Our friendly advisors are here to help, every step of the way.
We coordinate the full licence process, with training delivered through 92+ trusted centres
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Monday to Thursday: 9am – 6.30pm
Friday: 9am – 5:30pm
Course duration: 3 days | Medical required: Yes | Theory test required: Yes (if not already held)
Career Opportunities: Ambulance and paramedic roles, trade and delivery work, small business transport, horsebox and motorhome owners.
The Category C1 licence covers medium-sized goods vehicles between 3,500kg and 7,500kg, commonly known as 7.5 tonne vehicles. It is a practical qualification for a wide range of users, from ambulance drivers and paramedics to tradespeople, small business owners and those needing to transport horses or drive a large motorhome.
The Category C1 vehicle, commonly referred to as a 7.5 tonne, sits between a large van and a full HGV. It is a rigid body vehicle and a popular choice for those who need to carry heavier loads without requiring a full Category C licence.
To take a C1 course you need to hold a full UK car driving licence and be over 18. Easy As HGV coordinates your entire C1 training package, from medical and provisional entitlement application through to theory support and practical test booking.
Note: if you are using a C1 vehicle for personal purposes only, such as a motorhome or horsebox for your own horses, you do not need a Driver CPC. If you are driving commercially or for hire and reward, CPC requirements apply. Our team can advise on what applies to your situation.
The Category C1 licence entitles you to drive vehicles between 3,500kg and 7,500kg maximum authorised mass (MAM), with a trailer of up to 750kg. These vehicles are commonly referred to as 7.5 tonne trucks.
C1 entitlement is not automatically included on licences obtained after 1 January 1997. If you passed your car test after this date, you will need to obtain a provisional C1 entitlement and pass a separate C1 practical test.
Common C1 vehicles include ambulances, horsebox trucks, large motorhomes, small removal lorries and trade vehicles used by plumbers, electricians and builders.
It depends on the weight of your vehicle. If your horsebox or motorhome has a MAM exceeding 3,500kg, you will need at minimum a Category C1 licence to drive it legally. If the vehicle exceeds 7,500kg, you may need a full Category C licence.
The Category C1 course is suitable for a wide range of drivers, including:
If you are unsure, call our team on 0800 970 8447 and we will advise based on your specific vehicle.
Category C1 covers vehicles between 3,500kg and 7,500kg. Category C covers all rigid vehicles over 3,500kg with no upper weight limit, making it the standard licence used in professional logistics and haulage.
If your vehicle or intended role requires you to drive vehicles heavier than 7,500kg, you will need a Category C licence rather than C1. If you are unsure which applies to you, our team can advise.
Not always. Driver CPC is only required if you are driving a C1 vehicle commercially, for hire or reward. If you are using the vehicle for personal purposes only, such as your own horsebox or motorhome, CPC is not required.
Our team can confirm what applies to your situation when you get in touch.
The practical training for a Category C1 licence takes 3 days. The overall process, including medical, provisional application and theory preparation, typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. Easy As HGV coordinates the entire process on your behalf to keep things moving as efficiently as possible.
For Category C1 course prices and to find out more about becoming an HGV Driver, please call our Training Team on 0800 970 8447.
Our friendly advisors are here to help, every step of the way.
Monday to Thursday: 9am – 6.30pm
Friday: 9am – 5:30pm.
Call 01252 773 704
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