What is the Category C Licence?

The Category C license is the entry level license into becoming a professional driver of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs). This particular vehicle is very easy to drive, and handles in a similar way to a larger car or van. The category C license is the most commonly used HGV within the UK and Europe as it is very versatile and can access areas and small towns where larger vehicles cannot. The Category C licence is the one that most haulage firms are looking out for on candidate CV’s, and it’s the most sought after skill when it comes to driving jobs. Category C drivers can drive ANY rigid body vehicle, which is a massive achievement and a huge benefit to employers who need to make sure that their workforce is qualified, professional and flexible.

Who should take the Combined ‘C’ & ‘C+E’ course?

The Fast Track C+E course is ideal for people who are looking to train in as short a timeframe as possible. The two training courses (‘C’ & ‘C+E’ licences) include all medical forms, licence application forms, Online Theory Test Revision materials, all DVSA Test Fees (for both Theory and Practical tests), vehicle hire, Instructor Hire and Fuel. Booking the ‘Back to Back’ course saves £600 against the price of booking the two courses separately.

What is the Earning Potential for the Fast Track Cat C + E Licence?

Newly qualified C+E drivers can expect a salary of up to £38k. Plus, exciting opportunities for adding to your skill set, such as an ADR Qualification, can boost your salary expectation to up to £50k a year for experienced drivers! Plus; Flexible shifts can be worked around family commitments. Great Prospects for Promotion could see you doing anything from driving stage equipment to transporting hazardous chemicals! Opportunities for European and international travel. When you train with Easy As HGV, you’ll be assigned a Training Advisor who will guide you through every stage of the course, and will be your one point of call for all your needs.

What is the Category C + E Licence?

Also called an ‘articulated vehicle’ or referred to as an ‘artic,’ ‘HGV,’ ‘wagon and drag’ or ‘kingpin’, the bigger pulling power of this giant of the road makes it popular for UK and international distribution alike. Some C+E vehicles are made up of a tractor unit and long trailer; some are a Category C vehicle towing a trailer either way, it’s all the same licence. Having a Category C+E licence opens more doors, and allows you to choose from a wider range of available jobs, you can expect higher earning power (up to £50k) and increased employment opportunities when you’ve gained this licence; it really is the ‘king’ of HGV licences, and once you’re qualified, the sky is the limit.

Finding a job with the Fast Track Cat C + E Licence

At Easy As HGV we have years of experience helping newly qualified HGV Drivers find their first job. There are an estimated 60,000 HGV Driving vacancies in the Industry at the moment, as older drivers retire and demand for online shopping and exotic goods from around the world increases. Ongoing support, CV building service and job search help from our in-house Recruitment Team, specialising in newly qualified Driver recruitment. Your CV will be put in front of key recruiters from companies looking for HGV Drivers just like you!

CE Fast Track HGV Training | Cat C & C+E

Fast Track Cat C & C+E (Class 1) Licence

Career Opportunities: Access the full range of HGV driving roles and reach Class 1 earning potential in one package.

Our fast track combined HGV training package covers both Cat C and Cat C+E licences in a single, fully managed programme. Starting from a car licence, you can reach Class 1 qualified status in the shortest time possible, without the cost and delay of returning for a second course later. Since 2021, candidates no longer need to wait for their Cat C licence before beginning C+E training, making the combined route more efficient than ever.

We coordinate the entire process, from medical and theory preparation through to practical training and both practical tests.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The full process from initial enquiry, including medical, provisional application, theory test and both practical tests, typically takes 8 to 12 weeks. The practical training element of the combined package takes approximately 6 days in total.

Easy As HGV manages the whole process and pre-books key stages to reduce waiting time where possible.

The combined package is more cost-effective than doing Cat C and C+E separately, in most cases. Taking both licences in one programme avoids the cost of returning for a second course at a later date, including repeat medical and administrative costs. It also means you reach Class 1 earning potential sooner, which adds up quickly over the course of a driving career. Call our team on 0800 970 8447 for a full quote.

No prior HGV or commercial driving experience is required.

The Fast track combined package is designed for candidates coming from a standard car licence, covering everything from the basics of Cat C rigid driving through to full Cat C+E artic handling.

Your training is tailored to your starting point by the instructors we work with.

The fast track combined package is for drivers who hold a car licence only and want to qualify for both Cat C and C+E in one programme.

The Cat C+E upgrade course is for drivers who already hold a Category C licence and want to add C+E.

If you are unsure which applies to you, call our team on 0800 970 8447 and we will point you in the right direction.

In most cases. If you obtain your Cat C or C+E licence after 10 September 2009 and intend to drive professionally, you will need to complete the Driver CPC Initial Qualification, consisting of Module 2 (theory) and Module 4 (practical demonstration).

Where applicable, we can coordinate CPC requirements as part of your overall package. Our team can confirm exactly what applies to your situation.

A test failure is not uncommon, particularly on a first attempt. We offer an optional Pass Protection add-on which covers the cost of one module retake, either the off-road exercise (Module 3a) or the on-road assessment (Module 3b), including targeted refresher support before your retake. Ask our team about adding Pass Protection when you book.

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Fast Track Cat C & C+E (Class 1) Licence

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get both Cat C and C+E licences from scratch?

Is the combined package more cost-effective than doing Cat C and C+E separately?

Do I need any prior experience to start the combined package?

What is the difference between the Fast track combined package and the Cat C+E course?

Do I need a Driver CPC alongside my Cat C and C+E licences?

What happens if I fail one of my tests during the combined programme?

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

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