Have you made your final decision? Do you know which licence category you want for your vehicle? You need a different driving licence for the HGV you drive. For instance, if you have HGV class 2, you will need a separate licence as you cannot use your car driving licence.
The government of the UK has differentiated the categories of driving licences according to the weight of your vehicle.
Let’s find out in which category your heavy goods vehicle falls.
Medium size vehicles
Category C1
With this CAT C1 licence, you can drive heavy goods vehicles weighing between 3500kg and 7500kg. Also, you can carry a trailer weighing up to 750 kg.
Category C1E
CAT C1+E licence is for trailers. You can drive all vehicles of the C1 category and carry a trailer weighing more than 750 kgs. You will have to choose the C1+E driving course to get this licence.
The total weight of the vehicle and the trailer should not be more than 12000kg.
Large-sized vehicles
Category C
You will need this licence to drive vehicles weighing more than 3500kg. You can carry a trailer weighing not more than 750kg.
Category CE
With this licence, you can drive all the vehicles of category C. You can also carry a trailer weighing more than 750 kg. If you want to complete this course in less time, fast-track C+E courses are the best option.
Minibuses
Category D1
After getting a CAT D1 licence, you can drive a minibus with 16 passenger seats or less. The length of the bus cannot be more than 8meters. Also, you can carry a trailer with 750 kg weight.
Category D1E
With CAT D1+E licence, you can drive all the vehicles of category D1 and trailers weighing more than 750 kg.
The total weight of vehicles should not be more than 12000kg.
Buses
Category D
After you get your CAT D licence, you can drive a bus with more than eight passengers and a trailer weighing 750 kg.
Category D+E
If you have a licence for CAT D+E, you can drive all the vehicles from category D and a trailer with a weight of more than 750kg.
So these are the categories of licences you can get in the UK. Do not drive a vehicle with another driving licence. You might have to pay a heavy fine.
As you know about these driving licences, let us know how we can get them and the procedure.
Eligiblity for an HGV driving licence:
- You need a full car driving licence (category B)
- Be more than eighteen years old
- HGV driving should be the primary part of your job
- Have a full CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence)
You need to qualify for all five tests to get an HGV licence.
The process
- Apply for a provisional driving licence.
- Clear all five tests.
- Complete your 35-hour periodic training (you need to do this training after every five years to remain qualified as an HGV driver).
So, this is all you to know about the HGV driving licence. You can get your licence according to the HGV you have.
Also Read: How to Get a HGV Licence for free
