C1+E Licence Training in Sussex
Our C1+E training course prepares you to tow using medium sized vehicles - ideal for delivery work, utility companies and more.
Who Needs a C1+E Licence?
If you already hold a C1 licence and need to tow a trailer over 750kg, then the C1+E is your next step. This licence allows you to drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 12 tonnes MAM (Maximum Authorised Mass).
Common roles requiring a C1+E licence include:
Emergency services with trailer based equipment
Delivery drivers transporting larger loads
Utility drivers towing generators or work units
Private motorhome drivers hauling horseboxes, boats or small commercial trailers
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"The HGV course at Sussex Driver Training was exceptional. The instructors were knowledgeable and supportive, making the learning experience enjoyable and effective."
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Book your assessment drive with us to see how many days of training you’ll need to pass your C1+E test with confidence. We’ll guide you through every step - no time or money wasted.
C1+E Licence FAQs
Understand the rules, requirements and process for passing your C1+E licence first time with expert support.
No, you’ll need to obtain your C1 licence first. Once you’ve passed your C1 practical test, you can then take your C1+E training to add the trailer entitlement.
No - if you already hold a full C1 licence, and have passed the required theory and hazard perception tests for that category, you're not required to retake them for C1+E. You can go straight into practical trailer training and take the driving test once ready.
The C1+E test includes a number of key exercises that check your ability to safely handle a vehicle and trailer combination. You’ll be tested on:
- Reversing into a bay (S-shaped reverse around a corner into a marked bay)
- Uncoupling and re coupling the trailer safely and correctly
- On road driving with emphasis on junctions, mirrors, lane control and trailer awareness
To pass, you’ll need to show that you can handle the additional length and pivot point that trailers introduce - especially when reversing. Many candidates find the reverse manoeuvre the most challenging, but we’ll make sure you’re confident with it before your test.
Training time depends on your current experience. We generally recommend 4 days of practical training for those not used to towing a trailer.
If you're under 45 years of age, your C1+E entitlement remains valid until your 45th birthday. After that, it must be renewed every five years with only a valid medical examination. Once you reach 65, the medical renewal becomes annual.
With a C1+E licence, you can drive a vehicle in the C1 category (3.5 -7.5 tonnes MAM) towing a trailer over 750 kg, with a combined maximum authorised mass (MAM) of up to 12,000 kg. If you passed your driving test before 1997 and hold “grandfather rights,” you may have a 107 restriction, which limits your combined MAM to 8,250 kg until you complete a full C1+E test.
Importantly, the fully loaded trailer (gross weight) must not exceed the unladen weight of the towing vehicle - this is a standard legal requirement to maintain stability and safety on the road.
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