to operate both types. This training is ideal for those seeking a career in professional driving, including logistics, delivery, and transportation services. To take this training, you must already hold a valid Category C driving license, as the C+E entitlement is an extension of it.
How long will the Category C+E driver training take?
The length of Category C+E driver training depends on your prior experience and how quickly you can pick up the necessary skills, but generally, it can take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks. The training involves both theory and practical elements:
– Theory training covers topics like road safety, vehicle maintenance, and legal requirements.
– Practical training includes hands-on driving in a variety of scenarios, such as reversing with a trailer, managing large vehicles in traffic, and performing safety checks.
After successfully completing the training, you will need to pass both a driving test and a theory test to obtain your Category C+E license.
Why Choose 2 Start?
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THE TEAM5 Past student reviews for Category C+E
Only logged in students who have purchased this course previously may leave a review.
Jarod Tomlin –
Well structured lessons with clear communication.
Jason Sheldrake –
A great course from start to finish, very knowledgeable instructors who are willing to help in any way they can. A very enjoyable and fantastic learning experience.
Kieran Sengelow –
The course was really enjoyable and felt at ease straight away. Graham was very thorough with good and helpful tips but very patient when I made mistakes. Can’t fault my time with 2Start.
Howard Batten –
Explained the reverse exercise really well breaking it down into stages that made it easier to understand.
Ryan Collins –
Very experienced and knowledgeable. Very clear in his instructions and excellent teaching skills.