C+E Truck and Trailer

Over a period of time, several changes have been made to the license legislation, even the terminology and nomenclature. HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) became LGV (Large Goods Vehicle) and Class 1, 2, 3 have been differentially classified according to the weight of the vehicle (with or without the trailer).

Wherein LGV C, C1, C1+E are for rigid trucks or vans, LGV C+E (formerly called HGV Class 1) is for articulated or drawbar trucks, with a maximum weight of 44000kgs. ‘E’ represents the additional trailer that the towing vehicle is entitled to, maximum weight being over 750kgs.

So far, if acquisition of a Category C license had been a smooth process for you, C+E is no Herculean task! Just an extra trailer added to the towing vehicle, with a towing hitch on the truck. Little practice and you get close to upgrading your skills and your license! Earlier, you could have only been able to upgrade after a period of 6 months of practice. But with certain reforms in the law, you can now appear for back-to-back tests, i.e. first Category C, then C+E the following week.

Comparing Categories C, C1, C+E and C1+E licenses:

• C1 license permits you to drive vehicles with MAM 7.5 tons.
• C permits for vehicles with gross weight of up to 32 tons.
• C1+ E permits for any heavy goods vehicle with an additional trailer.
• C+E permits articulate and drawbar truck with MAM 44 tons.

Criteria and process to get Category C license –

1. You must be at least 21 years of age.
2. If you are 18 years of age but holding a CPC (Certificate of Professional Competency), you are eligible for C+E.
3. You should have a valid Category C license.
4. Enroll in a training course with profession guidance.
5. Appear for theory and practical tests and obtain your C+E.

During your course time, your trainers will allow you to use the articulate or drawbar combination, which will further help you during the practical tests. They say, with a C+E or ‘Class 1’ license, you can drive any type of large and heavy goods vehicle!