What Lorry Can I Drive on a Car Licence?
One of the most common questions from drivers who want to move goods but don't yet have an HGV licence is: what can I legally drive on a standard car (Category B) licence? The answer depends on the weight of the vehicle and, in some cases, how it is being used. This guide explains exactly what you can and cannot drive on a car licence in the UK.
What Does a Category B (Car) Licence Cover?
A standard UK car licence (Category B) allows you to drive vehicles with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of up to 3,500 kg (3.5 tonnes). This includes the vehicle itself, the load, fuel, driver, and all passengers. The 3.5-tonne limit is the key threshold — anything above this requires an additional licence category.
Vehicles You Can Drive on a Car Licence
| Vehicle Type | Maximum MAM | Licence Required |
|---|---|---|
| Car | 3.5 tonnes | Category B |
| Car-derived van | 3.5 tonnes | Category B |
| Luton van / large panel van | 3.5 tonnes | Category B |
| Minivan / crew van | 3.5 tonnes | Category B |
| Car + trailer (combined) | Up to 8.25 tonnes (if B+E) | Category B+E for trailer over 750 kg |
The largest vehicle you can drive on a standard car licence is a 3.5-tonne van. This includes vehicles such as the Mercedes Sprinter 3.5t, Ford Transit 3.5t, and Volkswagen Crafter 3.5t. These vehicles are commonly used for courier, delivery, and light haulage work.
What About 7.5 Tonne Lorries?
You cannot drive a 7.5 tonne lorry on a standard car licence. Vehicles with a MAM between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes require a Category C1 licence. If you passed your car test before 1 January 1997, you may already have C1 entitlement on your licence — check the back of your photocard. If you do not have C1 entitlement, you will need to obtain a C1 licence before driving a 7.5 tonne vehicle.
Towing a Trailer on a Car Licence
A standard Category B licence allows you to tow a trailer with a MAM of up to 750 kg without any additional test. If the trailer exceeds 750 kg MAM, you need a Category B+E licence (car and trailer). The combined weight of the car and trailer must not exceed 3,500 kg unless you have a B+E licence, in which case the combined limit is 8,250 kg.
Pre-1997 Licence Holders
Drivers who passed their car test before 1 January 1997 automatically received additional entitlements on their licence, including C1 (vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes) and D1 (minibuses up to 16 passenger seats). If you hold one of these older licences, check the back of your photocard for the categories listed. If C1 is shown, you can drive a 7.5 tonne vehicle without further testing, subject to passing a D4 medical.
Upgrading to C1 or Category C
If you need to drive vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, the most efficient route is to obtain a C1 licence (for vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes) or a full Category C licence (for all rigid vehicles over 3.5 tonnes). GS Driver Training offers C1 training courses for ambulance drivers, delivery drivers, motorhome owners, and career changers.
Find out more about C1 training courses or how to get a C1 licence.
