Category C + E / Class 1 - Hughes Driver Training, the HGV Training & Careers Company Chat Options

Category C + E / Class 1

Category C+E/Class 1

Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, but less than 32 tonnes.

Category C+E/Class 1

Learn to drive an HGV up to 44tn.

Want to learn how to drive an HGV up to 44 tonnes? Then this is the course for you!


Holding a Category C+E or Class 1 licence can open up a world of HGV driving job opportunities. You might also know it as an Artic, Wagon or Drag, this licence allows you to drive a broad range of vehicle types, and can also be a step towards taking on additional ADR (dangerous goods vehicle) training.

In the current climate, where e-commerce, online shopping and deliveries are the daily norm, there's no better time to turn your career towards being an HGV driver training. Who knows, you might even find yourself hitting the road internationally!

Why Category C + E?

Reasons to choose Category C+E:

  • With a Category C+E licence, you could significantly increase your earning potential. As this licence covers you to to drive a broad range of vehicle types. Making you a sought-after driving professional!
  • A Category C+E licence can open up more opportunities to drive overseas.
  • You could find yourself having longer periods off, with 'days-on/days-off' shift patterns

What can I drive with a Category C+E licence?

  • Articulated lorries up to 44 tonnes
  • Rigid (or 'Category C') tucks with a trailer unit
  • Tractors with a trailer unit

How the course works:

Get in touch

CATEGORY C + E · CLASS 1 HGV TRAINING

Your next move.
A Class 1 licence.

Train to drive articulated lorries with Hughes. Starting from a car licence or upgrading from Class 2? We’ll help you plan the right route.

Get my Class 1 quote →Call 0800 1777 447

Course advice, training options and a personalised quote.

A route from your current licenceNew to HGVs or ready to upgrade.
Training across the UKAsk about a suitable centre near you.
Know your next stepDiscuss costs, dates and what’s included.

A BIGGER LICENCE. MORE POSSIBILITIES.

Step up to Class 1.

Category C+E, often called Class 1, is the licence category for large goods vehicles towing a trailer over 750kg. It covers combinations such as articulated lorries and rigid lorries with a drawbar trailer.

Whether you’re changing career or building on your HGV experience, your training starts with the licence you already hold.

Find your starting point ↓

START WHERE YOU ARE

Two starting points.
One clear next step.

Tell us what’s on your licence. We’ll help you understand the training and tests relevant to you.

NEW TO HGV DRIVING

I have a car licence

You can work towards C+E from a full car licence without passing a separate Category C test first.

  • Discuss the medical and provisional entitlement stages.
  • Understand the theory and practical tests ahead.
  • Check the Driver CPC requirements for your plans.
Plan my route from a car licence →

READY FOR YOUR NEXT CATEGORY

I already hold Class 2

Build on your Category C experience with training for a larger vehicle and trailer combination.

  • Tell us your existing licence and driving experience.
  • Focus on the practical skills for C+E.
  • Confirm the tests and training you need to upgrade.
Ask about upgrading to Class 1 →

SUPPORT THROUGH THE STAGES

From your first question
to your next licence.

Your starting point shapes your course. Here’s how we’ll help you plan the journey.

Build your course plan

Talk through your licence, experience, preferred location and goals. Get a clear outline of your route and quote before deciding.

Talk to the team →

Prepare for your training

If you’re new to HGV driving, understand the medical, provisional entitlement and theory stages. Existing HGV drivers follow the relevant upgrade route.

Explore the Training Guide →

Develop practical skills

Work on vehicle control, observation, manoeuvring, coupling and uncoupling, and safe driving with a large vehicle and trailer.

Understand practical training →
Planning to drive professionally? Driver CPC requirements depend on your circumstances and intended use. Ask us to explain what applies and what your quote includes.

HEAR FROM A C+E LEARNER

Support that makes a difference.

Read Hughes learner reviews ↗
★★★★★
“I have completed all my c+e modules with Hughes, everything was sorted for me by the team”

Harry Coombs · Category C+E training
Trustpilot · 19 October 2026 · Read the full review ↗

A QUOTE THAT FITS YOUR ROUTE

Get clear on the cost
before you commit.

Your Class 1 quote depends on the licence you hold and the training you need. Give us your starting point and we’ll talk through the details.

  • Your training route and the stages you need
  • What’s included in your quote
  • Suitable training locations and available dates
Get my personalised quote →

Want to explore spreading the cost? View finance information →

BEFORE YOU GET STARTED

Your Class 1
questions, answered.

Still unsure about your route? Our team can help you understand your options.

Ask a course question →
Can I go straight from a car licence to Class 1?

Yes. You can work towards C+E without passing a separate Category C test first. You’ll need the appropriate provisional entitlement and to complete the relevant medical, theory and practical stages. We’ll help you understand the route for your circumstances.

What’s the difference between Class 1 and Class 2?

Class 2 usually means Category C: a large goods vehicle with a trailer up to 750kg. Class 1 means Category C+E, which adds entitlement for a trailer over 750kg, including articulated combinations. Explore Class 2 training →

How long does Class 1 training take?

The training plan depends on your existing entitlement, experience and the stages you need to complete. Dates also depend on availability. Tell us your preferred timeframe and we’ll discuss suitable options.

How much does the course cost?

Ask for a personalised quote based on your starting point and course requirements. We’ll explain the training route and what’s included before you decide. Sending an enquiry does not book a course.

Do I need Driver CPC?

You generally need the full Driver CPC if driving an HGV is the main part of your job, though exemptions apply. Existing qualifications can affect which tests you need. Tell us what you already hold and what you intend to drive. Learn about Driver CPC →

Where can I take Class 1 training?

Hughes offers training across a network of locations. Choose your preferred area on the form and we’ll confirm a suitable centre and course availability. Find a training location →

Licence guidance checked against GOV.UK and Driver CPC guidance.

YOUR NEXT STEP STARTS HERE

Let’s plan your
Class 1 training.

Tell us a little about yourself. Our team will help you understand your options and get a personalised quote.

  1. Tell us your starting pointShare your preferred location and training interest.
  2. Talk through your optionsDiscuss your licence, training needs and preferred dates.
  3. Get a clear next stepUnderstand the course details and costs before deciding.

Prefer a conversation?
0800 1777 447

Enquire about Class 1

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