What Are the Different HGV Licences

If you are aiming to become an HGV driver, then having a standard driving licence is a good place to start. However, you will need more of this in order to be in charge of a truck. So, let’s take a look at the different HGV licences that you can apply for and what type of trucks these will enable you to drive.

Category C1 HGV licence

The entry-level HGV licence is the category C1 licence. This allows drivers to be in charge of vehicles weighing between 3,500kg and 7,500kg maximum authorised mass (MAM) with a trailer of up to 750kg. This covers smaller goods vehicles like smaller trucks, large Luton vans, large cargo vans and ambulances.

This is a useful licence for any small trucks and large vans typically used for things like light haulage or transport duties and is often the starting point for anyone wanting a career in HGV driving.

Category C1+E licence

The next level up of HGV licences is the Category C1+E. This covers the Category C1 vehicles with a trailer of over 750kg, but with a combined maximum weight of 12,000kg.

This can cover things like:

• Delivery driving
• Removal driving
• Events and catering services
• Horsebox and livestock transporters
• Construction and landscaping
• Emergency and utility services

It is an ideal licence for anyone wanting to transport larger loads and gives greater flexibility when it comes to the cargo weight and size. This gives drivers much greater professional versatility and means that they have many more markets that they can work in.

Category C licence

The Category C licence, also known as a Class 2 licence, allows drivers to operate vehicles over 3,500kg with a trailer of up to 750kg.

As there is no upper weight limit, it has become the standard licence for driving any rigid vehicles and is essential for those wanting to work with delivery trucks, refuse collection vehicles and other medium-sized vehicles that transport goods. Usually, HGV drivers will apply for their Category C licence before obtaining a Category C+E licence, though it is possible to take both at the same time if you wish.

Category C+E licence

The top HGV licence is the Category C+E licence, which is sometimes known as a Class 1 licence. This allows a driver to operate an HGV over 3,500kg with a trailer exceeding 750kg maximum authorised mass.

This covers articulated lorries, which consist of a tractor unit and detachable trailer for transporting long distance goods as well as road trains, which are longer combination vehicles. This licence also allows you to drive tanker vehicles, which can carry liquids, gases or dry bulk cargo and flatbed lorries with trailers for transporting heavy or oversized goods.

In addition to this, holders of the Category C+E licence can drive low loaders, which are specialised for transporting heavy machinery. This type of licence gives a driver the flexibility to drive a wide range of different heavy vehicles, meaning that they can work in logistics, construction and specialised transport services among many other industries.

Choosing which licence to apply for will depend on the area in which you wish to work. It is important to remember that you must be at least 18 years of age and hold a full car driving licence before you can begin HGV training.

You will also be required to pass a medical examination and the Drivers Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), which will need to be renewed every five years. Each licence requires a theory and practical test in order to check that you meet all the necessary criteria.

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