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Cat C1+E Driver Training

Cat C1+E HGV Driver Training

What is Cat C1?

Similar to the category C1 licence, the category C1+E allows drivers to drive vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, not exceeding 7.5 tonnes – but now gives you the ability to tow heavy trailers. This could include for example, a horsebox lorry towing a horse trailer, a motorhome towing a car, a utilities vehicle rated at 4.2 tonnes towing a digger rated at 2 tonnes. A category C1+E licence allows the  combined Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of both vehicle and trailer to be 12,000kgs (max 7500kg for the vehicle and 4500kg for the trailer).

The Process

Note – You can go straight for your category C1+E licence without having to pass your C1 test first.  Passing your C1+E will upgrade your licence to include C1 automatically.

The process varies for the following:

  • Those who have C1+E through grandfather rights
  • Those who already have Cat C1
  • Those who do not have Cat C1

Those who have C1+E through grandfather rights

Drivers who passed their Category B (car licence) test before 1st January 1997 will benefit from acquired rights (also referred to as grandfathering rights). This means that these group of drivers already have the C1+E entitlement on their driving licence. However, the C1+E licence granted through acquired rights has a restriction code 107 attached to it meaning that you are restricted to a combined weight of not greater than 8250kgs. Therefore, if you wanted to drive any combination in excess of this weight up to a maximum combination of 12 tonnes, you would need to take the C1+E test, as well as pass the theory tests beforehand.

Those who already have Cat C1

As you have already passed the theory tests and C1 practical test, you do not need to retake the theory tests again to gain your C1+E licence. You can go straight for the C1+E practical training .

Those who do not have Cat C1

As this would be your first step up from your car licence you would be starting the initial process from scratch.

  • If you have not done so yet, apply for the D2 & D4 application pack to add provisional entitlement. You can do this at Just apply online at https://contact.dvla.gov.uk/order-dvla-forms and scroll down to near the bottom of the page.
  • Get a medical carried out for the D4 form. Unlike some training companies, we do not offer the medical for the simple reason being is there are lots of companies out there offering just this! Search for “HGV Medical” and you will see for yourself! Going to them directly will save you money as most training schools charge you for this on top of the doctor’s costs! More info about the forms can be found here: D2 & D4 Forms Explained
  • Once you have your provisional licence back, get the theory tests booked and completed – these must be passed before you can apply for the 3A & 3B practical tests.

Passed your theory? this is where we come into play!

The Practical Test is made up of:

  • Module 3A: Reversing exercise in an S-shaped pattern into a bay, along with an uncoupling & recoupling exercise, completed in-house.
  • Module 3B: On-road driving test in the Guildford area, completed on the final day of training.

The Module 3A reversing exercise must be passed before the Module 3B On-Road test. It consists of reversing the vehicle in a S shaped pattern into a bay, followed by an uncoupling & recoupling exercise. The test is carried out in-house, but DVSA regulations state that we are not allowed to train and test the same candidate,  so Matt will work alongside another trainer who will conduct the test. The training is normally carried out in small groups – or individually where needed.

Module 3B is the on-road driving test. Being a higher category the standard required for the on-road test is higher than the car test, but Matt’s training program will give you time to improve your driving skills, lose any bad habits that may have crept in, and also give you vital test route familiarisation along with all the hotspots that have the potential to cause issues to the unsuspecting!

The on-road training is carried out on a ONE-TO-ONE basis, whereas with most other training companies you will be paired up with someone else so effectively you only get half the training time they state!

During your practical on-road driving, the examiner will be looking at various aspects including:

  • Use the vehicle controls
  • Move away at an angle, uphill and downhill
  • Pull up in various safe locations.
  • Use of mirrors and general observation
  • Give appropriate signals
  • Show awareness and anticipation of other road users’ intentions
  • Manage your progress and control your vehicle speed
  • Deal with hazards

There will also be 10 minutes of independent driving, designed to test your ability to drive safely while making independent decisions.

The overall drive is 1 hour in total – that’s a long time to keep every aspect of your driving spot-on and not lose any concentration!

The Vehicle

For Cat C1+E training, we use our Volkswagen Crafter CR50, rated at 5 tonnes gross weight, as used for our C1 training but also with a trailer meeting the DVSA specifications (a box or caged covered trailer, with a MAM of at least 2000kg, and loaded with a DVSA approved weight of at least 600kg, either by bags of aggregate, or an IBC water container.)

Flexible Course Options

  • Two-Day Course: For confident manual car drivers – and are experienced with trailers, a two-day is generally sufficient.
  • Extended Courses: For those less confident in manual driving, have little experience since passing their car test, or have little/no experience with trailers, longer training courses are available. Contact us to discuss your needs.

Pass Protection: For just £200, you can add Pass Protection, which includes an additional two hours of training and a re-test if needed.

Do I need Driver CPC?

If you are going to be driving the vehicle for hire, reward or for commercial purposes (for instance for work), you must also pass Modules 2 and 4 to complete the driver CPC initial qualification. You will be issued with a driver qualification card which must be carried at all times when driving. Module 2 is carried out at a theory test centre and Module 4 is carried out in-house.

If you do not wish to drive the vehicle for hire or reward or your use of the vehicle is exempt from driver CPC you are only required to pass the (Modules 1A & 1B ) and the practical driving tests (Modules 3A & 3B). For instance, you don’t need CPC for NHS Ambulance Service, Motorhome or Private Horse Lorry. More details on this can be found at https://www.gov.uk/become-lorry-bus-driver/when-you-dont-need-driver-cpc

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