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Category C1+E
From: £1,104.00
Gaining Category C1+E licence allows you to operate a vehicle up to 7.5 tonne Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) capacity, with a trailer attachment of over 750kg. The combined MAM cannot exceed 12,000kg.
Upon obtaining your provisional entitlement for Category C1+E, completing your medical, theory tests and your practical driver training elements, as well as passing all tests necessary, you will legally be allowed to drive a 7.5 tonne vehicle with a trailer of over 750kg. Choose the hours you require, along with the add-ons needed, and our experienced instructors will help you gain and perfect the skills relevant to passing your 3a (off-road) and 3b (on-road) practical driving tests.
What’s Included
- The Category C1+E entitlement is great for those who are looking to drive a C1 vehicle in their job, but need to also carry a trailer over 750kg.
- You’ll train in one of our modern C1 vehicles, with the use of our box trailer.
- Learn the coupling & uncoupling procedure in a controlled environment to build confidence.
Course Modules
- *D2 provisional licence application.
- *D4 medical form.
- This is to be completed by a local doctor or GP who will be conducting your medical assessment.
- Theory revision access.
- Once you have made your booking and paid, our team will generate an account, and the details will be issued to you shortly after (typically within 24 hours, excluding weekends). Once your login credentials have been received, you can begin revising for your theory in preparation to take your test(s).
- **Multiple Choice Theory tests.
- Booked on your behalf at a location local and convenient to you.
- **Hazard Perception Theory test booked.
- Booked on your behalf at a local and convenient location for you.
- **Module 2 Theory test
- Booked on your behalf at a location local and convenient to you.
- 14, 17.5 or 21 hours of driver training, which will include both your 3a (off-road) & 3b (on-road) practical driving tests with a DVSA examiner.
- Training conducted with an experienced and knowledgeable Category C1+E Driver Training 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 7.5 tonne vans & box trailers to provide essential experience and skills if you haven’t driven a C1 vehicle with a trailer prior to beginning training.
- Use of our modern air-conditioned classrooms to make your training experience much more comfortable.
- Covered by our vehicle Insurance at no extra cost.
- All vehicle fuel is included with your training at no extra cost.
- Worried about passing? Retests can be added (at a small additional cost) if you do not pass the first time.
*Assistance in completing the forms is available upon request.
**These can be booked individually or together.
Course Benefits
DVSA Approved Training Areas
Experienced Instructors
Van & Trailer Provided
Course Durations
14 Hours
17.5 Hours
21 Hours
Vehicle Requirements
To learn to drive a C1+E vehicle, you must be:
- At least 18 years old
- Hold a valid and current full UK driving licence
You must also be deemed medically fit to operate a larger vehicle; for this, you will complete a medical examination, which involves your blood pressure and eyesight being checked.
Ongoing Requirements
Once you have successfully obtained your C1+E licence, you may want to complete additional courses to remain compliant when driving a 7.5 tonne vehicle with a trailer attachment. If you’re planning to drive commercially, you’ll need a CPC certificate. this further training means you won’t face a fine if stopped and checked.
- The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence Training states you must complete 35 hours of periodic driver CPC training every five years if driving professionally. You can choose to complete this as a 5-day course, or as 1-day sessions throughout the five years, although no two subjects can be completed in the same 5-year window.
Test Requirements
Throughout your training, you must complete a test at each stage, depending on what you’ve already passed before booking. Each test includes a combination of theory and practical elements, ensuring full understanding and hands-on application of your training.
For the 3b (on-road) practical test, a DVSA examiner will meet you at reception and confirm your identification. Then, you’ll begin your Category C1+E driving test, following a set route with varied challenges. These include urban, rural, and dual carriageway driving to test your ability in different environments. This allows the examiner to assess your skill, safety, and legal compliance on public roads. To pass, you must avoid serious faults, and keep to 12 or fewer driving faults with no more than four repeated minors.
You’ll also complete a medical assessment with a qualified medical examiner, such as your local doctor or GP. In addition, your theory and CPC sections include case studies, hazard perception, multiple choice, and Module 2 CPC tests. These tests take place at a local DVSA-approved test centre using a computer in a controlled environment.
For your 3a (off-road) test, a DVSA-approved examiner from our team will conduct the session at our training depot. This test includes reversing to a dedicated barrier and completing an S-shaped manoeuvre with a trailer. Throughout training, you’ll practise these off-road skills in our dedicated testing area to build confidence and accuracy. By the final test, you’ll demonstrate that you can manoeuvre the C1 vehicle and trailer safely and to DVSA standards.
Further Training
Upskilling from your Category C1+E licence includes the following paths:
- Driver CPC training (for those looking to drive for hire or reward)
- Gaining your Category D1 PCV entitlement (to drive a minibus)
- Gaining your Category C entitlement (to drive a rigid large goods vehicle)
Earning Potential
Jobs with the C1+E licence entitlement include:
- Multi-drop Driver
- Delivery Service
- Recovery Driver
As of September 2024, the average salary for a van driver in the UK is in the range of £26,406 and £32,500 annually.
Who is this course for?
Our Category C1+E courses are for those who are looking to operate a vehicle weighing over 3,500kg, but no more than 7,500kg in Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM), with a trailer attachment weighing over 750Kg.
The Category C1+E licence is used by supermarket delivery drivers or recovery drivers, for example. Also, those who need to drive a horsebox trailer, or anyone who needs to tow a trailer weighing more than 750kg for personal or commercial purposes.
What can I drive with a C1+E licence?
There are several types of C1+E vehicles you can drive with this entitlement.
A commercial van is one example of a vehicle under the C1 category. Other C1 vehicles include ambulances, horseboxes and motorhomes.
The Category C1+E entitlement will allow you to drive a 7.5 tonne vehicle with a trailer. As long as the combined Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) isn’t more than 12,000kg. In that case, you would need the Category C licence to operate vehicles weighing over 3,500kg, with a trailer up to 750kg.
What will you receive upon successful completion of this course?
After you pass your Category C1+E test, the DVSA examiner will give you your official pass certificate.
Next, you must send your driving licence to the DVLA so they can update your entitlements.
Once processed, the DVLA will return your licence with “Category C1+E” printed on the back of the card.
At that point, you’re fully licensed to drive vehicles under the C1+E entitlement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ‘grandfather right’ in relation to driving?
The term ‘grandfather right’ refers to the special entitlement that was granted to drivers who passed their car test before 1 January 1997. This allowed them to continue driving light lorries, vans, and other vehicles weighing up to 8.25 tonnes without the need for a separate test or obtaining a Category C1 driving license.
How do I apply for a Category C1+E driving licence?
You can apply for a Category C1 and trailer license through the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) or the equivalent body in your country. You’ll need to complete an application form, submit your medical examination results, and provide proof of identity. Then, you’ll need to book and pass both the theory and practical tests.
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