Category C1 Licence

A Category C1 licence allows you to drive vehicles weighing between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes. This licence is ideal for drivers who operate medium-sized vehicles for work or leisure, offering more flexibility and access to a wider range of driving opportunities.

Who Needs a C1 Licence?

A C1 licence is commonly required for:

  • 🚑 Paramedics and ambulance drivers – most ambulances exceed 3.5 tonnes

  • 🚚 Delivery drivers and logistics professionals operating medium-sized vans or trucks

  • 🐴 Horsebox owners transporting horses or equipment

  • 🚐 Motorhome drivers with larger, heavier vehicles

  • ⚙️ Mobile technicians, utility workers, and event crew who transport heavy tools or equipment

If your vehicle’s Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) falls between 3,500kg and 7,500kg, you’ll likely need a Category C1 licence.

Already Have It? Check Your Licence

If you passed your car driving test before 1 January 1997, you probably already have Category C1 entitlement automatically through ‘grandfather rights’. This means you can drive C1 vehicles for private use without taking an additional test.

However, if you plan to drive professionally (for hire or reward), you must complete either:

  • 35 hours (5 days) of Periodic CPC, or

  • The Initial CPC qualification

For Drivers Who Passed After 1 January 1997

If you passed your car test after 1 January 1997, you’ll need to complete the full process to obtain a C1 licence. We’ve made it easy to understand with our ‘Route to the Road’ flowchart, guiding you every step of the way.

Why Get Your C1 Licence?

Holding a C1 licence gives you:

  • Access to more job opportunities in logistics, healthcare, and specialist sectors

  • The ability to drive heavier, more capable vehicles safely and legally

  • A stepping stone toward higher licence categories, such as Category C (Class 2) or C+E (Class 1)

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