No. 1 for transport training courses

LIFFT Essential

No prior experience necessary, a start-to-finish course with theory and practical tests included.

Image of a truck used for the Lifft Essential training course.

LIFFT Essential is the most efficient route to becoming a Category C+E qualified driver for any Cat B car licence holder. Let us help you on your journey to being a professional articulated lorry operator!

Find the right school for you

If you're not sure which school would is nearest to you, check the map below before making your choice or request a call back from one of our helpful staff.

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Included in the Course:

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Total time: 36 hours

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Starter Pack

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(includes Medical)

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Initial CPC (3A and 3B)

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CPC Mod4 (in-house)

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Pass Protection

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Saving you £830!

Prerequisites:

  • You must be over 18
  • Have a UK car driving licence
  • Ensure your photo card licence is in date (new photo required every 10 years)

You DO NOT need to have any of the following, as these are included in the package:

  • Medical test
  • Theory and hazard perception tests passed
  • Provisional entitlement added to your licence

Frequently Asked Questions:

What vehicles can I drive with a category C+E licence?

With a Category C+E ( licence, also known as Class 1 Licence, you can drive articulated lorries and rigid-body vehicles. You can also tow a trailer over 750kg, with the maximum on-road weight being 44 tonnes in the UK for articulated lorries.

How does Lifft differ from other Category C+E licence training?

After 25 years in the transport industry, at Lifft we have a team of highly experienced instructors ready to help you earn your driving qualification quickly and confidently. Our professional instructors, who hold NVDIR qualifications, provide exceptional guidance and support throughout your journey to get your Category CE driving licence.

Explore our success stories to see examples of the amazing feedback we've received.

How much is the Class 1 (C and E) driving licence training?

For any UK licensed car driver that hasn't already taken a medical and still needs to pass their theory and hazard perception tests, our Cat C+E Essential training package is the cheapest route to becoming fully qualified to drive an articulated HGV. At a cost of £2,945 you'll make a saving of £830 over buiying all the elements of the package individually.

What’s the difference between Category C+E (Class 1) and Category C (Class 2) licence training?

Category C driver licence training, also known as Class 2 , is for rigid-body vehicles over 7.5 tonnes, which don’t have a separate trailer, typically used for shorter distances and lighter loads. A Category C+E (Class 1) driving licence is for larger, articulated trucks. The tractor unit has a detachable trailer, suitable for long-distance haulage and large loads, providing more flexibility. The Class 1 licence is more advanced, and you can either choose Car to Category C+E training for complete beginners, or if you already have your Cat C licence already, you can complete our Car C to Cat C+E upskill training to become qualified.

How long is the Cat C+E licence training course?

Our Cat C+E driving licence training is usually a 5 or 6-day course, 36 hours of training across classroom education, 'on-road' experience, and your 3A and 3B tests. With multiple training locations throughout the UK, we make sure our schedules are flexible, so you can let us know when works best for you.

Is there a demand for class 1 drivers?

Yes, there is consistently high demand for Cat C+E licence drivers in the UK. The demand has steadily grown with a shortage of articulated lorry and rigid truck drivers, meaning there is a gap in the industry to explore a long-term career. Many companies also provide opportunities for overtime and night allowances, allowing you to tailor your career to your specific needs.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes, we offer payment plans with all of our training courses through Klarna, including our Cat C+E licence training. You can pay in full, 3 or 4 installments, delay the payment for 30 days or choose a longer-term finance option, making monthly payments with interest. You can train now and pay later, breaking down the cost of a new career into manageable payments. To learn more, explore our accessible payment options.

Can I complete my car to cat C+E licence training locally?

We have training centres all across England and Wales for you to complete your C+E licence training, from Lincolnshire and Lancashire through to the Midlands and Herefordshire. See our dropdown at the top of the page to see all our training locations. If you’re travelling over 70 miles to your closest training centre, accommodation will be included.

What happens if I fail my test?

If you fail your test, you can easily rebook with us. Included within the Essential package is our Pass Protection facility, which includes up to three retests.