Cat C1E – 7.5t + Trailer – Big On Driver Training

Van or trucks that are heavier than 3.5kg are C1 vehicles. So to drive this type of vehicle with a trailer you need C1E entitlement. There is no theory test required for this category of vehicle, as you already hold the C1 category you can gain this Lorry and Trailer entitlement through one of our 3, 4 and 5 day C1E Driver Training Courses, The C1E test is identical to that of the original C1 test only with the addition of a trailer. The only difference from articulated lorry is the weight and size of the vehicle. The courses are designed to meet the needs of all 7.5 tonne Lorry Drivers, from towing trailers for the first time up to the experienced driver wishing to gain this licence category.

If you passed your car test before January 1997, you may hold C1 entitlement but to take C1+E training & test, you must obtain provisional C1+E entitlement and pass LGV theory tests before your driver training and test can be arranged.

And remember driving C1 and C1+E vehicles for a living means you also need Driver CPC. Big On driver training is an accredited provider, when upgrading from C1 to C1+E, your practical driver training can count towards your Driver CPC Periodic Training Hours.

What you be able to drive with Category C1E LGV 7.5 tonne Truck/Van and Trailer Towing Licence

You can drive C1 category vehicles with a trailer over 750kg, but the trailer – when fully loaded – can’t weigh more than the vehicle.

The combined weight of both can’t exceed 12,000kg.

Licences held before 1 January 1997

if you passed your car driving test prior to January 1997 then you will have gained a C1+E licence but this will be restricted to trailers not weighing more than 750kgs (Total train weight of vehicle and trailer can not exceed 8250kgs). If you are required to tow trailers that exceed 750kgs then you will be required to take a C1+E course and test, on passing the test you will be able to tow trailers up to 4500kgs (Total train weight of vehicle and trailer can not exceed 12000kgs). Although you may have the Category C1+E on your current licence you will be required to have a medical to comply with current licensing legislation, apply for a provisional C1+E licence and take a theory test. Once your provisional licence has been approved and returned to you your theory test can be arranged, the theory test is made up of two parts; the multiple-choice part and the hazard perception part. The multiple choice part is delivered using a touch screen computer monitor and a mouse for the hazard perception part, the computer records your responses through the use of a computer mouse button.

Licences held from 1 January 1997

If you passed your car driving test after January 1997 you will have to take a category C1 course and test before progressing on to category C1+E. In order to take a Category C1 course you will be required to undertake a medical examination to comply with the higher medical regulations that this licence category requires which we can arrange for you. Once you have had your medical you will need to apply for your provisional vocational licence.

What you need to do:-

The minimum age for this licence is 18 years old and you must hold a full Cat B (car) and a Provisional Cat C1+E licence.

In order to undertake the training you must first go through the following stages:

Obtain the required application pack D2 & D4 (available from Big On Driver Training free).
Get your doctor or Big On Driver Training doctor to carry out the required medical completing the D4 form.
You complete the D2 provisional Cat C application form.
You send both the D2 & D4 along with both parts of your existing licence to DVLA Swansea. There is NO FEE to pay and 10-15 working days later you should receive your new licence.
Study for the theory test, we can supply the training books and discs for a small fee (optional).
Pass the required theory test. The test is now a two part test and can be sat one after the other.
1. Part 1 – 100 multiple choice questions (you must get 85 correct from the possible 100)
2. Part 2 – Hazard perception 19 film clips from which you must correctly indicate developing hazards. In this part of the test you must achieve a score of 67 out of the available 100.
Having passed the theory/hazard perception tests you can now undertake the practical driver training. Train to the DSA test standard and take the test.
CPC Module 2 – Case Studies Test is a computer-base exercise. Click here for more info
CPC Module 4 – Show me and Tell me exam. Click here for more info