Class 1 HGV Training - How to get your LGV CAT C+E Licence

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Class 1 Drivers Licence

What Is a Class 1 Drivers Licence?

A Class 1 licence, also referred to as a Cat C+E licence (or CE licence) is a step up from a Cat C or C Class licence. A Class 1 Drivers license allows HGV (heavy goods vehicles) drivers to operate vehicles in categories C and E, including articulated lorries. What this means is that once you get your Class 1 license, you can drive any HGV that weighs over 7.5 tonnes and has a detachable trailer.

This also includes ‘rigid’ vehicles (which are large, non-articulated trucks where the cargo-carrying body is permanently attached to the chassis, so the truck does not have a detachable trailer). So this means a Class 1 drivers licence will allow you to drive trucks and trailers that are over 3.5 tonnes and can weigh up to 32 tonnes.

Is a LGV C+E Licence the Same as a Class 1 Drivers License?

Yes, an LGV C+E licence is the same as a Class 1 driver’s licence / Class 1 licence. There are several different terms referring to this driver's licence such as a ‘Class 1 HGV’, a ‘C Class licence’, a ‘LGV C+E licence’ and a ‘C+E licence’ that all can be used interchangeably. All of these refer to the exact same licence which will enable you to drive HGVs and LGVs (‘heavy goods vehicles’ and ‘large goods vehicles’.)

So an LGV C+E licence is the same as a HGV class 1 licence and both of these terms refer to the licence which allows you to drive larger vehicles with trailers. An LGV C licence is also the same as a HGV Class 2 licence which refers to smaller rigid trucks.

How Do You Get a Class 1 License?

There are some requirements you need to meet in order to acquire your Class 1 licence.

General Knowledge

This will include basic trucking regulations, knowledge of road signs and will test your practices of safe driving.

Air Brake Endorsement

This part of the theory exam will be testing your knowledge of air brake systems and troubleshooting issues.

Vehicle Inspection

There will likely be questions on the test about identifying mechanical issues in the context of safety checks.

Professional Driving Practices

This part of the test will be to check your awareness on emergency procedures such as handling hazardous conditions and defensive driving.

Load Securement

You will also possibly be tested on the rules and regulations on securing cargo properly and the weight limits per vehicle.

Your exam will consist of two parts:

A multiple-choice test which will consist of 100 questions (85% is required to pass). This will be testing you on hazard perception, driver’s hours and rest periods, load security and weight distribution along with vehicle controls and their systems.
A hazard perception test which will contain 19 video clips that simulate real-world hazards, where you must identify the potential dangers.

So now we’ve outlined the key aspects of your theory exam, let's move onto discussing your periodic CPC certification. Your CPC (standing for Certificate of Professional Competence) is required for professional truck and bus drivers in many regions, particularly in the UK and the EU. A CPC ensures you have the necessary skills and knowledge to operate commercial vehicles safely.

There are two types of CPC, the first being a Driver CPC (the one that's relevant for you) and the second being a Transport Manager CPC (which is what you’ll need if you’re looking to manage commercial transport operations).

What does your driver CPC certification consist of?

If you’re a new driver, you will be looking at an ‘Initial CPC’. Acquiring this will consist of four parts.

A Theory Test. This is similar to your HGV Class 1 theory test, consisting of multiple-choice questions and a hazard perception test through identifying potential dangers in video clips.
A Case Studies Test. This contains real-life driving scenarios with multiple-choice questions. It covers topics such as driver safety regulations and fuel efficiency.
A Practical Driving Test. This is the same as the HGV road test and simply tests your control over the vehicle, road safety awareness and manoeuvring.
A Practical Demonstration Test. This tests your knowledge of vehicle safety, securing heavy loads, emergency procedures and documentation.

If you’re already a licensed driver you will need your ‘Periodic CPC Training’. This mandatory requirement consists of 35 hours of training every 5 years in order to keep your CPC valid. This training will cover your knowledge on areas such as road safety, first aid, eco-driving and legal matters.

What Are the Benefits of Having a Cat C+E Licence?

There are various benefits from having a Cat C+E licence, including but not limited to:

Giving you access to a higher level of earning

Cat C+E drivers generally earn more than Cat C licence drivers. This is often because both long-haul and specialist roles are likely to offer Cat C+E drivers higher salaries and benefits.

Opening doors to you to a wide range of job opportunities

Having a Cat C+E licence opens doors to multiple HGV (heavy goods vehicle) jobs, including tanker driving, long-distance haulage jobs and refrigerated transport driving.

Increasing your career scalability; allowing you more career progression

A Class 1 licence allows you to progress into specialist driving roles and allows you to access higher up positions than a C Class licence allows you to.

Giving you high job security

If job security is important to you then a Class 1 Drivers licence is a great addition to your resume. There are ongoing shortages in both the UK and Europe for HGV drivers, so the demand for Cat C drivers is consistently high. Many key industries such as retail, food and construction rely heavily on Cat C+E drivers.

Allowing you to have flexibility in your career

The C+E Class licence allows jobs such as heavy haulage or transporting hazardous goods to become accessible to you and these opportunities empower you to have increased flexibility and independence in your career. Many Cat C+E roles offer flexible working patterns to their workers, including, long-haul, night shifts and self-employment options.

Gives you opportunities to travel

Having a class 1 licence allows you opportunities to drive across both the UK and Europe, allowing you to experience different places while working. Some roles also offer overnight stays with expenses covered.

How Much Does a Cat C+E Licence Cost? How Much Is a Class 1 Licence?

How much does a Class 1 licence cost? If you’re wondering how much a Class 1 licence is, the short answer is that the cost varies. The cost of the licence is dependent on factors that will affect the cost of your training such as:

Your current level of experience.
The licence you already possess.
The training you’ve already had.

This is because it will most likely take you less time in training if you already have heavy goods vehicles experience than if you have no prior experience and the less time you spend in training the cheaper it will be!

Please do not hesitate to contact us for a quote as we will be able to provide you with more information and will be more than happy to help let you know how much it will cost for you to reach your C class licence with our training and support!

So to wrap up, a Cat C+E licence (also known as ‘a Class 1 licence’ ‘a ‘HGV class 1 licence’ and a ‘LGV C+E licence’) is a step up from a Class 1 licence. To be eligible for this licence you’ll have to be at least 18 years old and be able to meet the requirements for a Class 1 licence. You will have to get a provisional licence, pass your medical test and theory exam and gain a CPC certification. Once you have this Cat C+E licence you will then have to undertake 35 hours of periodic CPC training every 5 years. There are many benefits to having a Class 1 drivers licence, such as:

Increased job security due to there being a shortage of the required drivers in the job market.
Increased pay.
Gaining further experience on matters such as road safety and handling large vehicles with trailers.
Flexible work opportunities - including potential placements abroad.
Scalability.

So if you're already an experienced Cat C driver and want to access more job opportunities and higher-paid roles, then stepping up to a Cat C+E licence may be for you! But whether you’re a qualified Cat C licence holder or have no current training in HGV, you can book your training through us and we will be happy to support you throughout your training for your Class 1 Licence and onwards to finding job placements.