Introduction to UK Commercial Vehicle Licenses
Navigating the UK's commercial vehicle licensing system can be confusing, especially with various categories and date-dependent entitlements. This guide aims to clarify what license you need for different types of commercial vehicles, helping you stay legal and safe on the road.
Standard Driving License (Category B)
A standard UK driving license (Category B) allows you to drive vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes maximum authorised mass (MAM). This includes:
- Most vans
- Small box trucks
- Luton vans
- Some smaller tipper trucks
If you passed your test before January 1, 1997, you may automatically have additional entitlements (see below).
Category C1 (Medium-Sized Vehicles)
Category C1 licenses allow you to drive vehicles between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes MAM. This includes:
- 7.5 tonne box trucks
- 7.5 tonne curtain side trucks
- 7.5 tonne tipper trucks
- 7.5 tonne dropside trucks
Who has C1 entitlement?
- Drivers who passed their test before January 1, 1997, automatically have C1 entitlement on their license
- Drivers who passed after this date need to take an additional test to obtain C1 entitlement
Category C (Large Goods Vehicles)
Category C licenses allow you to drive vehicles over 3.5 tonnes MAM with a trailer up to 750kg. This includes:
- 18 tonne box trucks
- 18 tonne curtainside trucks
- Heavy-duty tipper trucks
- Other rigid trucks over 7.5 tonnes
To obtain a Category C license, you must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Already hold a full Category B license
- Pass a medical examination
- Pass the Category C theory and practical tests
Category C+E (Large Goods Vehicles with Trailer)
Category C+E licenses allow you to drive vehicles over 3.5 tonnes MAM with a trailer over 750kg. This includes:
- Articulated lorries (tractor and trailer units)
- Drawbar combinations
To obtain a Category C+E license, you must:
- Already hold a full Category C license
- Pass the Category C+E practical test
Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC)
In addition to the appropriate license category, professional drivers of vehicles over 3.5 tonnes for commercial purposes must hold a Driver CPC. This involves:
- Passing four initial qualification tests (if you obtained your license after September 2009)
- Completing 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to maintain the qualification
The Driver CPC is not required if you're using the vehicle for personal use or as part of a non-commercial activity.
Towing Trailers
The rules for towing trailers depend on when you passed your driving test:
If you passed before January 1, 1997:
You're generally allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8.25 tonnes MAM.
If you passed after January 1, 1997:
With a standard Category B license, you can tow:
- A trailer up to 750kg MAM
- A trailer over 750kg MAM as long as the combined MAM of the vehicle and trailer is no more than 3,500kg
For heavier combinations, you need to pass an additional test to gain the B+E entitlement.
Age Restrictions
There are minimum age requirements for driving commercial vehicles:
- Category B: 17 years
- Category C1: 18 years
- Category C: 21 years (or 18 if you've completed a Certificate of Professional Competence qualification)
- Category C+E: 21 years
Medical Requirements
For Categories C1, C, and C+E, you must meet higher medical standards than for a standard license. This includes:
- Completing a D4 medical examination form with a doctor
- Meeting standards for vision, epilepsy, diabetes, and other health conditions
- Renewing your medical declaration every 5 years if you're under 65, and every year if you're over 65
Conclusion
Understanding which license you need for different commercial vehicles is essential for legal and safe operation. At RentalTruck.co.uk, we can help you identify the appropriate vehicle for your license category or advise on what license you need for specific vehicles.
Remember that driving a vehicle without the correct license category is illegal and will invalidate your insurance. Always check your license entitlements before hiring or operating a commercial vehicle.