Cat C+E (Class 1) training, straight from a car licence
Drive articulated lorries without passing Cat C first. Five four-hour sessions in our artics from Chelmsford, then your tests, all for one price.
What's included
The price you see is the price you pay. Already done your medical or theory? Take them off in the quote and the total drops.
- 5 × 4-hour training sessions£1,745
- DVSA reversing and driving tests£165
- LGV medical£65
- Theory tests with online training£40
- All-in price£2,015
Why go straight to C+E?
Taking Cat C and then upgrading means two courses and two sets of tests. Going straight to C+E from a car licence is one course of 20 hours and one set of tests, and it costs less overall than doing them separately. You still learn rigid-lorry skills along the way, and a C+E licence lets you drive Cat C lorries too.
Your route to a C+E licence
We guide you through each stage and can book everything for you.
LGV medical
Then you apply to the DVLA for provisional lorry entitlement.
Theory tests
Multiple choice and hazard perception, with our online training to prepare.
Five training sessions
Four hours each, in an artic, from our Chelmsford base.
Reversing test
Off-road, about 15 minutes from our base, with an independent examiner.
Driving test at Ipswich
Pass, and you hold a full Cat C+E licence.
Where you train and take your tests
Everything is set up to give you the best chance of passing first time.
- Training in ChelmsfordFrom our base in Boreham. Sessions usually run 7.30 to 11.30am or 11.30am to 3.30pm. We can meet you in Colchester or Ipswich, or at a railway station, if that suits you better; travel time from Chelmsford comes out of your training time.
- Reversing test near our baseYou practise at our Chelmsford training area, then take the off-road reversing test about 15 minutes away with an independent examiner.
- Driving test at DVSA IpswichIn 2025–26 Ipswich had the highest LGV pass rate of the 29 large test centres in Great Britain: 87.6%, against a national average of 60.7% (DVSA figures).
- Our own results83% of our candidates passed their driving test first time in 2025, and 83% again in 2026 so far. How we count
Recent Cat C+E passes
Connor Cat C+E
Homam Cat C+E
Jim Cat C+E
Lulica Cat C+E
Rupesh Cat C+E
Sean Cat C+E
Karen Cat C+E
Driving for a living?
To drive a lorry professionally you'll also need the Initial Driver CPC, Modules 2 and 4. Add it to your quote for £299, or £276 if you've already passed Module 2. About Driver CPC
Our free driver hours course and New Pass Employment service help you into your first job. How we help
Cat C+E questions
Can I go straight from a car licence to Cat C+E?
Yes. Since 2021 you no longer need to pass Cat C first. Our direct course is five four-hour sessions, £2,015 all in.
What does the £2,015 include?
Five four-hour training sessions (20 hours), both DVSA test fees (reversing £50 and driving £115), the LGV medical (£65) and the theory tests with online training (£40). There's no VAT to add.
How long does it take?
If we pre-book everything when you book, about 6 to 7 weeks from a car licence. Many people spread it out over around 12 weeks.
I already hold Cat C. Which course do I need?
Our C to C+E upgrade: four sessions, £1,561 all in. You don't need another medical or theory test.
What if I don't pass first time?
Most of our candidates do: 83% passed first time in 2025 and again in 2026 so far. For peace of mind, add retest cover when you book: £199 for half-price retest training, or £299 for free retest training, as many times as it takes.
What our drivers say
★★★★★
“I went from Cat B to C+E, passed first time and had a fantastic experience from start to finish. … Just over a month later and tomorrow i’m starting work as a Class 1 driver.”
Skye, Trustpilot, 19 July 2026★★★★★
“A huge thank you also to my two instructors, Preme and Andy, who were absolutely brilliant throughout my training. … And the result? C+E PASSED FIRST TIME!”
David, Trustpilot, 3 November 2026
See your exact Cat C+E price
Take off anything you've already done and add Driver CPC or retest cover. We'll email the quote to you.