A C1 licence allows drivers to operate vehicles between 3,500kg and 7,500kg, such as ambulances, delivery trucks and removal vans. Training with HGV Learning covers both the theory and practical tests, ensuring you are ready to drive these vehicles safely and professionally.
A C1 licence lets you drive rigid vehicles between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes, plus a small trailer. It is usually the first step into commercial driving, and covers everything from parcel delivery to ambulances and horseboxes.
C1 training at a glance
- Minimum age: 18, with a full car (Category B) licence
- Vehicle weight: 3.5 to 7.5 tonnes, plus a trailer up to 750kg
- Medical: a D4 medical exam is required if you passed your car test after 1 January 1997
- Driver CPC: needed for commercial use, but not for private use such as horseboxes, motorhomes or charity vehicles
- Typical roles: multi-drop delivery, ambulance driving, refuse and recycling, horsebox and mobile library work
You need to be at least 18 and hold a full car licence. If you passed your car test before 1 January 1997, you already have C1 entitlement on your licence and do not need to test again. If you passed after that date, you will need a D4 medical exam and to pass the C1 theory and practical tests.
Training is built around getting you to a safe, confident standard on a 3.5 to 7.5 tonne vehicle. Click each section below for what it covers.
Before practical training, you complete a D4 medical exam and the C1 theory tests, covering hazard perception and multiple choice questions on road safety, vehicle checks and commercial driving regulations.
Most C1 courses take 3 to 5 days of intensive practical tuition, covering vehicle safety checks, manoeuvring and safe on-road driving in a rigid vehicle within the 3.5 to 7.5 tonne weight range.
If you plan to drive commercially, you will also need a Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence). Private use, such as a horsebox, motorhome or charity vehicle, is exempt. We can help you work out whether you need it for the work you have in mind.
Cost depends on your prior driving experience and how much practical tuition you need to reach test standard. See our C1 licence training cost guide for a full breakdown, or contact us for a tailored quote.
C1 is the entry point into commercial driving, covering vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes. If you want to drive larger rigid lorries, a Cat C licence covers vehicles up to around 32 tonnes, and a C+E licence covers articulated lorries with no upper weight limit. Many drivers start with C1 for roles like multi-drop delivery, then progress once they know which direction they want their career to go.
C1 opens up roles across multi-drop delivery, ambulance driving, refuse and recycling, horsebox transport, mobile library and outreach services, and trades that use a larger van or plant vehicle. See our guide on how to become an ambulance driver for one common route into C1 work.
Yes, if you passed your car test on or after 1 January 1997. If you passed before that date, you already hold C1 entitlement without a medical.
Only if you plan to drive commercially. Private use, such as a horsebox or motorhome, is exempt.
Most courses run 3 to 5 days of intensive practical training, depending on your prior driving experience.
Rigid vehicles between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes, plus a small trailer up to 750kg. This covers most box vans, curtainsiders and ambulances.
We provide part payment options or up to 12 months payment plan, with the option to pay sooner if you wish.
16/10/2026
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Our training courses cover both practical and theoretical aspects of driving, using real-life scenarios and examples to help students understand the concepts they need to know to become a safe and competent driver.
A C1 licence allows drivers to operate vehicles between 3,500kg and 7,500kg, such as ambulances, delivery trucks and removal vans. Training with HGV Learning covers both the theory and practical tests, ensuring you are ready to drive these vehicles safely and professionally.
A C+E licence, also known as a Class 1 HGV licence, allows drivers to operate the largest and most complex commercial vehicles. This includes articulated lorries and other combinations where the trailer exceeds 750kg. It is the next step up from a Cat C licence and is essential for long-distance and international haulage roles.
A cat C licence allows an individual to drive medium-sized lorries, also known as rigid vehicles, with a maximum weight of around 32 tonnes.
This type of commercial driver’s licence is a requirement for operating vehicles that are commonly used for transporting goods and materials over medium distances.
Drivers must hold an ADR licence to transport hazardous goods such as fuel, chemicals, gases and flammable liquids. Carrying these loads without the correct licence is illegal. As a result, ADR training with HGV Learning is essential for anyone entering this area of work.
Our courses prepare drivers to pass the official exams and to manage dangerous substances safely in real-world situations. In addition, training gives learners the confidence to deal with emergencies and meet all regulatory standards.
Hiab training is essential for drivers who operate lorry-mounted cranes used to load and unload heavy goods. These cranes are common in construction, utilities and logistics, where safe handling of equipment and materials is a daily requirement. Our courses prepare drivers to use Hiab vehicles safely and to meet industry accreditation standards.
A telescopic handler, often called a telehandler, is one of the most widely used machines in construction, agriculture and logistics. It combines the features of a forklift and a crane, making it versatile for lifting, moving and placing loads. Our telescopic handler training prepares learners to operate this equipment safely and to gain recognised certification for employment in these industries.
