What is the C1 License?

Drivers who have an existing Category C1 license can progress onto training for C1+E immediately, however those coming from a car license will need to undertake Category C1 training first. C1+E vehicles will weigh somewhere between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes, with a trailer weight of over 750kgs. The whole weight of the vehicle and its trailer must not be more than 12 tonnes, and the weight of the fully loaded trailer can’t be more than the unladen weight of the towing vehicle (or ‘tractor unit’).

How long is the training for the C1 + E Licence?

Your training to drive a C1+E vehicle will take four days, and you can get this done at any of our 90+ fully accredited Training Schools throughout the UK. Easy As HGV’s experienced Training Team will make all your bookings for you, guide you through each step of the license acquisition process, and ensure that gaining your C1+E license is as Easy As 1,2,3!

How much does it cost?

Our fully managed service is more cost effective than you might think. We pride ourselves on providing great quality training at a price that won’t break the bank. Plus, with 90+ schools all over the UK, your local HGV training school won’t be far away. For our C1+E course prices and to find out more about improving your earning potential, please call our Training Team on 0808 599 1597.

Who should take the Category C1+E course?

We usually find that the majority of C1+E drivers already have a C1 licence and are already in employment, and the requirements of the business have changed. For example, we have dealt with several removals firms who already had a fleet of C1 vehicles and realised that the most cost-effective way to increase their payload capacity was to invest in trailers for their existing vehicles. Likewise we also recently handled a large contract for a utilities company who needed their Engineers to be able tow large reels of telecoms cabling. There are other recreational uses for C1+E licences, for example those with large caravan combinations, or those who need to be able to tow a boat or a trailer of motorbikes. We also hear from a lot of tradesmen, for example tree surgeons or landscape gardeners who may need to move bulky machinery, as well as horsebox drivers whose weight requirements mean they need the extra towing capacity of this higher-level licence. Whatever your reasons for needing a C1+E licence, our Training Advisers and Instructors are experts at tailoring the course to suit you. Your Personal Training Adviser will discuss with you what sort of recruitment support you’ll need once you’ve passed, and your Instructor will discuss your reasons for undertaking the course end ensure that the training week meets your requirements.

Getting a job - How Can You Help?

We’re so well known in the industry for delivering great HGV training that produces the safe and effective HGV Drivers that employers are looking for. Our Recruitment Team are on hand to provide a full service to help you get into your first job, including; Weekly recruitment updates to your inbox Job Search help CV rewriting service We write your covering letter for you

C1E Licence | HGV Training

Frequently Asked Questions

The Category C1+E licence entitles you to drive a C1 vehicle (between 3,500kg and 7,500kg) while towing a trailer with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) exceeding 750kg. The combined weight of the vehicle and trailer must not exceed 12,000kg.

This licence is distinct from Category C+E, which covers full HGV articulated lorries. C1+E is a more specialist qualification, primarily used by horsebox owners, equestrian professionals, tradespeople and small businesses that need to tow heavier loads behind a medium-sized vehicle.

To obtain a C1+E licence, you must already hold a full Category C1 licence.

Whether you need a C1+E licence for my horsebox depends on the combined weight of your horsebox and trailer. If the total exceeds 3,500kg, you need at minimum a C1 licence to drive the horsebox. If you are also towing a trailer over 750kg, you will need a C1+E licence.

If you are transporting horses commercially rather than for personal use, Driver CPC requirements may also apply.

If you are unsure what applies to your setup, call our team on 0800 970 8447 and we will advise based on your specific vehicle and trailer combination.

The C1+E course is suitable for:

Horsebox owners whose vehicle and trailer combination exceeds 3,500kg
Equestrian professionals transporting horses commercially
Tradespeople needing to tow heavy equipment or materials behind a C1 vehicle
Small removal or delivery businesses operating C1 vehicles with trailers
Motorhome owners towing a car or additional trailer

You must already hold a full Category C1 licence to take this course. If you do not yet hold a C1 licence, call our team on 0800 970 8447 and we will advise on the right starting point.

Category C1+E covers a C1 vehicle (up to 7,500kg) towing a trailer over 750kg, with a combined weight not exceeding 12,000kg. Category C+E covers full HGV articulated lorries and drawbar combinations, with no such weight ceiling.

C+E is the qualification required for professional long-distance haulage and logistics roles. C1+E is a more specialist qualification suited to lighter commercial and personal towing needs such as horseboxes, trade vehicles and small removals.

If you are unsure which licence applies to your vehicle or role, call our team on 0800 970 8447.

Not always. Driver CPC is only required if you are driving a C1+E vehicle commercially, for hire or reward. If you are using the licence for personal purposes only, such as transporting your own horses or towing for personal use, CPC is not required.

If you are unsure whether CPC applies to your situation, our team can advise when you get in touch.

As an existing C1 licence holder, you will not need to retake your theory test, making the process more straightforward than starting from scratch.

Your practical training takes place over 4 days at a location from our nationwide network of training centres, delivered by DVSA-approved instructors. Sessions cover:

Coupling and uncoupling trailers safely
Manoeuvring and reversing with a trailer
On-road driving with a loaded trailer across urban and rural routes
Vehicle and trailer safety checks
Test preparation

Easy As HGV coordinates all bookings on your behalf. From your provisional application through to your DVSA practical test, you will have one dedicated contact throughout. The overall process from initial enquiry to holding your C1+E licence typically takes 4 to 6 weeks.

Category C1+E Licence
C1 with Trailer

Get an instant quote

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the C1+E licence?

Do I need a C1+E licence for my horsebox?

Who should take the Category C1+E course?

What is the difference between C1+E and C+E?

Do I need a Driver CPC with a C1+E licence?

How does the Category C1+E training work?

Learn more about our supportive training process by watching this short video

We get you on the road faster

Call free 0800 970 8447

Looking for corporate HGV training?

Get an instant quote

Together we’ll find you the job that’s exactly right for you.

Call free 0800 970 8447

Get an instant quote

Category C1+E Licence C1 with Trailer

Get an instant quote

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the C1+E licence?

Do I need a C1+E licence for my horsebox?

Who should take the Category C1+E course?

What is the difference between C1+E and C+E?

Do I need a Driver CPC with a C1+E licence?

How does the Category C1+E training work?

Learn more about our supportive training process by watching this short video

We get you on the road faster

Call free 0800 970 8447

Looking for corporate HGV training?

Get an instant quote

Together we’ll find you the job that’s exactly right for you.

Category C1+E Licence
C1 with Trailer