{"id":15491,"date":"2023-10-20T09:54:16","date_gmt":"2023-10-20T09:54:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.surreyandhampshirehgvtraining.co.uk\/?p=15491"},"modified":"2023-10-20T09:54:16","modified_gmt":"2023-10-20T09:54:16","slug":"how-to-add-a-higher-driving-category-to-your-licence-and-decide-which-category-you-need","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.surreyandhampshirehgvtraining.co.uk\/index.php\/how-to-add-a-higher-driving-category-to-your-licence-and-decide-which-category-you-need\/","title":{"rendered":"How to add a higher driving category to your licence and decide which category you need"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The world of transport and delivery involves a huge variety of vehicles. From smaller rigid bodied delivery trucks to articulated lorries and beyond. This amount of diversity is something that you\u2019ve probably never thought about too much until the moment you begin your HGV training journey. Then you need to decide which provisional licence you should apply for. So what are the different driving categories, and what should you consider when making your decision?<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the driver categories?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s start with category B, since this is the standard UK driving licence. Indeed it is the licence that you need to be in possession of before you can embark on the HGV training process. As of 2021, this licence also automatically entitles you to drive BE, which is a trailer up to 3,500kg, without needing to take an additional test. Beyond B category vehicles, there are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">C1 &#8211; Entitled to drive a rigid bodied vehicle between 3,500kg &#8211; 7,500kg MAM. This includes a trailer up to 750kg.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">C &#8211; Entitled to drive any rigid body vehicle over 3,500 kg plus a trailer up to 750kg.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">D1 &#8211; Entitled to drive a minibus carrying up to 16 passengers and a maximum length of 8 metres.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">D &#8211; Entitled to drive any bus with more than 8 passenger seats.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">C1E &#8211; This category extends the trailing allowance of C1 to loads over 750kg. However, the combined MAM must not exceed 12000kg<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CE &#8211; This extends the towing capacity of the licence entitlement beyond 750kg.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">D1E &#8211; This adds a towing capacity beyond 750kg to a minibus licence. THe combined MAM must not exceed 12000kg.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DE &#8211; This allows any bus carrying a trailer of over 750kg.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is MAM?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s important to understand MAM when you\u2019re looking at the various different driving categories. MAM stands for maximum authorised mass. It basically means the combined weight of a vehicle and \/ or trailer including the maximum load that can be safely carried on the road. Consider that a standard car weighs 2,000kg and this gives you a sense of the scale of vehicles that each additional driving category is covering.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What categories does each test cover?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you pass your standard category B driving test, you\u2019re automatically permitted to drive some lighter vehicles. Things like mopeds, light quad bikes, electrically propelled vehicles and sit-on mowers. Similar is true of adding higher driving categories to your licence. The E reference refers to towing capacity. So within each area of driving; mid scale, large scale or busses, an \u2018E\u2019 suffix will allow you more flexibility within the category.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The process<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, having already passed the standard UK driving test, what <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.surreyandhampshirehgvtraining.co.uk\/index.php\/training-process\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">process <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">must you go through to add a higher driving category to your licence? While it can be tempting to crack on and get your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/become-lorry-bus-driver\/applying-for-a-bus-or-lorry-provisional-entitlement\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">provisional licence<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> ASAP, it can be worth having a chat first to an experienced HGV training school. They\u2019ll be able to give you advice on what additional category and course structure will suit your circumstances. Within a fast track course, for example, you\u2019ll even receive support with the medical and licence application forms.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apply for a provisional licence<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You will need to complete and return two forms to the DVLA. These are form D4 and D2. D4 is a medical form and must be completed by a doctor and possibly an optician in addition. Alternatively, this process can be managed privately through HGV training institutions. Form D2 is where you select the provisional category that you want to add to your driving licence.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Which licence?<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you apply for a provisional C1 licence, this is exactly what you will get. However, if you apply for a provisional C licence, you\u2019ll automatically be entitled to learn to drive C1, C1+E, C, C+E vehicles. If you\u2019re undecided at the point of applying for a provisional licence, then it can make sense to apply for C category rather than limit yourself at this stage to C1.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Provisional Entitlements<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The provisional licence entitlements that you can apply for are C, C1, C1+E, D and D1. It\u2019s worthwhile here to have a think about the scale of driving that you want to undertake in the future. For example, if you are looking to quickly progress your HGV driving career it\u2019s worthwhile applying for the full CE provisional licence from the outset. This will cover you for the widest range of vehicles on the road.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Testing<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you have your provisional licence and completed your HGV driving course, you\u2019ll be ready to qualify with the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.surreyandhampshirehgvtraining.co.uk\/index.php\/cpc-2\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">driver CPC<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The testing process for HGV driving is similar to that of car driving, in that it is split into theory and practical tests.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Theory and case studies<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can book your theory and case study tests as soon as you receive your provisional licence. Many learners find it helpful to get this done, as you can begin your theoretical learning while you wait for your provisional licence to arrive. There are multiple choice and hazard perception sections to complete in the theory test, and the case study test is multiple choice. Once passed, you have 2 years to complete the practical tests.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Practical tests<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Practical testing is broken up into off road exercises, on road driving and a practical demonstration. You should enter these tests feeling confident and well prepared. This is why it\u2019s worth choosing an established and experienced driving school to support you in the process.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How about beyond C+E?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The C+E licence is often seen as enabling the top HGV driving potential. However, there are additional qualifications and specialisms that you can add to your belt.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ADR<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This licence enables you to transport dangerous goods across Europe. There are 9 different classifications of hazard, which you would specify in order to qualify to carry.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HIAB<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This stands for Hydraulic Integrated Arm and Boom. By qualifying in this category, you will be able to operate heavy duty machinery. It\u2019s ideal for construction specialists.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Transporting Animals<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To transport pigs, horses, cattle, goats, sheep or poultry either commercially or long distance, you\u2019ll need a certificate of competence in addition to the full driver CPC.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the surface there seems to be a multitude of additional driving categories you can add to your licence. We\u2019re here to work with you to find the best solution for your future. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.surreyandhampshirehgvtraining.co.uk\/index.php\/contact\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get in touch for more information<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The world of transport and delivery involves a huge variety of vehicles. From smaller rigid bodied delivery trucks to articulated lorries and beyond. This amount of diversity [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":15492,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[16,5,9,13,18],"class_list":["post-15491","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-hgv-driver-training-hampshire","tag-hgv-licence","tag-hgv-licence-hampshire","tag-hgv-licence-london","tag-hgv-licence-surrey"],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-10-30 03:35:52","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.surreyandhampshirehgvtraining.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15491","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.surreyandhampshirehgvtraining.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.surreyandhampshirehgvtraining.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.surreyandhampshirehgvtraining.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/22"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.surreyandhampshirehgvtraining.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15491"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.surreyandhampshirehgvtraining.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15491\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15493,"href":"https:\/\/www.surreyandhampshirehgvtraining.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15491\/revisions\/15493"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.surreyandhampshirehgvtraining.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15492"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.surreyandhampshirehgvtraining.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15491"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.surreyandhampshirehgvtraining.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15491"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.surreyandhampshirehgvtraining.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15491"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}