C1 (7.5t) vs C: Which Licence Suits Your Career?

Choosing between C1 and C is really about the type of vehicle you want to drive now — and where you’d like your career to go next. This guide breaks down the entitlements, jobs each licence opens up, the training route, and how to decide what’s right for you.

At a glance

C1 (3.5–7.5 tonnes MAM, trailer up to 750kg): lets you drive medium-sized goods vehicles such as 7.5-tonne box vans and some ambulances. It’s ideal for local delivery roles and sector-specific jobs that explicitly require 7.5t.
C (over 3.5 tonnes MAM rigid, trailer up to 750kg): covers larger rigids (for example 18–26t refuse trucks, tippers and curtain-siders) and is a clearer springboard to C+E later.

What each category lets you drive (UK)

C1 – vehicles between 3,500kg and 7,500kg MAM, with a trailer up to 750kg. If you need a heavier trailer with C1, you’ll be looking at C1E (combined MAM typically capped at 12,000kg).

C (often called ‘Class 2’) – any rigid vehicle over 3,500kg MAM, with a trailer up to 750kg. If you later need a heavier trailer behind a C vehicle, that’s CE.

Who is C1 best for?

Roles where the vehicle fleet is 7.5t by design, such as some local multi-drop contracts, small removals, utilities, and certain ambulance services.
Drivers stepping up from car-based roles who want a lighter vehicle and a narrower scope of duties.
Pre-1997 car test holders who already have C1 on their licence (via ‘grandfather rights’) and want to use it for work — though you’ll still need Driver CPC to drive professionally.

Bottom line: Pick C1 if your target job specifically requires 7.5t and you don’t need larger rigids.

Who is C best for?

Anyone aiming for maximum employability on rigids (18–26t), including municipal, construction, retail distribution and pallet network work.
Drivers who want a straightforward progression path to C+E (artics) later. You can move directly to C without taking C1 first.

Bottom line: Choose C if you want the widest choice of rigid jobs now and the easiest step to artics later.

Age, medical and professional qualifications

To train as an HGV driver you must hold a full car licence and be 18 or over (there are specific exceptions), then gain the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) if you’ll be driving for hire or reward.

You’ll also need a Group 2 medical (form D4) for your vocational provisional entitlement. Group 2 entitlements are subject to periodic medical renewal rules; check the official guidance if you’re approaching key age thresholds.

The training and test route (C1 and C)

Apply for provisional + medical
Order and complete D2 (provisional application) and D4 (medical). The DVLA pack is available by post; some doctors can complete both medical and vision sections, or you may use an optician for the eyesight part.

2. Module 1: Theory
Multiple-choice and hazard perception tests. You must pass Module 1 before booking practical tests.

3. Module 3a & 3b: Practical driving

3a off-road manoeuvres (reverse, etc.).
3b on-road driving (independent driving, junctions, positioning and so on).
You must pass 3a before taking 3b.
Driver CPC Initial Qualification (for professional driving)
Module 2: Case Studies (theory).
Module 4: Practical Demonstration (safety, load security, walk-round checks).
Professional drivers must pass Modules 2 & 4 in addition to licence acquisition.

5. After you’ve qualified
Complete 35 hours of periodic CPC every 5 years to stay compliant.

Can I work before finishing all the CPC tests?

Possibly. The National Vocational Training (NVT) concession can let you drive professionally for up to 12 months while you complete the Driver CPC (Modules 2 & 4), provided you meet the conditions and are on an approved programme. Always check eligibility and apply correctly; the official GOV.UK page and guidance form set out the rules and timelines.

Do you already have C1 without realising?

If you passed your car test before 1 January 1997, the UK’s historic rules granted C1 entitlement without a separate test. Those drivers kept ‘grandfather rights’ when the regime changed; check your photocard to confirm what you hold. (If you intend to drive professionally, you still need Driver CPC.)

Career routes and progression

With C1 you’ll target 7.5t roles: local multi-drop, certain NHS or private ambulance fleets, small removals, and specialist vans. It’s a good fit if your employer specifically uses 7.5t and you don’t need larger rigids.
With C you can take on 18–26t rigids across waste, construction, retail distribution and trunking — and you have a clean step to C+E once you’re ready. Many drivers build time on rigids before upgrading to artics for higher earning potential and wider routes.

Common questions

Do I need to pass C1 before C?
No. You can go straight to Category C; C1 is not a prerequisite.

What about trailers?

C1 allows a trailer up to 750kg; heavier trailers require C1E (combined MAM usually capped at 12,000kg).
C allows a trailer up to 750kg; heavier trailers require CE.

How old do I need to be?
Generally 18+ to become an HGV driver (with specific exceptions). To drive professionally, you must also complete the Driver CPC initial qualification (or use NVT where eligible).

How do I keep my qualification valid?
Do 35 hours of periodic CPC every 5 years. Keep an eye on medical renewals for Group 2 licences.

Which should you choose?

Choose C1 if your target job explicitly states 7.5t or you’re entering a sector where fleets are limited to that size.
Choose C if you want the broadest choice of rigid work and a straightforward upgrade to C+E later.

If you’re unsure, Category C usually offers greater flexibility in today’s market — and it doesn’t stop you working towards C+E once you’ve banked experience.

Train with L&T Transport Training Services

At L&T Transport Training Services, we’ll map your route from enquiry to pass — whether that’s C1 for a specific 7.5t role or C for wider opportunities. We can help with D2/D4 guidance, book your theory and practical tests in sequence, and deliver focused on-road training and CPC preparation so you’re ready for real-world work. If you need advice on C1 vs C for a particular employer or contract, we’re happy to talk it through and recommend the best route for your goals.