Category C+E (Class 1) - Articulated lorry licence

The highest HGV licence, and the biggest opportunities.

Drive articulated lorries, the largest vehicles on UK roads, with the highest HGV licence available.
Access the best-paying driving roles, including long-distance, trunking, container transport and specialist haulage.
Stand out to employers, with the licence most are looking for.
Take the work other drivers can't, and build a career with genuine progression.

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Payment

You pay £1,945.00 £2,744.00

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How It Works

Step 1

Medical

A medical will be booked on your behalf by our team. You will receive your licence upgrade pack when you come in (or we can help you order this online), including the paperwork that needs to be completed.

Step 2

Theory Revision

While you’re waiting for your licence to be approved by the DVLA, we’ll provide you with both face to face and online revision to help prepare for your theory tests.

Step 3

Theory Test

Once your licence has been returned, you can contact us to book your theory tests. This includes both the multiple choice, hazard perception, and CPC where required, with our team on hand if you need any support.

Step 4

Practical

Our team can now book all practical HGV training, test dates and any other relevant CPC training needed. We can offer convenient training locations across the UK.

Why Choose Category C+E Licence Training?

A Category C+E licence is the top qualification an HGV driver can hold, and it opens the door to the best-paid, most in-demand work on the road. Here's what sets it apart:

Wider Job Opportunities

Gain access to a variety of driving roles across different industries.

Higher Earning Potential

Drivers with a C+E licence have options for much higher take home pay opportunities and overnight allowances where applicable.

Pathway to an ADR licence

You'll need this if you want to transport hazardous chemicals

Employment Demand

Skilled HGV drivers are in high demand, offering long-term job security.

What Can You Drive With a Category C+E Licence?

This is the full articulated lorry: a cab pulling a separate trailer, and the largest vehicle you will see on the motorway. This is where the best paid and most varied work is found, whether that is trunking between depots overnight, long distance runs across the country, or specialist jobs that drivers without this licence cannot take on. It is the highest level of lorry licence available, so it puts the widest possible choice of work in front of you, and employers are always looking for qualified Class 1 drivers. If you want the broadest range of opportunities and the higher end of the pay scale, this is the licence that gets you there.

A Category C+E licence covers articulated lorries and rigid vehicles pulling a full trailer, with combinations weighing up to 44,000kg. It puts the full range within reach, from container lorries and curtain siders to tankers and car transporters. Because it includes everything a Category C licence allows, you keep all your existing rigid work too, while adding the heaviest and most in demand vehicles on the road.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years old to start your training

Have a UK car driving licence

Ensure your photo card licence is in date

Real Drivers. Real Career Changes.

See how people from all backgrounds have trained with Lifft and transformed their careers.

image of HGV trainee stood with HGV vehicle in field

Sarah

Fully-qualified at just 21

“I love the independence it gives me. I get given my jobs list and left to crack on.”

Geoff

Now in International Events Logistics

“I always prefer family-run businesses where possible, because you usually get better service and care - and that was absolutely true here.”

Lindy

Horse owner

“The training and test were straightforward and, although an established driver, it has increased my confidence.”

Martin

Upskilled from Cat C

“The training from Clarke was superb he really made me feel confident, relaxed and ready for my reverse test.”

Alex

New Driver

“I looked around a lot...
I am truly glad I went with The HGV School.”

Aimie

Bootcamp Graduate

“I honestly enjoyed the entire experience, from my first interaction with the instructors, it was tons of fun!”

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 C+E driving licence.

You can also get everything you need to earn your Category C + E driving licence with the Lifft Professional bundle. In addition to the features of our standard Cat C+E training, Lifft Professional includes our starter pack (valued at £250) with your medical exam, theory test, online e-learning and a classroom day. By choosing this start-to-finish training program, you save a total of £1258!

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 drivers who may already have a Category D or C licence, we offer upskill paths through either our Advantage package, priced at £1945 with additional support both before and after you complete your qualification. Or for those drivers that just need the training and nothing more, we have our 'Course only - Upskill from Cat C or D' option at £2250

If you have already passed your medical, theory and hazard perception, all you need is our Cat C+E licence training 'Course only - Car licence holders' option, which costs £3,175. If you have yet to complete the prerequisites, we recommend Lifft Professional, which costs £3,945 and gives you significant savings.

Read our training packages comparison page to see what each package can offer you.

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 one of the Category C+E training course options here for complete beginners, or if you already have your Cat C licence already, you can take the 'Advantage' package to upskill to a full Class 1 qualification.

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

Our Cat C+E driving licence training is usually a 6-day course, with differing number of on-road and on-site practical training hours depending on the package you choose. 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, including our Cat C+E licence training. You can pay in instalments directly with us or choose longer-term finance options. 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 Category C+E licence training locally?

We have training centres all across England and Wales for you to complete your Cat 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. We do have a Pass Protection package available, which includes up to three retests.

* Pass Protection MUST be taken out prior to the start of your training. It cannot be added retroactively in the event of a test failure.

Our Promise to You

Elevate your potential

We are committed to creating and preserving a diverse pipeline of talent for the transport industry. Our promise is to elevate your potential and help you reach new heights.

Train Now,
Pay Later

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Qualified Instructors

100% of our instructors are NVDIR registered & up to date training.

Purpose-Built Vehicles

We have a modern, training vehicle fleet, including mirrorless cabs.

Approved Test Sites

Take your test from where you learn at the majority of our sites.