What does C mean on driving licence? (2023)

What is the difference between C and C1 driving licence?

'C1 and 'C' licences

If the vehicle has a MAM between 3.5 tonnes and 7.5 tonnes then a category 'C1' LGV driving licence is needed, however, if the (MAM) is more than 7.5 tonnes then a category 'C' LGV driving licence is needed.

Category C

You can drive vehicles over 3,500kg (with a trailer up to 750kg MAM ).

The class 'C+E' licence replaced the older class I licence in 1997 and passing the 'C+E' test is a requirement for operating an articulated vehicle or a rigid vehicle towing a large trailer. Without the 'C+E' licence you are limited to towing a 750 Kg gross weight trailer.

A C1 driving licence means that you can drive a rigid vehicle up to 7.5 tonnes and a trailer up to 750 Kg. So, if you obtain a C1 driving licence then you can drive a medium-size vehicle over 3,500 kg up to 7,500 kg.

A class C – Car licence lets you drive: vehicles including cars, utes, vans, some light trucks and car-based motor tricycles. You can also drive tractors and certain implements such as graders. vehicles up to 4.5 tonne Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM)

If you passed your practical car test (licence category B) before January 1, 1997, you also acquired licence categories BE, C1, C1E, D1 and D1E (see below for entitlements). However, drivers who passed their car test after January 1, 1997, receive a driving licence with entitlement to drive category B vehicles only.

However, if you want to drive a bus of any kind (with or without a trailer), you need a few more qualifications, Mainly, you need a CAT D licence as a base, and a CAT D+E if you want to attach a trailer to that bus.

With a category C1 licence, you can drive any van up to the weight of 7.5 tonnes, which gives you plenty of scope for lots of different vehicles.

Applying for a C1 driving licence involves completing three theory tests. These include a multiple-choice test, hazard perception test and a case study. The multiple-choice test has 100 questions covering how to safely and proficiently drive large vehicles. The pass mark required is 85 out of 100.

A driver cannot be granted C+E provisional entitlement without first holding a category C driving licence. Likewise in the subcategory they must first pass C1 before being granted the provisional entitlement to drive a C1+E vehicle combination.

Can I drive a lorry on a car Licence?

Confusion often comes about from the incorrect use of the term LGV, as some people think it stands for Light Goods Vehicles to drive pickup trucks and vans, with a gross vehicle weight of under 3500kg. In fact you can drive up to 3500kg (3.5 tonnes) with your car driving licence – category 'B' entitlement.

The large goods vehicle licence is shown as category C on your driving licence and allows you to drive any rigid vehicle, it is often referred to as 18 ton. The minimum age is 18 if you are going to work with the license and you must complete an initial driver cpc theory and practical test to attain the licence.

From January 1997 drivers must have a medical when applying for a provisional licence for the C1 category and must renew their medical every 5 years from 45 up to 65, then annually from 65. Vehicles weighing between 3,500kg-7500kg with a trailer over 750kg.

Lorry, bus and minibus licence holders

This affects you if you have passed driving tests for categories C1, C, D1, D, C1E, CE, D1E or DE. Once you've been issued with a 5 year licence you'll need to renew the licence when it expires - the licence expiry date is shown in 4b.

You need to have a C1 Category licence to drive a 7.5-tonne lorry. This hgv licence is not the same as a Category B car licence, however, you might be able to get a C1 licence automatically if you have a normal car licence, depending upon the date that you got your driving licence.

If you passed your driving test on or after January 1997 you can drive vehicles up to 3,500kg MAM, with up to 8 passenger seats, plus a trailer up to 750kg. You can also tow heavier trailers if the vehicle and trailer MAM is not more than 3.500kg.

A Class B CDL lets you drive a single vehicle weighing 26,001 pounds or more without a trailer. It also allows you to operate any vehicle towing a trailer that weighs less than 10,000 pounds. The following types of vehicles may be driven with a Class B: Straight trucks.

A Class B is usually smaller and more fuel-efficient than a Class C. Because of its size and car-like characteristics, some consider a Class B easier to drive. A Class C offers more interior living space and more exterior storage.

What is the difference between a Class 1 and Class 2 Lorry Licence? A Class 1 C+E lorry is an articulated vehicle that bends in the middle and can weigh up to 44 tonne. A Class 2 lorry is any rigid vehicle over 7.5 and up to 32 tonne.

Renewing your C1 or D1 licence categories

If you wish to renew your C1 or D1 licence categories, you cannot renew your licence online and must send the filled in reminder form by post. You must also include the 'medical examination report' (DLM1 form) filled in by a doctor, in support of your application.

How do I renew my C1 license at 70?

Once you reach 70, you must renew every 3 years. You can change the licence photo at the same time as renewing your licence. You cannot use this service to renew a C1 (medium-sized vehicles) or D1 (minibus) entitlement - you must do this by post.

