If you’ve been looking at lorry driving jobs, chances are you’ve already seen the term Cat C licence pop up. It comes up a lot and it usually raises a few questions straight away. What does it actually allow you to drive? Do you need it to become an HGV driver? And is it the same thing as Class 2?
At Commercial Transport Training, these are questions we hear every week. From people changing careers. From people who’ve driven vans for years. And from people who just want a clear explanation without the noise.
What is a Cat C licence?
A Cat C licence allows you to drive a rigid lorry over 3,500kg. Rigid means the cab and the body are fixed together as one unit. There’s no separate trailer involved.
With a Cat C licence, you can legally drive:
- Rigid HGVs
- Box lorries
- Tippers
- Large delivery vehicles
- Refuse trucks
There’s no upper weight limit, as long as the vehicle stays rigid. In everyday terms, this is what most people mean when they say HGV Class 2.
Is Cat C the same as HGV Class 2?
Yes, they are the same thing. Cat C is the official DVLA name. However class 2 is the industry name that’s still widely used by employers. If a job advert asks for Class 2, a Cat C licence is what they’re looking for. There’s no difference in what you can drive.
What can you not drive with a Cat C licence?
A Cat C licence does not cover articulated lorries.
So you cannot drive:
- Artic lorries
- Vehicles towing a trailer over 750kg
- Drawbar combinations
For those, you’d need a Cat C+E licence, also known as Class 1.
A lot of drivers start with Cat C and upgrade later. Others go straight to C+E. Both routes are valid. It depends on confidence, experience, and the type of work you want.
Who is a Cat C licence for?
A Cat C licence is usually the starting point for people entering professional lorry driving.
It’s well suited if you:
- Want to become an HGV driver
- Are changing careers
- Want steady, local work
- Prefer rigid vehicles over artics
Many logistics, construction, and distribution roles ask specifically for Cat C so it is a very employable licence.
At Commercial Transport Training, we notice that most new learners begin here. Especially if they’ve never driven anything larger than a car or van.
What do you need before you can start Cat C training?
Before you can train, a few things need to be in place.
You must:
- Be 18 or over
- Hold a full UK car licence
- Complete a DVLA medical
- Apply for a provisional Cat C licence
The medical checks eyesight and general health. For most people, it’s straightforward.
Once your provisional licence comes back, you’re ready to start training.
What tests are involved?
Getting a Cat C licence involves more than just one driving test.
The full process usually includes:
- Theory test (multiple choice and hazard perception)
- Case studies (part of Driver CPC)
- Practical driving test
- Practical CPC demonstration
Some learners already have parts of this done, especially if they’ve driven professionally before.
At Commercial Transport Training, we help learners work out exactly what they need and what they don’t. No guesswork or wasted steps taken, we talk through what your aim is and find the best solution for your goal.
How long does Cat C training take?
This depends on the person. Most Cat C practical courses run over 3 to 5 days. Some people need a bit longer whilst some are ready sooner.
There’s no benefit in rushing. Learning to handle a rigid HGV safely takes time and confidence matters just as much as skill.
Our approach is simple. We train you to pass the test properly and to be safe once you’re out working. Not just to scrape through.
How much does a Cat C licence cost?
This is one of the most common questions we get.
The Cat C licence cost varies based on:
- How much training you need
- Whether theory and CPC are included
- Test fees
- Location
As a rough guide, most people in the UK spend between £1,500 and £2,500 in total.
Be cautious with prices that seem too low. They often don’t include retests, CPC modules, or enough driving time.
We always recommend checking exactly what’s included before booking anything.
What jobs can you do with a Cat C licence?
A Cat C licence opens the door to a wide range of driving jobs.
Common roles include:
- Multi-drop delivery
- Pallet and depot work
- Construction and aggregates
- Waste and recycling
- Retail distribution
Many of these roles offer local routes and regular hours. That’s a big reason people choose Cat C over artic work.
Is Cat C a good long-term option?
For a lot of drivers, yes. There’s consistent demand for Cat C drivers across the UK and for people who want practical work with clear routes into employment, it makes sense.
Some drivers stay on Cat C their whole career. Others use it as a stepping stone to C+E. We’ve trained people who came in unsure and left confident. People who hadn’t driven anything bigger than a hatchback. That’s normal as everyone starts somewhere.
Should you start with Cat C or go straight to C+E?
This comes down to confidence and goals.
Cat C is often the better choice if:
- You’re new to HGVs
- You want to build confidence
- You’re aiming for rigid vehicle jobs
C+E might suit you if:
- You’re already comfortable with large vehicles
- You want artic-only roles
- You’re happy learning at a faster pace
There’s no pressure either way. We talk it through with learners before recommending a route.
Final thoughts
A Cat C licence is one of the most common and practical ways to start a career in lorry driving. It allows you to drive rigid HGVs, qualifies you for a wide range of jobs, and doesn’t require years of experience to begin.
If you’re considering training, look for a provider who explains things clearly and takes the time to get it right. That’s how we’ve always worked at Commercial Transport Training.
If you’re still weighing things up, that’s fine. Most people are at this stage when they first speak to us. Ask questions, get the facts and then decide what feels right. Contact our team today by calling 01525 370 862 or complete our online contact form and a member of our team will be in touch with you.
