LGV licences are split into two categories: Category 'C' and Category 'C+E'.

Category C1 is a Rigid goods vehicle over 3,500kg but not over 7,500kg. The truck is all one unit and is gene rally easier to handle. Vehicles drawing trailers not over 750kg maximum authorised mass are included in this category.

A Category 'C' vehicle is also known as a Rigid. The licence required to drive a Category 'C' vehicle is also known as a 'Class II'.

A Category 'C+E' vehicle is known as an Articulated Lorry - often simply called an Artic.

The main difference between an Artic and a Rigid is that the cab of an Artic can be disconnected from the trailer. When operating a large Artic the driver must be specially trained to handle this type of vehicle. A Category 'C+E' licence is also known as a 'Class I'.

Each of the licences described above can be obtained after attending a 5 day course - providing you pass your driving test at the end! New drivers must qualify first on a Rigid before they can take the test for an Artic. Some people go for 'back to back' licences - this means after they've got their C licence, they can then train and obtain their C+E licence around three weeks later.

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