To become a heavy goods vehicle ( HGV ), bus or coach driver you need to: have a full car licence. be over 18 - but there are some exceptions. get a professional driving qualification called the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence ( CPC )

Gov website, you can legally drive any vehicle, including a minibus with up to 8 passenger seats on a normal car licence and can tow a trailer not exceeding 750kg. This is irrespective of when you passed your driving test or whether or not you have category D1 entitlement.

You do not need to do a test for a lower category first. For example, you do not need to pass a test in a medium-sized lorry (category C1) before you can take a test in a medium-sized lorry with a trailer (category C1E). If you pass the test to get a full car licence (B), you will automatically get full BE entitlement.

Light vehicles

Category B1. A B1 driving licence is the category that allows you to drive light four-wheeled quadricycles up to 400kg unladen or 550kg if the vehicle is designed to carry goods.

The final step you must complete before attending our a C1 training course is to sit and pass your LGV theory test, which can be booked online at the DVSA's website, or by calling the DVSA booking line on 0300 200 1122.

This means that code 10 falls under the C1 category in the new classification system where you are allowed to steer any automobile with less than 16,000 kgs and a trailer of less than 750 kilos. The driver license codes explained were adopted in 1998 and are in operation up to now.

A C1 licence required to drive a motorhome and heavier vehicles is not a given for motorists once they reach the age of 70, at which point they are required to undertake a medical in order to continue to drive vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.

You do not need to do a test for a lower category first. For example, you do not need to pass a test in a medium-sized lorry (category C1) before you can take a test in a medium-sized lorry with a trailer (category C1E). If you pass the test to get a full car licence (B), you will automatically get full BE entitlement.

What do I need to do to get a C1 licence?

From January 1997 drivers must have a medical when applying for a provisional licence for the C1 category and must renew their medical every 5 years from 45 up to 65, then annually from 65. Vehicles weighing between 3,500kg-7500kg with a trailer over 750kg.

Licence requirements

To drive a motorhome with a MAM of between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes, you need a category C1 licence. To drive a motorhome with a MAM of over 7.5 tonnes, you need a category C licence. Check which vehicles you can drive and the licence and age requirements for towing.

The LGV C+E test was formerly known as HGV Class 1. The LGV Category C+E licence will allow drivers to drive any rigid vehicle with a trailer over 750kg (truck and trailer) up to a combined weight of 44 tonnes.

Lorry, bus and minibus licence holders

This affects you if you have passed driving tests for categories C1, C, D1, D, C1E, CE, D1E or DE. Once you've been issued with a 5 year licence you'll need to renew the licence when it expires - the licence expiry date is shown in 4b.

You must have your full car driving licence with C provisional entitlement. You must pass both the LGV Theory Test and the Hazard Perception test (unless you have previously passed your C1 driving test). You may require the Driver CPC Initial Qualification if you want to drive commercially.

*** You can drive C1+E category vehicles at age 18 if one of the following apply: you are learning to drive or taking a driving test for this category or Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) initial qualification. you've passed your driving test and Driver CPC initial qualification.

A 7.5 Tonne driver, or C1 driver, is qualified to drive a vehicle over 3,500kg (C) but below 7,500kg. The '+E' entitles you to add a trailer over 750kg.

Can I Drive a 7.5-tonne lorry on a car licence? You can drive a 7.5-tonne lorry with a car licence if it was issued before 1 January 1997. If it was issued after 1997, you can't legally drive a 7.5-tonne truck without applying and passing a C1 licence test.

Step 2: Provisional C1 licence

In order to make this application, you will need to complete a D2 Application Form, which can be obtained from your local post office, or can be ordered online from the DVLA. There is NO FEE to pay and 10-15 working days later, you should receive your new licence.

Who decides if you are fit to drive?

1) DVLA is legally responsible in deciding if someone is fit to drive.

To pass the DVLA medical you need to show the doctor that there isn't any evidence of persistent alcohol misuse in the last six months. You must also show that there isn't any alcohol dependency in the last 12 months.

A typical motorhome falls into Category B on your driving licence. If you have this, you can drive motorhomes with maximum weights up to 3,500kg – in other words, the majority of motorhomes. However, if you want to drive motorhomes between 3,500kg to 7,500 kg you will need C1 entitlement on your licence.

The standard driving licence issued to a driver passing the test today covers categories B, B1 and BE. This means you can drive a vehicle up to 3,500kg (B) and tow a trailer up to 3,500kg behind it. As a result, many new motorhomes are built with a Maximum Allowable Mass (MAM) of 3,500kg.

Check if you can drive a van

You can drive a van up to 3,500kg if you have a standard car driving licence. View your driving licence information to check what types of vehicles you can drive.