A C1+E licence is a UK driving licence category that allows you to drive a vehicle between 3,500 kg and 7,500 kg (Category C1) combined with a trailer whose maximum authorised mass (MAM) exceeds 750 kg — provided the combined weight of the outfit does not exceed 12,000 kg. It sits above the standard C1 licence and below a full Category C+E (Class 1 artic) licence.
What Vehicles Can You Drive on a C1+E?
With a C1+E licence you can legally drive any combination that meets all three conditions simultaneously:
- The towing vehicle (the "prime mover") has a MAM between 3,500 kg and 7,500 kg — i.e. it is a Category C1 vehicle such as a large Sprinter, Iveco Daily, or similar 7.5-tonne truck.
- The trailer has a MAM greater than 750 kg — for example a horsebox trailer, equipment trailer, or living van.
- The combined MAM of the vehicle and trailer does not exceed 12,000 kg.
If the combined weight would exceed 12,000 kg, you would need a full Category C+E (Class 1) licence instead.
How Does C1+E Differ from a Standard C1 Licence?
A standard Category C1 licence allows you to drive vehicles between 3,500 kg and 7,500 kg. It also permits a trailer up to 750 kg MAM — but no heavier. The moment you need to tow a trailer heavier than 750 kg behind a C1 vehicle, you require the C1+E entitlement in addition to your C1.
Think of it this way: C1 is the vehicle licence; the "+E" is the trailer entitlement that unlocks heavier towing behind that vehicle class.
Who Typically Needs a C1+E?
C1+E is particularly relevant for:
- Horsebox owners who tow tack trailers, living trailers, or additional equipment trailers behind their 7.5-tonne horsebox.
- Motorhome owners towing a car, bike trailer, or box trailer behind a large motorhome that falls in the C1 weight range.
- Recovery drivers using a 7.5-tonne recovery truck with a trailer for recovered vehicles or equipment.
- Event medical teams and private ambulance operators towing equipment trailers behind their ambulance vehicles.
- Race teams and expedition support crews who need to tow equipment trailers behind support vehicles.
- Utility and maintenance teams operating 7.5-tonne service vehicles with plant or tool trailers.
Do I Already Have C1+E Entitlement?
If you passed your car driving test before 1 January 1997, you may already have C1 entitlement on your licence as a grandfather right — but this does not automatically include C1+E. Check the categories printed on the back of your photocard licence. If you see "C1" but not "C1E", you do not have the trailer entitlement and will need to obtain it separately.
Drivers who passed their car test on or after 1 January 1997 receive only Category B (car) entitlement and must train and test for both C1 and C1+E separately.
How Do You Get a C1+E Licence?
The process involves several stages:
- Hold (or obtain) a valid Category C1 licence.
- Pass a DVSA-approved C1+E practical driving test in a C1 vehicle with a qualifying trailer.
- If you are a professional driver, you may also need Driver CPC.
At GS Driver Training we offer structured C1+E training at our Surrey base, covering trailer coupling and uncoupling, reversing with a trailer, road positioning, and full DVSA test preparation. View our C1+E course details or call 01252 447808 to discuss your requirements.
C1+E Licence at a Glance
| Feature | C1 | C1+E |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle weight | 3,500–7,500 kg | 3,500–7,500 kg |
| Trailer MAM | Up to 750 kg | Over 750 kg |
| Combined MAM limit | 8,250 kg | 12,000 kg |
| Practical test required | Yes | Yes (separate test) |
