Category B and C1 limits

By the end of this topic you can

• You can find a van's MAM and say whether category B covers it.
• You can explain what category C1 covers and who can apply for it.
• You can work out whether a van and trailer combination is legal on your licence.
• You can describe the extra steps needed to get a C1 learner permit.

What you need to know and understand

• Category B covers vehicles with a MAM of no more than 3,500 kg and seats for no more than 8 passengers besides the driver.
• MAM is the maximum weight the vehicle is designed and plated to weigh when fully loaded. It is shown on the vehicle's plate and documents.
• Category C1 covers goods vehicles with a MAM over 3,500 kg and up to 7,500 kg, with no more than 8 passengers and a trailer of up to 750 kg MAM.
• The minimum age for category C1 is 18, and you must already hold a full category B licence.
• Applicants for C1 and other truck and bus categories must give a medical report as well as passing a separate theory test.
• Category C1E covers a C1 vehicle with a trailer over 750 kg where the combined MAM is no more than 12,000 kg.
• A category B licence covers a trailer up to 750 kg MAM, or a heavier trailer where van plus trailer MAM is 3,500 kg or less; code 96 raises the combined limit to 4,250 kg.

Finding the number that matters

Look for the manufacturer's plate, usually inside the driver's door frame or under the bonnet, and the vehicle registration certificate. The figure you want may be called MAM, gross vehicle weight (GVW) or permissible maximum mass. Ignore the unladen weight and the payload when deciding the licence: a 3,500 kg van needs only a B licence even when empty, and a van plated at 4,600 kg needs C1 even when empty.

Large panel vans, Luton box vans and recovery trucks often come in versions either side of 3,500 kg that look almost the same. Always check the plate on the actual vehicle, especially with hire vans.

B or C1 at a glance

There is a narrow exception for some alternatively fuelled goods vans, such as electric vans, plated over 3,500 kg and up to 4,250 kg because of battery weight. EU rules allow these on a category B licence held for at least two years, with no trailer and with conditions. Check with the NDLS or RSA before relying on it.

• Van plated at 3,500 kg or less: category B is enough.
• Van plated over 3,500 kg and up to 7,500 kg: category C1 needed.
• Goods vehicle over 7,500 kg: category C needed.
• Category C1 or C learner permit: you cannot tow a trailer.
• Driving for a living in C1 or above: Driver CPC is also needed unless an exemption applies.

Stepping up to C1

1. Hold a full category B licence and be at least 18.
2. Pass the truck theory test for category C1.
3. Get a medical report (form D501) completed by a doctor.
4. Apply to the NDLS for a C1 learner permit and display L plates.
5. Practise with a supervisor who holds a full C1 licence, ideally taking lessons with an RSA Approved Driving Instructor.
6. Pass the C1 driving test, then apply for your full licence.

Common mistakes

• Judging the licence by the van's size. Only the plated MAM decides it.
• Assuming a hire company has checked your licence. You are responsible for driving within your categories.
• Hitching a trailer to a heavy van without adding up the combined MAM.
• Treating the alternative fuel exception as covering any electric van. It only applies up to 4,250 kg and with conditions.

Test yourself: Category B and C1 limits

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.