Category C1 licence · Local training · Personal support

C1 licence &
7.5-tonne training.
How does it work?

Get your Category C1 licence with C1 HGV training for work, leisure and your next driving goal. Start from a car licence, with experienced instructors and a dedicated adviser from your first call through to passing.

Free C1 course advice

0333 335 5927Local availability. A clear training plan.

Practical C1 trainingAfter the required theory tests
Car to C1No previous HGV experience needed
National training optionsWith expert local guidance

Your adviser will confirm the course schedule and test arrangements for your training location.

See the people behind your training

Watch our Category C1 training course overview

A closer look before you book

See how your C1 training course combines practical driving lessons, instructor guidance and preparation for your new career.

Your adviser can answer questions about the training package and help you plan your next step.

Get C1 course advice ↗
Know your vehicle. Choose your licence.

What can you drive with a C1 licence?

Drive HGV C1 licence training vehicle

C1 covers vehicles over 3.5 tonnes and up to 7.5 tonnes maximum authorised mass, with a trailer up to 750kg.

Maximum authorised mass (MAM) is the vehicle’s permitted fully loaded weight. Check its plated weight, rather than how much it happens to weigh when empty.

C1 can suit delivery vehicles, ambulances, motorhomes and horseboxes within this weight range. For a vehicle above 7.5 tonnes, explore Category C training. A trailer over 750kg requires the appropriate additional entitlement.

Check the official driving licence categories ↗

Your starting point

Do you need to take a C1 driving test?

If you have a full car licence but no C1 entitlement, we can guide you through the steps to your 7.5-tonne licence.

You don’t need previous experience driving larger vehicles. Your lessons build confidence with the vehicle’s dimensions, mirrors and road positioning.

Already have C1 on your licence?

Some drivers who passed their car test before 1 January 1997 already hold C1 entitlement. Check your current licence categories, expiry dates and restriction codes before booking a new licence course.

Tell your adviser which vehicle you want to drive and whether it is for work or personal use, so they can explain the right training and CPC requirements.

Help me choose my C1 course ↗
Support from the start

What’s included in your C1 training course?

Your driver medical

Your medical is included in the new-driver package. We help arrange an appointment, usually available the same or following week after sign-up.

Provisional application support

Your dedicated adviser helps with the paperwork for your provisional HGV entitlement and explains the next steps.

Theory revision & guidance

Get revision resources and practical advice while you prepare for the required theory tests.

Theory test bookings

We arrange the required theory test bookings once your provisional entitlement is back.

C1 driving lessons

Train in the relevant Category C1 vehicle with experienced instructors, building confidence through practical learning.

Practical driving tests

Your course includes the practical tests for your training route, with preparation for the off-road and on-road elements.

Will I need Driver CPC for C1?

Driver CPC depends on how you use the vehicle. Professional delivery driving usually requires it; non-commercial personal use can be exempt. Ambulance-service work has specific exemptions. Your adviser will help you check your intended use and include CPC training and tests where needed.

Read our guide to Driver CPC ↗
Request my course package ↗
One point of contact. Every step.

Your dedicated training adviser

From your first call to passing your C1 driving test, you’ll have a dedicated training adviser guiding you through every stage.

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.

  1. 01 · Getting started

    Getting you started

    Your adviser explains your C1 course options, helps arrange your medical and supports your provisional licence application.

  2. 02 · During your training

    Keeping you on track

    Get guidance on theory revision and bookings, plus help coordinating your practical lessons and test arrangements.

  3. 03 · Through to test day

    With you through to test day

    Ask questions throughout your course and get support as you work towards passing your C1 test.

An easy-to-follow plan

How long does C1 training take?

  1. 01
    Your first call

    Choose your course

    Tell us your current licence, location and the work you’d like to do. Your dedicated adviser helps plan your route to C1.

  2. 02
    Usually same or next week

    Complete your medical

    We help arrange your included driver medical, so you can move forward with your provisional application.

  3. 03
    Allow around 2 weeks

    Apply & start revising

    Send your provisional application to DVLA with our guidance. Use the processing time to prepare for your theory tests.

  4. 04
    Typically booked 2–3 weeks ahead

    Pass your theory tests

    Once your provisional entitlement is back, we arrange your theory tests. Continue your revision with support from our team.

  5. 05
    Practical C1 course

    Practical lessons & tests

    Develop your rigid lorry driving skills and prepare for the practical tests. Your adviser will confirm your practical test arrangements.

  6. 06
    Recruitment support

    Get ready for your driving career

    Our in-house team helps with your CV, local work opportunities and connections with employers.

