Category C
When looking to complete one of our Category C courses, this will allow you to operate the following type of vehicle:
- A rigid Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) with a weight of over 7.5 tonne with a trailer of up to 750kg.
A category C Licence will enable you to drive an LGV 2 (Large Goods Vehicle) commonly referred to as a rigid lorry. These can come in all shapes and sizes and used for various types of work with a fixed body.
Some of the most noticeable bodies being, Tipper, Skip, Fridge, Flatbed, Box and more specialised bodies such as cement mixers.
What’s Included
- When you pass your Category C tests, you can look at completing additional courses, such as ADR Dangerous Goods training or Lorry Mounted Crane. This can further your opportunity to build additional skillsets and obtain other certifications to increase your career prospects and earning potential.
- Train with instructors who are on the National Register of LGV Instructors.
- Practice your 3a reversing training in a dedicated reversing area at our depots, building your confidence and skills.
- Drive our modern and air-conditioned Category C vehicles.
Course Modules
- *D2 provisional licence application.
- *D4 medical form.
- Our local doctor or GP, will conduct your medical assessment, they will also complete the D4 form as well for you.
- Theory revision access.
- If needed, a theory revision account will be issued to you. Once your login credentials have been received, you can revise for the relevant theory test(s).
- The following are booked on your behalf at a location convenient to you.
- **Multiple Choice Theory tests.
- **Hazard Perception Theory test booked.
- **Module 2 Theory test
- Driver Training (depending on your chosen options):
- 3.5 hour single session
- ***14 hours of training
- ***17.5 hours of training
- ***20 hours of driver training
- 3a (off-road) exercises & test with a DVSA approved 3a examiner at 2 Start.
- 3b (on-road) practical driving test with an official DVSA examiner.
- Thorough training, which is conducted by an experienced & qualified Class 2 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 our own Cat C rigid lorries to provide essential experience and skills if you haven’t driven a Cat C vehicle prior to your course.
- Use of our modern air-conditioned classrooms to make your training experience 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 (for 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.
*** Will include test time if applicable.
Course Benefits
Accredited Training Centre
DVSA Approved Training Areas
Experienced Instructors
Use of our Category C Vehicle
Course Durations
3.5 Hours
14 Hours
17.5 Hours
20 Hours
Durations available for this specific course.
Vehicle Requirements
To gain your provisional entitlement and begin Category C licence acquisition, you must be:
- at least 18 years old
- hold a valid Category B (car) licence
You will also need to complete a medical assessment to ensure that you are fit to operate a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV)
Ongoing Requirements
Once you successfully obtain your Category C licence, and if you are planning to drive for hire or reward, you must first complete the initial Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) training & testing. This consists of the MOD 2 theory & MOD 4 practical demonstration training & test. Once this is successfully completed, you will then need to complete 35 hours of driver CPC every 5 years to remain compliant. If your not driving for a living and classed as a hobby driver, you don’t need to complete CPC training and test.
Please note that you are not allowed to complete the same CPC topic more than once within the 5-year window, otherwise it will not be counted towards your driver hours requirement.
Test Requirements
Throughout your Category C course, you will be required to complete a test at each stage of your HGV training journey. Although, this is dependent on any tests you may have already completed prior to booking your course with us. The tests are set as a combination of both theory and practical elements.
- For your medical examination, this will be conducted by a qualified medical examiner, either a local doctor or GP who will also complete the D4 form.
- The theory and MOD 2 CPC part of your course will include the case studies, multiple choice, hazard perception and initial CPC tests. These are completed on a PC in a controlled test environment, which will be at a testing facility convenient to you.
- The Driver CPC part 4 (MOD 4) element of the course is a 30 minute practical safety demonstration, checking the vehicles external and internal safety and security levels are up to standard. Each student will be asked a selection of questions while walking around a stationary vehicle.
