Cat C vs Cat C+E: Which Licence Should You Choose in 2027?
If you’re thinking about starting a career as an HGV driver in 2027, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is which licence you want to achieve, the two main licence categories are Category C and Category C+E; both of which can open the door to a career in professional driving; allow you to drive different types of vehicles and can lead to different job opportunities.
So, which licence should you choose?
In this guide, we’ll explain the difference between the two licences, the vehicles you can drive, the types of jobs available and what you should consider when choosing your training route.
What is a Cat C licence?
A Category C licence, also referred to as a Class 2 licence, allows you to drive rigid vehicles over 3.5t with a trailer weighing up to 0.75t.
A rigid vehicle has the cab and load-carrying section permanently connected as one vehicle, and they are commonly used for local and regional deliveries and can include box lorries, refuse vehicles and other large commercial vehicles.
For many new drivers, Cat C can be a great introduction to professional HGV driving and can open up a wide range of job opportunities.
What is a Cat C+E licence?
A Category C+E licence, commonly known as a Class 1 licence, allows you to drive Category C vehicles with a trailer weighing more than 0.75t.
This includes articulated lorries, where the tractor unit and trailer are separate, as well as other large vehicle and trailer combinations.
Cat C+E is the highest HGV licence category and gives you access to the widest range of HGV driving opportunities.
Cat C vs Cat C+E: What is the difference?
The main difference between Cat C and Cat C+E is the type of vehicle you are legally entitled to drive - with a Cat C licence, you can drive large, rigid vehicles, but you are limited to a trailer weighing no more than 0.75t; with a Cat C+E licence, you can drive both rigid vehicles and larger vehicle and trailer combinations, including articulated lorries.
Cat C+E gives you greater flexibility when looking for work, as you are qualified to drive a wider range of HGVs.
What jobs can you get with a Cat C licence?
There are plenty of career opportunities available to Cat C drivers, and depending on the employer and industry, roles can include:
- Local and regional delivery driving
- Refuse and recycling vehicles
- Removal vehicles
- Construction and building supply deliveries
Cat C roles can suit drivers who prefer local or regional work.
What jobs can you get with a Cat C+E licence?
A Cat C+E licence opens up an even broader range of professional driving opportunities, which can include:
- Long-distance haulage
- Supermarket and distribution centre work
- Trunking
- Container transport
- Specialist transport
Because Cat C+E drivers can operate articulated vehicles, the licence can give you access to roles that are not available with Cat C alone.
Can you go straight from a car licence to Cat C+E?
Yes, changes to HGV licensing rules mean you no longer have to pass your Cat C driving test before progressing to Cat C+E, if you hold a full car licence and meet the relevant requirements, you can train directly for Cat C+E.
This gives new drivers more choice over their training route, as you can still choose to complete Cat C first and progress to Cat C+E later, or you can work towards Cat C+E from the start.
Do you need HGV driving experience before training?
Previous HGV driving experience is not necessary to be able to start your training, if you’re completely new to larger vehicles, your training will help you develop the skills and confidence needed to handle an HGV safely.
At Lifft, one-to-one training is delivered by experienced instructors, and gives you dedicated time behind the wheel to develop your skills.
Is Cat C easier than Cat C+E?
Cat C vehicles can feel more straightforward for some new drivers because you are learning in a rigid vehicle without the additional movement of a large trailer.
Which licence gives you more career options?
If having the widest possible choice of HGV driving roles is important to you, Cat C+E generally offers greater flexibility, as it will allow you to drive the vehicles covered by Category C, as well as larger vehicle and trailer combinations.
Can you upgrade from Cat C to Cat C+E later?
Absolutely, many drivers choose to gain their Cat C licence and upgrade to Cat C+E in the future.
For existing Cat C drivers, upgrading can be a useful way to broaden the types of vehicles you can drive and the jobs you can apply for.
Cat C vs Cat C+E: Which should you choose?
There isn’t one licence that is right for everyone - the best option depends on the type of driving career you want.
Cat C could be a good choice if you want to drive rigid vehicles and are interested in areas such as local deliveries, refuse collection, removals or construction.
Cat C+E could be the better option if you want access to a wider range of HGV roles, including articulated lorries, distribution and long-distance haulage.
Before choosing, think about the types of jobs available in your area, the vehicles you would like to drive and where you would like your career to take you in the future.
What do you need to start HGV training in 2027?
To begin your journey towards becoming an HGV driver, you will generally need to be at least 18 years old and hold a full UK car driving licence, you will also need to meet the relevant medical and licensing requirements and complete the required theory, practical tests, and if driving professionally, complete your Driver CPC.
Is becoming an HGV driver worth it in 2027?
For people looking for a practical career with opportunities to progress, HGV driving can offer a number of different routes, Your licence can also give you the opportunity to develop your career further over time, whether that means upgrading your licence, moving into specialist driving roles or gaining additional qualifications.
Start your HGV training with Lifft
Still weighing up Cat C vs Cat C+E?
At Lifft, we can help you understand your options and choose a training route that suits where you want your driving career to take you.
Whether you want to train for Cat C, go directly from your car licence to Cat C+E or upgrade an existing Cat C licence, our experienced instructors will support you throughout your training.
With training available across our network and a range of course options available, we can help you take the next step towards your new career.
Explore our training courses here: https://www.lifftgroup.co.uk/transport-training-courses