C1 Driver Training

Based in Holmfirth and covering Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, and Hull & the Humber, Basegreen helps you earn your C1 (7.5-tonne) licence. Our friendly, practical training covers the essentials—from safety checks to on-road coaching—ideal for ambulance, horsebox, motorhome or delivery drivers. Flexible dates, local routes and modern vehicles; we’ll guide you through the medical, theory and practical steps.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Is C1 Training?

Those that are looking for a career within the ambulance or logistics sectors often need to complete additional tests to gain the licence from the DVLA to be able to drive. Those that passed their test after 1997 are required to take these tests as currently they can only drive B class vehicle which are up to 3.5 tonne. The C1 Driving Licence allows drivers to legally drive a vehicle weighing between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes.

Based in Holmfirth, Basegreen offers a comprehensive course for individuals seeking to obtain their C1 Driving Licence for driving ambulances or heavy logistic vehicles. Our team of qualified and experienced driver trainers provide personalised instruction to ensure you gain the necessary skills and knowledge to operate these specialised vehicles safely and effectively. Whether you’re just starting or need to complete your training, we’ve got you covered.

Our trainers will work with you at any stage of your journey, offering flexible scheduling and expert guidance to help you succeed.

Please see the pricing table on this page for pricing options.

At Basegreen, we pride ourselves on our state-of-the-art facilities and our commitment to your success. We don’t just teach you to pass the test; we prepare you for a successful career on the road. Our comprehensive approach covers everything from theory to practical skills, giving you the confidence to handle any situation you might encounter. Whether you’re aiming to drive ambulances or heavy logistics vehicles, Basegreen provides the knowledge, skills, and support you need to excel. Don’t just dream about your new career – take the first step towards making it a reality with Basegreen today! Your journey to becoming a skilled C1 driver starts here, and we’re excited to guide you every step of the way.

How Do I Get A C1 Licence?

To obtain a C1 licence, you need to:

Be at least 18 years old and already hold a full UK Category B driving licence
Complete a medical examination with a D4 form signed by a registered doctor
Apply for a provisional C1 entitlement using DVLA form D2
Pass the C1 theory test (multiple-choice and hazard perception)
Take C1 training and pass the practical driving test

How Long Does C1 Training Take?

The C1 driving course is conducted over a two-day period of training. With each day also having a practical test. On day one, we conduct practice for the 3A reverse test manoeuvre, with this test in the afternoon. But also conduct training across Yorkshire hitting all types of roads. On day two, we focus more on roads around the test centre area for your test, with the 3B on road test taking place mid-morning or afternoon. All training is conducted in specialist ambulance driver training vehicles, these are equipped to deliver C1 training but are also used for emergency response (blue light) driver training. These vehicles have been checked and are suitable for conducting the training as required. You will have to always show L plates on the vehicle during your training and testing, these are provided by Basegreen. The medical and theory part of the programme will be organised at a centre near you. If you need any further information or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the team on 0114 212 5910 (option 3).

Do I Need A Medical For A C1 Licence?

Yes, a medical examination is mandatory for all C1 licence applicants.

How Much Is A C1 Course?

Please see the pricing table on this page for pricing options.

Can I Drive A 7.5 Tonne On A C1 Licence?

A C1 licence allows you to drive rigid vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes, with the option to tow a trailer up to 750kg. This category specifically covers vans and small trucks in the 3.5-7.5 tonne range.

Is A C1 Licence Hard To Obtain?

The C1 licence test is generally considered less challenging compared to larger vehicle categories. While it still requires learning specific skills for handling vehicles between 3,500kg and 7,500kg, the smaller size of these vehicles makes them more manageable than full-sized commercial vehicles. That said, it’s still more demanding than a standard car licence test, requiring additional training and practice to master the unique handling characteristics of these medium-sized vehicles.

What Are The Grandfather Rights For C1?

If you passed your category B (car) driving test before 1 January 1997, you automatically received “Grandfather Rights” which granted you a C1 entitlement. This means you can drive vehicles weighing up to 7.5 tonnes without taking an additional test. However, these rights only permit you to tow a trailer up to 750kg with such vehicles.

Drivers who passed their car test after 1 January 1997 must take a separate C1 test to gain this entitlement. The Grandfather Rights were established during the harmonisation of EU driving licence categories and remain valid in the UK.

What Can I Drive With A C1 Licence?

A C1 licence allows you to drive vehicles weighing between 3,500kg and 7,500kg, with a trailer up to 750kg. This includes medium-sized vans, small trucks, and ambulances.

Do I Need A CPC To Drive With A C1 Licence?

You can drive a 7.5-tonne lorry without a CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) for non-commercial purposes. However, if you wish to drive professionally, you will need a Driver CPC qualification.

What Is The C1 Practical Test Like?

The practical test includes an eyesight check, vehicle safety questions (“show me, tell me”), a reversing maneuver, and approximately an hour of driving on various road types. The examiner will assess your overall driving ability and specific skills needed for larger vehicles.

What Jobs Require A C1 Licence?

Many professions require a C1 licence, including paramedics, ambulance drivers, delivery drivers for companies using 7.5-tonne vehicles, some emergency services roles, removal companies, and courier services that use larger vehicles.

Is There An Age Limit For Holding A C1 Licence?

There’s no upper age limit for holding a C1 licence, but the renewal requirements become more stringent with age. You must be at least 18 years old to obtain the licence initially.

What's The Difference Between C1 And C Licences?

A C1 licence allows you to drive vehicles between 3,500kg and 7,500kg, while a full C licence permits you to drive rigid vehicles over 3,500kg with no upper weight limit (though most rigid lorries are under 32 tonnes).

Do I Need To Take The Driver CPC If I Just Want To Drive A Motorhome?

No, the Driver CPC is only required for professional driving. If you’re using your C1 licence for private purposes like driving a motorhome or horsebox, you don’t need to complete the CPC qualification.

Do I Need A C1 Licence For A Horsebox?

Whether you need a C1 licence for a horsebox depends on the weight of the horsebox:

For horseboxes under 3,500kg (3.5 tonnes): You can drive these with a standard Category B (car) licence. You can drive a small horsebox as long as it is under 3,500kg.
For horseboxes between 3,500kg and 7,500kg (3.5-7.5 tonnes): You will need a Category C1 licence. This licence enables you to operate vehicles of between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes MAM.
If you passed your driving test before 1st January 1997: You already have C1 entitlement on your licence, allowing you to drive vehicles up to 7,500kg MAM (GVW).
For horseboxes over 7,500kg (7.5 tonnes): You will need a full Category C licence.

Remember that weight limits refer to the Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM), which includes the combined weight of the vehicle, passengers, horses, and any equipment – not just the empty vehicle weight.

If you plan to use your horsebox professionally (for hire or reward), additional requirements apply:

By law, anyone who drives a vehicle over 3.5-tonnes professionally must complete 35-hours of periodic Driver CPC training. However, if you’re driving as part of a hobby or for personal use (like going to amateur shows), you won’t need the Driver CPC.

For towing trailers behind a horsebox, different licence requirements apply depending on the combined weights.

What Happens If I Don't Renew My C1 Licence When Required?

If you don’t complete the required medical examination and renewal process, your C1 entitlement will lapse, and you’ll no longer be legally permitted to drive vehicles in that category until you renew it.

Can I Tow With A C1 Licence?

With a standard C1 licence, you can tow a trailer up to 750kg. If you want to tow a heavier trailer, you’ll need to take an additional test to obtain C1+E entitlement, which allows for trailer and vehicle combinations exceeding 7,500kg (up to 12,000kg combined).