Do you enjoy driving - especially large vehicles? Is it your ambition to drive the largest vehicles on our roads? Would you like to criss-cross the country and even travel throughout Europe (and beyond) as a well-paid, professional driver?
Then obtaining a LGV C+E licence is your ticket to a new and exciting career in long-distance freight transportation.
You most likely have some questions, such as:
- If I have a C+E licence what can I drive?
- How much does a C+E licence cost?
- How quickly can I get my licence?
- Are there job opportunities for Class 1 HGV licence holders?
- Will I need the Cat C licence before going for the C+E licence?
Don't worry - we are here to give you all the information you need and answer all your questions about the LGV C+E licence.
What Is a C+E Licence?
This is a HGV drivers licence which permits you to drive heavy goods vehicles, including articulated lorries (or ‘arctics’).
So, what’s the difference between a ‘C’ and a ‘C+E’?
A Cat C licence - also called a ‘Class 2 licence’ or a ‘rigid licence’ - allows you to drive HGVs that weigh over 3.5 tonnes but no heavier than 32 tonnes, with a trailer no heavier than 750kg. Class 2 HGVs typically are ‘standard trucks’ in that the cab and trailer are permanently attached.
The C+E licence is more comprehensive, and builds on the Cat C licence. The ‘E’ stands for ‘entitlement’ and with this licence you can drive vehicles up to 44 tonnes with detachable trailers over 750kg. A C+E is also known as a Class 1 licence. It is the highest qualification in the world of HGV driving.
Do You Need a Cat C Licence To Apply for the C+E Licence?
Yes, you need to complete Cat C training first, but with HGVT you can go straight from a standard car licence to obtaining a C+E licence by going ‘back-to-back’ via your Cat C licence.
If you already have your Cat C licence and want to upgrade to your C+E then we have a broad range of training locations around the country for you to choose from and we can get you trained up for your C+E in just a few short days! With an upgrade from a C to a C+E you won’t need to undergo another theory test or medical. Your Cat C+E licence costs will depend on factors such as how experienced and qualified you currently are.
Contact us to find out available locations and dates that will be convenient for you.
What Can You Drive With a Cat C+E Licence?
Once you possess the Class 1 (C+E) licence, you can drive the ‘big boys’ of the highways - including:
- Articulated vehicles
Also known as ‘arctics’, ‘articulated lorries’, ‘articulated trucks’, ‘articulates’, ‘tractor-trailers’ ‘semi-trucks’ and various other names. Essentially, these are vehicles made up of two parts; a tractor cab and a detachable trailer (sometimes known colloquially as a ‘wagon and drag’) connected by a pivot or drawbar combination.
- Tanker vehicles
Also called ‘fuel trucks’; these trucks carry gases, liquids, dry bulk materials and the like. Because they are commonly used to transport petrol, diesel, natural gas, and chemicals, as well as some food stuffs such as milk, water, wine, molasses, etc, they are often described by their volume capacity. Tanker trucks usually have a distinctive appearance - a cylindrical tank lying horizontally on a truck bed.
- Road trains
These are the true bad boys of long vehicles. Also known as ‘land trains’ or ‘long combination vehicles’ (or LCVs) they are more commonly used in countries where other forms of transportation aren't available. Road trains are made up of several trailers attached to a cab. Although not widely used in the UK due to practicality, certain smaller road trains can be seen used by travelling showmen.
- Flatbed trucks
These vehicles consist of a solid bed (often of wooden planks) with no fixed sides or roof. Goods can be quickly loaded on and off of these vehicles, usually with a forklift truck or a crane. Typically ropes or webbing is used to tie down the load, and a tarpaulin cover used as protection from the elements. A flatbed truck usually has hooks around the sides of the vehicle to secure the load with ropes. The sides often have hinges and can drop down. Some things to consider with these vehicles are that some skill and training is required to properly secure the load. There is also less protection from potential theft because of the nature of the design of these trucks.
- Low loaders
Sometimes also called a ‘lowboy’, ‘low bed’, or a ‘float’ - these are semi-trailers which, as the name suggests, are designed to be very low to the ground compared to other trailers. These are typically used to transport heavy machinery, such as diggers etc, and objects which are tall. They can legally carry loads up to 3.66 metres (12 feet) tall.
As you can see, there is a wide scope of vehicles you can drive when you have your Class 1 licence - the choice is yours!
What Are the Benefits of Having a C+E (Class 1) Licence?
Having a Class 1 licence opens up a whole world of exciting and lucrative driving opportunities to you. Let’s look at some of the benefits:
- Competitive salary
Driving an articulated lorry is a very responsible job which requires special training, and a range of skills. As such, you will typically be paid about 25% more than a driver who only possesses the Cat C licence.
- Job security
C+E drivers are always in heavy demand and there are currently about 60,000 driving jobs going in the UK. Transportation of goods will always be essential, and having your Class 1 licence makes you a very attractive prospect in the world of HGV driving. You need never be out of work.
- Flexibility
You can decide if you want to drive short-haul or long-haul. Many companies will even allow drivers to plan their own routes, allowing you more autonomy in your professional life. You also have a huge range of sectors from which to choose to work in and a wide variety of goods to transport.
- Lifestyle and travel
Articulated trucks are often used for long journeys which allows you to travel across the country, through Europe and internationally, seeing different parts of the world.
- Less physical strain
With large vehicles such as articulated trucks the loading and unloading is typically a more mechanised process rather than doing that by hand. Save your back and just focus on the driving that you enjoy.
- Get to drive the biggest, baddest vehicles
Let’s face it - driving these huge trucks is fun. You can rightfully claim yourself ‘king of the road’ (well - one of them!)
Summary
Training to obtain your Class 1 licence will increase your career prospects and allow you to pick and choose from a wide selection of driving opportunities. Driving a HGV brings with it challenges, rewards, good pay, variety, and job satisfaction.
We offer courses to suit you and we are very proud of our intensive training, where over 90% of our trainees pass first time! For any enquiries about getting your C+E licence, contact us and a member of our friendly and professional team will be very happy to help you.