- The 3a (off-road) reversing test is conducted by a 2 Start DVSA approved examiner. This test will take place at one of our DVSA approved testing areas, which you will have used for practicing throughout your training course. The 3a test will require you to implement your training and demonstrate to the examiner that you can manoeuvre the Cat C vehicle to the standards outlined by the DVSA. You will also be required to conduct an “S” shaped reversing manoeuvre.
- The 3b (on-road) driving test is conducted by an official DVSA examiner who you will meet in our reception area. The examiner will confirm your credentials and then begin your practical test for the Category C rigid LGV. You will drive a set route, along with numerous challenges to test your driving abilities. These will cover Urban, Rural and Dual Carriageway driving to allow the examiner to see you demonstrate your competency to drive and manoeuvre the vehicle safely, in line with the laws & legislations of UK roads. To pass, you must successfully drive with no more than 12 driving faults or any serious driver faults or more than 4 recurring minor faults (which can be deemed a major by the examiner).
Further Training
Other training to consider if you want to upskill includes:
- Driver CPC training (only applicable to those who drive professionally)
- Upskilling to gain your Category C+E entitlement
- Completing ADR training to transport hazardous goods by road
- Obtain your Lorry Mounted Crane ALLMI certification
Earning Potential
Reputable Salary Checkers estimate the following for a truck driver across the South Coast:
While all efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, we suggest conducting your own research and use these figures for information purposes only.
Who is this course for?
The Category C licence is for anyone who is looking to join the road haulage industry, whether they are joining a business, or looking to start up their own.
As long as you are over 18 years old and hold a full, valid driving licence, then anyone can go ahead and begin their Class 2 training journey (permitting you successfully pass the medical assessment).
What can I drive with a Class 2 licence?
Once you have successfully passed your Category C licence you will be allowed to drive a rigid vehicle over 7.5 tonnes, with a trailer weighing up to 750Kg. You will also receive a full C1 entitlement on your licence as well.
What will you receive upon successful completion of this course?
Once you successfully pass your Class 2 LGV test, you will be handed your Category C pass certificate by the examiner.
The examiner will ask you if you would like them to send your licence off to have the entitlement updated, or you could send your licence off yourself. If you need to complete your Mod 4, or are hiring a car, you will need to retain your licence and then you can send your licence off at your convenience.
You can drive a Category C vehicle immediately after successfully passing your Class 2 test, as well as drive for up to two years with your pass certificate subject to insurances. If you don’t update your licence within the two years of passing, your certificate will become invalid and you will lose your entitlement.
You must then send your driving licence to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) so that they can update your category entitlements to include Category C.
Once you receive your updated licence, you will have the “Category C” entitlement on the back of your driving licence card.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Category C driver training?
Category C driver training is designed for individuals who want to drive rigid vehicles with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) over 3.5 tonnes but do not require a vehicle with a trailer. This training is essential for those seeking to obtain a Category C (or Class 2) heavy goods vehicle (HGV) license. Anyone who plans to drive large lorries, delivery trucks, or other heavy vehicles for professional purposes needs to complete Category C driver training before obtaining their license.
How long will Category C driver training take?
The duration of Category C driver training typically ranges from a few days to an intensive couple of weeks training, depending on the individual’s experience and comfort level with driving large vehicles. The training includes both practical driving lessons and theoretical tests. Drivers will learn how to handle a variety of vehicle types, perform essential vehicle checks, and understand road safety regulations. Additionally, candidates must pass the required medical examination and theory test before starting their practical training sessions.
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THE TEAM5 Past student reviews for Category C
Only logged in students who have purchased this course previously may leave a review.
Tyler Dacre –
Brilliant training provided, made learning and passing as easy as I could’ve hoped.
Tom Tetins –
Very clear; professional, helpful and enforced me with the relevant knowledge on how to drive a rigid.
Rhys Kirby –
Very clear and instructive. Great tips. Helped me pass my reverse test.
Callum Cracknell –
Matt was a good laugh, precise yet offered constructive criticism when needed. 100% would recommend thank you Matt.
Phil Woolford –
Very good and great communications and all good round bloke.