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Category C
When looking to complete one of our Category C courses, this will allow you to operate the following type of vehicle:
- A rigid Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) with a weight of over 7.5 tonne with a trailer of up to 750kg.
A category C Licence will enable you to drive an LGV 2 (Large Goods Vehicle) commonly referred to as a rigid lorry. These can come in all shapes and sizes and used for various types of work with a fixed body.
Some of the most noticeable bodies being, Tipper, Skip, Fridge, Flatbed, Box and more specialised bodies such as cement mixers.
What’s Included
- Once you pass your Category C tests, you can choose to take additional courses like ADR Dangerous Goods or Lorry Mounted Crane. These options help you build new skills, earn extra certifications, and increase both your job prospects and earning potential.
- You’ll train with instructors registered on the National Register of LGV Instructors.
- You’ll also sharpen your reversing skills in our dedicated 3a reversing areas, designed to boost your confidence behind the wheel.
- And you’ll drive modern, air-conditioned Category C vehicles, giving you the comfort and control you need to succeed.
Course Modules
- *D2 provisional licence application.
- *D4 medical form.
- Our local doctor or GP, will conduct your medical assessment, they will also complete the D4 form as well for you.
- 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).
- The following are booked on your behalf at a location convenient to you.
- **Multiple Choice Theory tests.
- **Hazard Perception Theory test booked.
- **Module 2 Theory test
- Driver Training (depending on your chosen options):
- 3.5 hour single session
- ***14 hours of training
- ***17.5 hours of training
- ***20 hours of driver training
- 3a (off-road) exercises & test with a DVSA approved 3a examiner at 2 Start.
- 3b (on-road) practical driving test with an official DVSA examiner.
- Thorough training, which is conducted by an experienced & qualified Class 2 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 our own Cat C rigid lorries to provide essential experience and skills if you haven’t driven a Cat C 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.
*** Will include test time if applicable.
Course Benefits
Accredited Training Centre
DVSA Approved Training Areas
Experienced Instructors
Use of our Category C Vehicle
Course Durations
3.5 Hours
14 Hours
17.5 Hours
20 Hours
Vehicle Requirements
To gain your provisional entitlement and begin Category C licence acquisition, you must be:
- at least 18 years old
- hold a valid Category B (car) licence
You will also need to complete a medical assessment to ensure that you are fit to operate a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV)
Ongoing Requirements
After you complete your Class 2 driver training and gain your Category C licence, you can drive professionally.
However, if you’re driving for hire or reward, you must first complete the initial Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC). This includes the MOD 2 theory and MOD 4 practical demonstration training and test. Once completed, you must then do 35 hours of driver CPC training every five years to stay compliant. If you drive as a hobby and not for a living, CPC training is not required.
Keep in mind, you’re not allowed to repeat the same CPC topic during the same five-year period.
Doing so means those hours won’t count towards your CPC total, and you’ll fall short of legal requirements. Therefore, always plan your modules carefully to meet your full 35-hour requirement.
Test Requirements
Throughout your Class 2 Driving course, you will be required to complete a test at each stage of your HGV training journey. Although, this is dependent on any tests you may have already completed prior to booking your course with us. The tests are set as a combination of both theory and practical elements.
- For your medical examination, this will be conducted by a qualified medical examiner, either a local doctor or GP who will also complete the D4 form.
- The theory and MOD 2 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 Driver CPC part 4 (MOD 4) element of the course is a 30 minute practical safety demonstration, checking the vehicles external and internal safety and security levels are up to standard. Each student will be asked a selection of questions while walking around a stationary vehicle.
- The 3a (off-road) reversing test is conducted by a 2 Start 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 demonstrate to the examiner that you can manoeuvre the Cat C vehicle to the standards outlined by the DVSA. You will also be required to conduct an “S” shaped reversing manoeuvre.
- 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 Category C rigid LGV. You will drive a set route, along with numerous challenges to test your driving abilities. These will cover Urban, Rural and Dual Carriageway driving to allow the examiner to see you demonstrate your competency to drive and manoeuvre the vehicle safely, 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
Other training to consider if you want to upskill includes:
- Driver CPC training (only applicable to those who drive professionally)
- Upskilling to gain your Category C+E entitlement
- Completing ADR training to transport hazardous goods by road
- Obtain your Lorry Mounted Crane ALLMI certification
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?
The Category C licence is ideal for anyone entering the road haulage industry, either independently or through a company. As long as you’re over 18 and hold a full, valid UK driving licence, you can begin Class 2 training.
However, you must also pass a medical assessment before starting the course. Once that’s complete, you’re ready to begin your training and work toward earning your Category C licence.
What can I drive with a Class 2 licence?
After passing your Category C licence, you can drive rigid vehicles over 7.5 tonnes with trailers up to 750kg. In addition, your licence will include the full Category C1 entitlement, allowing you to drive smaller commercial vehicles as well.
What will you receive upon successful completion of this course?
After you pass your Class 2 LGV test, the examiner will give you your Category C pass certificate.
Next, the examiner will ask whether you’d like them to send your licence for updating, or if you prefer to send it yourself. If you still need to complete your Mod 4 or plan to hire a car, it’s best to keep your licence and send it later at your convenience.
Once you’ve passed, you’re allowed to drive a Category C vehicle immediately, provided you’re covered by the appropriate insurance. 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.
Once you receive your updated licence, you will have the “Category C” entitlement on the back of your driving licence card.
You may also use your pass certificate to drive for up to two years, even if your licence hasn’t yet been updated. However, if you fail to update your licence within those two years, your pass certificate becomes invalid, and you will lose your entitlement to drive Category C vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Category C driver training?
Category C driver training is for those who want to drive rigid vehicles over 3.5 tonnes without a trailer. This training is essential if you’re aiming to get a Category C (Class 2) HGV licence. If you plan to drive large lorries, delivery trucks, or heavy vehicles professionally, this course is required. Before getting your licence, you must complete this training to ensure you’re qualified and legally compliant.
How long will Category C driver training take?
The duration of Category C driver training varies from a few days to a couple of intensive weeks. This depends on your experience and comfort level with driving large vehicles. The course includes both practical driving lessons and theory-based learning and assessments. During training, you’ll learn to handle various vehicle types and perform essential safety and maintenance checks. You’ll also study road safety laws, driving techniques, and professional standards required for HGV drivers. Before starting practical training, you must pass a medical exam and the initial theory test. Once completed, you’re ready to begin hands-on driving sessions and prepare for your final test.
Why Choose 2 Start?
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THE TEAM5 Past student reviews for Category C
Only logged in students who have purchased this course previously may leave a review.
Tyler Dacre –
Brilliant training provided, made learning and passing as easy as I could’ve hoped.
Tom Tetins –
Very clear; professional, helpful and enforced me with the relevant knowledge on how to drive a rigid.
Rhys Kirby –
Very clear and instructive. Great tips. Helped me pass my reverse test.
Callum Cracknell –
Matt was a good laugh, precise yet offered constructive criticism when needed. 100% would recommend thank you Matt.
Phil Woolford –
Very good and great communications and all good round bloke.