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Find out more information about driver training here by reading our Driving FAQ:

Can I drive a truck on my ordinary car driving licence?

If you passed your car driving test before 1st January 1997, you automatically have “acquired rights” to categories C1, D1, and B+E entitlements. This means you can drive goods vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes, towing a trailer up to 750kg, a minibus up to 16 seats towing a trailer, and a car towing any trailer.

If you passed your test after 1st January 1997, you are allowed to drive vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes (Ford Transit or Mercedes Sprinter sized vehicles but check the Gross Weight on the plate of the vehicle because some “Small vans” are not that small!) towing a trailer up to 750kg (but not exceeding a train weight of 3.5tonnes), a minibus up to 8 seats towing a trailer up to 750kg (not exceeding a train weight of 3.5tonnes) and a car towing a trailer up to 750kgs (again, not exceeding the 3.5 tonnes train weight).

If you do not have “acquired rights” you will need to complete some form of HGV training, depending on the category of vehicle you are planning on driving, such as CAT C or C+E.

How long after passing my Category C do I have to wait until I can take my C+E?

Almost straight away.

Once you have passed your Category C, you’ll need to send your driving licence away to DVLA. They will update your licence and add the provisional C+E entitlement automatically. As soon as your licence returns, you can book your C+E training and then complete your test.

Can I learn to drive a truck using my car licence?

No, you can’t drive a truck using a car licence. To begin your truck driving lessons, you will need to apply to the D.V.L.A. for provisional entitlement of the correct category to be added to your licence.

Once you have received your licence with the proper provisional entitlements, completed your training, passed your test, and gained your licence, you will be able to drive an HGV.

They asked for a “Class 1” driver. Does this mean Category C1 or C+E?

It can depend, typically when someone talks about “Class 1” they’re referring to a C+E, articulated lorry licence.

Licence categories changed in the early 1990s to bring the U.K. into line with the rest of Europe. 

Some of the main categories include:

  • Category D1 & D1+E
  • Category C1 & C1+E
  • Category C / Rigid
  • Category C+E / Articulated

We have training courses covering all of these categories. Click the link below to view our full range of courses.

View our full range of training courses online!

Do I need to pass my Class 2 Rigid licence before I pass my Class 1?

This will depend on your personal preference and confidence levels.

It used to be that to gain your Class 1 licence that you would first need to obtain your Class 2 licence. However, the November 2021 changes mean that you can now complete training to go from a car straight to a C+E licence.

We have Fast Track courses available, giving you the proper skills and knowledge that you need to go safely from a car licence to a C+E.

View our Fast Track car to C+E courses!

Although, you can still complete your CAT C course before taking your C+E training. This will allow you to gain confidence and experience in driving a CAT C vehicle before making the jump to a C+E.

View our CAT C courses!

At what age can I learn to drive a truck?

As of 10th of September 2009, you can drive a category C1, C, and C+E lorry, D1 D, and D+E Bus at 18 as long as you have passed the Driver CPC and have the correct licence.

I want to drive an Artic, can I go straight from a car licence to an artic licence?

Yes, you can now go straight from a car licence to an artic licence.

However, you can still gain your CAT C licence before your C+E licence. The process from car to CAT C is as outlined:

  • Category B (your full car licence)
  • Apply for category C provisional entitlement (you must be over 18 and will have to pass a medical as part of the application process)
  • Pass LGV Theory tests (Module 1) (well done!)
  • Pass category C practical test (well done again! Your licence will be automatically issued to you by the DVLA with full category C entitlement and provisional C+E entitlement)
  • CPC modules 2 and 4 (if you are intending to drive professionally)
What truck will I be driving during training?

View the video below to see the type of vehicle you will be practising in during your training:

Do I really need a Driver CPC?

Yes, if you intend to use your LGV driving licence commercially (for hire or reward).

Any driver who first passed any category C driving test after 9th of September 2009 must have this new qualification. Drivers who held any LGV driving entitlement before that date have 5 years “acquired rights” to the Driver CPC.

The Driver CPC is enforced on the road in the same way as holding an appropriate driving licence and it is an offence to drive without it. There are penalties for drivers and operators who flaunt this new requirement.

Click here for more information on Driver CPC.

Get in Touch

2 Start Training is a well-established driver training organisation, established in November 2008. We have many thousands of satisfied customers, the majority of whom now enjoy a career in the logistics industry.

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