

Category C1+E
From: £1,104.00
Gaining Category C1+E licence allows you to operate a vehicle up to 7.5 tonne Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) capacity, with a trailer attachment of over 750kg. The combined MAM cannot exceed 12,000kg.
Upon obtaining your provisional entitlement for Category C1+E, 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 with a trailer of over 750kg. 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.
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What’s Included
- The Category C1+E entitlement is great for those who are looking to drive a C1 vehicle in their job, but need to also carry a trailer over 750kg.
- Train in one of our modern C1 vehicles, with the use of our box trailer
- Learn the coupling & uncoupling procedure in a controlled environment 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.
- 14, 17.5 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+E 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 & box trailers to provide essential experience and skills if you haven’t driven a C1 vehicle with a trailer 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
NRI B+E Accredited Training Centre
DVSA Approved Training Areas
Experienced Instructors
Van & Trailer Provided
Course Durations
14 Hours
17.5 Hours
21 Hours
Durations available for this specific course.
Vehicle Requirements
To learn to drive a C1+E vehicle, you must be:
- At least 18 years old
- Hold a valid and current full UK driving licence
You must also be deemed medically fit to operate a larger vehicle, in which you will complete a medical examination to deem this so.
Ongoing Requirements
Once you have successfully obtained your C1+E licence, you may complete additional courses to remain compliant when driving a 7.5 tonne vehicle with a trailer attachment.
- Driver Certificate of Professional Competence Training: You must complete 35 hours of periodic driver CPC training every five years if driving professionally. Whether you complete this as a 5-day course, or choose do complete 1-day sessions throughout the five-year period. No two subjects can be completed in the same 5-year window.
Test Requirements
Throughout your training, you will be required to complete a test at each stage (depending on whether you have already completed any of the tests prior to booking your course). The tests are set as a combination of both theory and practical elements.
The 3b (on-road) practical test is conducted by an official DVSA examiner who will meet you in our reception area, confirm your credentials and begin your practical test for the Category C1+E Vehicle. You will drive a specific route, along with varied challenges to show your driving abilities. These will cover Urban, Rural and dual carriage way driving to allow the examiner to see you demonstrate your competency to drive and manoeuvre the vehicle safely and in line with the laws of the 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 fault by the examiner).
For your medical assessment, this will be conducted by a qualified medical examiner, either a local doctor or GP.
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 with a trailer 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+E 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+E licence entitlement include:
- Multi-drop Driver
- Delivery Service
- Recovery Driver
As of September 2024, Total Jobs estimate the average salary for a van driver in the UK is in the range of £26,406 and £32,500 annually.
Who is this course for?
Our Category C1+E courses are for those who are looking to operate a vehicle weighing over 3,500kg, but no more than 7,500kg in Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM), with a trailer attachment weighing over 750Kg.
The Category C1+E licence is used by supermarket delivery drivers or recovery drivers, for example. Also, those who need to drive a horsebox trailer, or anyone who needs to tow a trailer weighing more than 750kg for personal or commercial purposes.
What can I drive with a C1+E licence?
There are several types of C1+E vehicles you can drive with this entitlement.
A commercial van is one example of a vehicle under the C1 category. 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. As long as the combined Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) isn’t more than 12,000kg, otherwise, you will need the Category C licence to operate vehicles weighing over 3,500kg, with a trailer up to 750kg.
What will you receive upon successful completion of this course?
Once you successfully pass your Category C1+E test(s), you will be handed a pass 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+E” entitlement on the back of your driving licence card.
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+E driving licence?
You can apply for a Category C1 and trailer license through the 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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