Practical skills. Personal guidance.

What will you learn in your C1 driving lessons?

Drive HGV C1 driving instructor and training vehicle

Your C1 driving lessons develop the observation, judgement and vehicle control needed to drive a rigid HGV safely and confidently.

  • Daily vehicle checks and safety preparation
  • Mirrors, observation and awareness of other road users
  • Road positioning, junctions and roundabouts
  • Judging vehicle width, height and rear-wheel tracking
  • Controlled reversing into a bay
  • Planning safe approaches to tight entrances and parking areas

Your instructor helps you practise the areas that need attention and prepare for the test standard.

Part 3a · Off-road

Controlled reversing into a bay

For Category C1, the off-road test assesses an S-shaped reverse into a bay. Your instructor helps you practise observation, control and accurate positioning.

Part 3b · On-road

Safe driving in real traffic

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.

Ask about C1 driving lessons ↗
A licence for work and life

Where could your C1 licence take you?

From a new driving role to travelling in a larger motorhome, C1 training helps you use the vehicle that fits your plans.

Choose your licence around the vehicle’s plated weight and the work or activities you want to do. Our team can talk through the requirements before you book.

Drive HGV C1 training fleet

Ambulance & paramedic applicants

C1 entitlement is commonly requested for ambulance roles using vehicles in this weight range. This course covers your driving licence; clinical qualifications, emergency-response training and employer assessments are separate.

Delivery & removals drivers

Train for 7.5-tonne delivery and removals vehicles. These roles can combine driving, customer service and safe loading, with Driver CPC normally required for professional goods driving.

Motorhomes & horseboxes

Drive a motorhome or horsebox over 3.5 tonnes and up to 7.5 tonnes MAM with the appropriate C1 entitlement. Check the vehicle’s weight and any trailer requirements before choosing your course.

Looking for driving work?

  • Professionally rewritten CV
  • Local job-market advice
  • Connections with employers

Our in-house recruitment team helps you present your qualification and explore suitable driving opportunities. Employers set their own experience and recruitment requirements.

Explore our recruitment support ↗
National options. Local expertise.

Looking for C1 training near you?

Explore Category C1 training in towns, cities and regions across Great Britain, with local instructors and a dedicated adviser organising your training journey.

Find C1 training by postcode or town ↗

Lesson meeting points vary by area. Our team will explain your local arrangements when planning your course.

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What our learners say

Read reviews from Drive HGV learners across the UK.

Before you get started

C1 training questions, answered

How much does C1 training cost?

Request a personalised quote for your C1 licence course. Your adviser will explain the medical, theory support, practical lessons and tests included, plus Driver CPC where needed.

Is C1 the same as a 7.5-tonne licence?

Yes. C1 is commonly called the 7.5-tonne licence. It covers vehicles over 3.5 tonnes and up to 7.5 tonnes maximum authorised mass, with a trailer up to 750kg.

Do I need C1 for an ambulance job?

Many ambulance roles require C1 entitlement because of the vehicle weight. Check the role’s licence requirements with the employer. C1 training does not replace clinical qualifications or emergency-response driver training.

Can I drive a motorhome with C1?

C1 covers motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes and up to 7.5 tonnes MAM. For heavier motorhomes, a different entitlement is needed. Check your vehicle’s plated weight and your current licence categories.

Can I drive a horsebox with C1?

C1 can cover a horsebox over 3.5 tonnes and up to 7.5 tonnes MAM. The vehicle must remain within its permitted laden weight. Towing a trailer may require a different entitlement.

Do I already have C1 if I passed before 1997?

You may already have C1 entitlement if you passed your car test before 1 January 1997. Check your current licence, restriction codes and expiry dates before booking.

How long does it take to get a C1 licence?

Your adviser will confirm your practical course schedule. For new licence applicants, the whole process typically takes around 6–8 weeks, depending on medical appointments, DVLA processing, theory progress and test availability.

Do I need Driver CPC for personal use?

Non-commercial personal use can be exempt from Driver CPC. Professional goods driving usually requires CPC, while other specific exemptions may apply. Tell your adviser how you plan to use the vehicle so the correct requirements can be checked.

Do I need experience driving a larger vehicle?

No previous large-vehicle experience is needed. You will need a full car licence and the appropriate provisional entitlement before practical training. Your instructor helps you build safe vehicle control and observation skills.

Your next move

Get your personalised C1 training plan

Tell us where you want to train and which licence you currently hold. We’ll explain your Category C1 course options, pricing and available dates.

A dedicated adviser from your first call through to passing.