Practical C+E lessons
Develop vehicle control and trailer-handling skills with experienced instructors.
Already hold a Category C licence? Develop the trailer-handling skills for your C+E entitlement with focused Class 2 to Class 1 upgrade training, experienced instructors and a dedicated training adviser.
*Typically 4 hours per day. The 3a test is usually taken on day 2 or 3, with the final driving test after day 4. Your adviser will confirm your booked test arrangements.
C+E adds entitlement to drive a Category C vehicle towing a trailer over 750kg, including articulated lorries and drawbar combinations.
Your rigid-lorry experience gives you a foundation in observation, road planning and vehicle checks. Upgrade training focuses on how the trailer changes steering, positioning, reversing and space management.
You retain your Category C entitlement, so you can continue to pursue rigid HGV roles as well as opportunities using C+E vehicles.
For the standard Category C to C+E upgrade, you do not need a new provisional licence application or to repeat the part 1 theory test.
The upgrade involves training for the vehicle and trailer combination, followed by the part 3a and part 3b practical tests. Your adviser will check your current entitlement and explain the course arrangements.
Our new-driver Class 1 course includes the medical, application and theory stages. Choose that route if you do not already hold full Category C.
Develop vehicle control and trailer-handling skills with experienced instructors.
Practise managing the trailer’s movement and positioning it accurately in the bay.
Learn the checks and safe sequence for connecting and disconnecting the vehicle and trailer.
Work on observation, clearances, junctions and safe decisions in the longer combination.
Get help with course availability, planning and questions through to your driving test.
Your quote sets out the four-day lesson schedule, practical test arrangements and package inclusions.
Your C+E driving test does not replace ongoing Driver CPC or medical-renewal requirements. Tell your adviser about your current qualifications, licence expiry and intended work so the relevant requirements can be checked.
Read our Driver CPC guide ↗From your first enquiry to passing your C+E driving test, your dedicated adviser helps you organise the next stage of your driving career.
Get clear answers, help with the paperwork and someone to turn to as you prepare. Your adviser keeps you informed about what comes next, so you can focus on learning to drive your HGV.
Discuss your current Category C entitlement, experience, location and availability.
Your adviser explains the practical schedule, test arrangements and quoted inclusions.
Ask questions as you prepare and keep track of the next steps in your upgrade.
Build your C+E driving skills over four days, typically four hours per day. This upgrade focuses on driving lessons and practical tests, with no new medical or theory test required for the upgrade.
Build on your rigid HGV experience as you learn the controls, trailer movement, positioning and coupling procedures.
Continue practical driving and reversing preparation. Your off-road 3a test is usually taken on day 2 or 3.
Refine your observation, road positioning and vehicle control, with your instructor focusing on the areas you need to practise.
Complete the on-road 3b driving test after your four days of lessons. Your adviser will confirm the test date and arrangements.
Test scheduling can vary by location and availability. Your course plan will confirm the booked arrangements.
Your upgrade lessons build on your existing HGV knowledge while developing the judgement and control needed for the vehicle and trailer combination.
Your instructor helps you practise the areas that need attention and prepare for the test standard.
The off-road test covers an S-shaped reverse into a bay and the uncoupling and recoupling procedure for the trailer. It lasts up to 30 minutes.
After passing part 3a, you take the on-road test. This includes vehicle safety questions and an hour of road driving, assessing control, observation and safe decisions.
Add articulated and trailer-based roles to your existing rigid HGV options. C+E work can include store deliveries, distribution networks and freight movements, with local, regional and longer-distance opportunities.
Earn up to £50,000 a yearIndicative earning potential based on our recruitment team’s experience. Earnings vary by experience, location, employer and shift pattern; this is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Class 1 work can include local and regional runs as well as longer journeys. Your adviser and recruitment team can help you understand the options.
Move stock between distribution centres and stores, with daytime and night-shift opportunities depending on the employer.
Transport trailers between logistics hubs. Some roles involve regular routes; others offer varied destinations and nights away.
Explore work connecting ports, terminals and distribution sites. Employers may ask for experience or additional site training.
Our in-house recruitment team helps you present your existing driving experience alongside your new C+E qualification. Get CV support, local job-market advice and employer connections; employers decide on experience requirements and job offers.
Explore our recruitment support ↗Explore national training options for your Class 2 to Class 1 upgrade. Tell us your postcode or town and your adviser will explain local availability.
Find Class 1 training by postcode or town ↗Lesson meeting points vary by area. Our team will explain your local arrangements when planning your course.
Read reviews from Drive HGV learners across the UK.
Request a personalised upgrade quote. It will explain the practical training schedule, test arrangements and package inclusions for your location and requirements.
For the standard Category C to C+E upgrade, you do not need to repeat the part 1 theory test.
No new provisional application is required for the standard C to C+E upgrade. Your existing entitlement should still be checked when arranging the course.
The upgrade course is four days, typically four hours per day. The off-road 3a test is usually taken on day 2 or 3, with the final on-road driving test after day 4. Your adviser will confirm the booked arrangements.
This course is for drivers who already hold full Category C entitlement. Tell us how much recent driving you have done so we can discuss suitable practical preparation.
The upgrade requires the part 3a off-road test and the part 3b on-road driving test in the appropriate vehicle combination.
No. Gaining C+E entitlement is separate from maintaining Driver CPC and meeting any licence medical-renewal requirements.
Yes. Your Category C entitlement remains, so you retain rigid HGV options alongside your new C+E entitlement.
Tell us your current licence, driving experience and preferred training location. We’ll explain your upgrade options, pricing and available dates.
A dedicated adviser from your first call through to passing.