Category C1
When gaining your Category C1 licence, you will be able to drive a vehicle up to 7.5 tonne Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) capacity. This is defined as:
- A vehicle which is more than 3.5 tonne and up to 7.5 tonne in weight
- A trailer of up to 750Kg
Upon obtaining your provisional entitlement for Category C1, 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. 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
- Gaining your Category C1 entitlement is great for those who are looking to drive a C1 vehicle in their job, or wanting to drive a larger vehicle for personal use.
- Learning to drive a 7.5 tonne vehicle is great for those looking to work in the ambulance service as a paramedic driver.
- Train in one of our modern C1 vehicles
- Train off-road in a controlled environment to allow the student 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, 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 location local and convenient to you.
- **Module 2 Theory test
- Booked on your behalf at a location local and convenient to you.
- 10.5, 14, 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 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 to provide essential experience and skills if you haven’t driven a C1 vehicle 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.
- Retests can be added (at 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
DVSA Approved Training Areas
Experienced Instructors
Car & Trailer Provided
Course Durations
10.5 Hours
14 Hours
21 Hours
Vehicle Requirements
To learn to drive a Category C1 vehicle, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Already hold a Category B (Car) licence
- Pass a medical examination so that you meet the criteria to safely operate a C1 vehicle
If you are planning to become an ambulance driver, you may need to also complete other training if you are going into the health service. You can read more on the NHS website.
Ongoing Requirements
After you’ve successfully obtained your C1 licence, you can take additional courses to stay compliant when driving a 7.5-tonne vehicle. For example, completing Driver CPC training is essential if you’re driving professionally. In addition, ongoing training helps you stay up to date with current laws, safety standards, and best practices.
- Driver Certificate of Professional Competence Training: You must complete 35 hours of periodic driver CPC training every five years if driving professionally for hire & reward. Whether you complete this as a 5-day course, or choose do complete 1-day sessions throughout the five-year period, you must complete the 35-hour requirement within the five-year window.
Test Requirements
Throughout your training, you must complete a test at each stage, depending on whether you’ve already passed any prior to booking. Each stage includes both theory and practical elements, ensuring a well-rounded assessment of your knowledge and skills.
For example, the 3b (on-road) practical test is led by an official DVSA examiner. They will greet you at our reception, confirm your credentials, and begin the Category C1 vehicle assessment. During the test, you will follow a specific route designed to include various challenges. These will cover urban, rural, and dual carriageway driving, allowing you to demonstrate safe and competent driving across different environments. In order to pass, you must complete the drive with no more than 12 general driving faults, no serious faults, and no more than 4 repeated minor faults (as repeated issues may be marked as serious).
Additionally, you must complete a medical assessment with a qualified examiner, typically a local doctor or GP. This step confirms you are medically fit to operate a commercial vehicle, as required by DVSA standards. Altogether, this process ensures that you are fully prepared, legally compliant, and confident in your ability to drive safely on UK roads.
The theory and CPC section of your course will include the case studies, multiple choice, hazard perception and Module 2 initial Driver CPC tests. These are completed on a PC in a controlled test environment, which will be at a testing facility local to you.
The 3a (off-road) test is conducted by one of our DVSA approved examiners. The test will take place at one of our DVSA approved testing areas at our depots, which you will have used for practicing throughout your training course. This test will require you to implement your training and show the examiner that you can manoeuvre the C1 vehicle to the standards required. This test includes reversing up to our dedicated barrier. You will also be required to conduct an “S” shaped manoeuvre.
Further Training
Upskilling from your Category C1 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 licence entitlement include:
- Ambulance Driver
- Courier Service
- Multi-drop Driver
- Delivery Service
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.
However, as an ambulance driver, which requires the Category C1 entitlement, you can expect a salary range of £20,000-£28,000 annually.
Who is this course for?
Our Category C1 courses are for those who are looking to increase their earning potential by driving a vehicle over 3,500kg and up to 7,500kg in Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) with a trailer of up to 750Kg.
You can also learn to drive a C1 vehicle with a trailer of over 750Kg (also known as the C1+E licence).
Whether you are looking to drive an ambulance, starting a job in delivery services, or needing to drive a vehicle larger than a Category B car, then the Category C1 training is the way to go.
What can I drive with a C1 licence?
There are several types of C1 vehicles you can drive with this entitlement.
The most common is the standard van. Although there are additional types of C1 vehicles, such as ambulances, horseboxes and motorhomes.
The Category C1+E entitlement will allow you to drive a 7.5 tonne vehicle with a trailer.
What will you receive upon successful completion of this course?
Once you successfully pass your Category C1 test(s), you will be handed a certificate, courtesy of your DVSA examiner.
You must then send your driving licence to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) so that they can update your category entitlements.
Once you receive your updated licence, you will have the “Category C1” entitlement on the back of your driving licence card.
If you are only completing the Category C1 test, you will only receive this entitlement. If you choose to obtain your van and trailer (C1+E) licence, you will need to gain the 7.5 tonne and trailer provisional 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 driving license?
You can apply for a Category C1 license through your local 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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THE TEAM4 Past student reviews for Category C1
Only logged in students who have purchased this course previously may leave a review.
Daniel Simpson –
Explained where I was going wrong and needed to improve in a professional and reassuring manner. Encouraged me and empowered to succeed, despite the nerves. I felt confident with Rob next to me and his advice and feedback both during lessons and after enabled me to go away, think about things and come back and address them next lesson. Very grateful.
Andrea Snape –
Clear comments on positives. Clear instruction on how to improve errors.
Adam Nippard –
Dell was very knowledgeable with lots of great tips. Also, great company.
Ella Camp –
Good instructions, allowed me to try things again, appreciated it. Overall good!