Thinking about becoming an HGV driver?
One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to train for a category C driving licence or a category C+E licence. Understanding the difference can help you choose the right course and start your career with confidence. While both qualifications allow you to drive heavy goods vehicles, they cover different vehicle types and can lead to different career opportunities.
At TRS Training, we provide HGV training in Tilbury for drivers at every stage of their journey. Whether you’re looking to gain your first HGV licence on a paid-for course or through an apprenticeship, or progress to drive larger vehicles, understanding the difference between these licences is the first step towards a successful career.
What is a category C driving licence?
A category C driving licence, also known as a cat C licence or class 2 licence, allows you to drive rigid lorries weighing over 7.5 tonnes and up to 32 tonnes.
If you’ve ever wondered what a Category C licence is, the answer is simple: it allows you to drive a vehicle where the cab and the load area are permanently attached.
A Category C licence is commonly used for:
- Delivery lorries
- Refuse collection vehicles
- Furniture removal trucks
- Construction vehicles
- Local and regional transport
Many people begin their career with a category C licence before progressing to larger vehicles later. You can train to get your category C licence on our car to category C course at our HGV driver training centre in Tilbury.
What is a category C+E licence?
A category C+E licence, often called a CE licence or class 1 driver’s licence, allows you to drive articulated lorries with a detachable trailer.
These vehicles can weigh up to 44 tonnes and are commonly used for:
- Long distance haulage
- Supermarket deliveries
- Distribution centres
- Port and container transport
- International freight
If you’re researching what a CE licence is, it’s the qualification needed to drive articulated HGVs and gives you access to a wider range of driving jobs. You can train to get your category CE licence in Tilbury, Bristol or Liverpool either on our car to category CE course or on our category C to CE course.
What is the difference?
The main difference is the type of vehicle you can drive.
A category C driving licence allows you to drive rigid vehicles, while a category CE licence allows you to drive articulated lorries with trailers. Drivers who hold a CE driving licence can usually apply for more long distance and specialist transport roles.
If you’re planning a long term career in logistics, it’s worth thinking about where you’d like your career to take you before choosing your training course. Remember also that the training for the category CE licence takes longer than the training for the category C licence if you are starting from a car licence.
Which HGV licence should you choose?
Choosing the right HGV licence depends on your career goals.
If you want to start with local or regional driving, a category C driving licence is often the best place to begin. It’s ideal for gaining experience and building confidence behind the wheel.
If your ambition is to drive articulated lorries, work in national or international haulage or increase your earning potential, then a Category CE licence may be the better option.
Not sure which route is right for you? Our instructors are always happy to explain the different HGV licence types and recommend the course that best suits your experience and career plans.
Why choose TRS Training in Tilbury?
Located close to the Port of Tilbury, one of the UK’s busiest logistics hubs, TRS Training is perfectly placed to prepare future HGV drivers for a career in the transport industry. The area is home to major haulage companies, warehouses and distribution centres, making it an excellent location to begin your training.
If you’re within travelling distance of Tilbury and you are looking for trusted HGV training with high pass rates, get in touch with TRS Training today. We’ll help you choose the right course, and get you on the road towards a rewarding career as an HGV driver.
If you have any questions about training as an HGV driver, or if you would like to visit our Tilbury driver training school and even have a sit in an HGV vehicle, please get in touch.
We also have driver training schools in Bristol and Liverpool.
