How to Get a C1 Driving Licence

Purchasing a motorhome is a brilliant way to get yourself out on the road with a vehicle that offers both a method of transport as well as a cosy place to retire at night. Not everyone however can drive a motorhome, and certain categories of motorhome require a C1 driving licence. You might be wondering what a C1 licence is and how to get one, and in this blog, we’ll provide an explanation.

Our Auto Finance experts are here to tell you who needs a C1 licence, which vehicles need one and the steps to take in order to get yourself a C1 driving licence.

Are you looking for the right motorhome before you pass your test? Check out our motorhome finance options and see how you can get an affordable loan for your dream vehicle. 

What is a C1 Driving Licence?

A C1 driving licence is a type of driving licence that allows you to drive larger vehicles with a load weight between 3,500kg and 7,500kg. This licence is needed for several vehicles of this size including certain trucks and vans carrying heavy goods, ambulances and motorhomes. 

Most vehicles in the UK weigh less than 3,500kg and you can also drive certain motorhomes under this weight with a category B or standard driving licence. It’s only when your motorhome exceeds this weight you’ll need a C1 licence. 

If you’re wondering what licence you need to drive a motorhome we have a blog that covers the requirements for all motorhome classes. 

Who needs a C1 Driving Licence?

There are a number of rules and exceptions to a C1 driving licence. If you passed your driving test after the 1st of January 1997 then you will need to apply for a C1 licence, but if you passed your driving test before this date then you will be able to drive a 3,500kg motorhome with your standard driving licence.  This is referred to as “grandfather rights” and provides drivers under older licences an exception to the rule.

What’s the Difference Between a C and C1 Licence?

If you’re looking to drive a certain class of motorhome then it’s important to make sure you’re applying for the correct licence.

A category C licence allows you to drive a vehicle that weighs over 3,500kg with a trailer attached at a maximum weight of 750kg. 

A C1 driving licence allows you to do the above but also lets you drive a vehicle between 3,500 and 7,500kg alongside the addition of a 750kg trailer. This means that if you’re planning on purchasing a heavier motorhome then you’ll need to make sure your licence is a C1 and covers the additional weight. 

How to Get a C1 Driving Licence – The Process

There are a few steps you need to go through in order to get your C1 driving licence. 

Check if you’re eligible 

In order to be able to apply for a C1 licence you need:

• To be 18 years old or above
• Have a valid standard or Category B licence
• Be medically fit enough to drive a medium vehicle or motorhome.

Unlike a standard driver’s licence which can be attained at 17 in the UK, you need to be 18 or older to apply for a C1 driving licence.

Medical Assessment

Your fitness to drive will need to be assessed when applying for a C1 licence. You will need to submit your medical history and declare any medical conditions that could affect your ability to drive such as epilepsy and cardiac conditions. 

These tests can be conducted by your GP or by a private doctor for a minimal fee. Once your D4 or medical fitness form is complete and signed by your doctor it can be sent off to the DVLA.

Apply for Provisional C1 Licence

Once you’ve completed your initial paperwork and tests, you’ll be able to apply for your provisional C1 licence. For this, you’ll need to complete a D2 form with all of your personal information. Pair this with your D4 form and current driving licence and send it to the DVLA.

Once your application has been approved, you’ll be able to move forward with your practical and theory tests.

Complete Your Theory Test

In the same way you had to complete a theory test for your standard licence, you’ll also need to take one for a C1 licence. This test is known as Driver Certificate of Professional Competence and includes some of the general road safety and awareness questions you’d usually expect as well as questions related to heavy-duty/ medium size vehicles. You’ll also need to undertake a hazard perception test during your assessment.

If you successfully pass your theory test, you can move on to the practical examination. It’s important to note that you’ll most likely need to revise for this test and familiarise yourself with the highway code. You can also practice mock tests to reduce the chance of making any mistakes on the real test (which you have to pay to sit). 

Begin Your C1 Driving Training

Even though you’ll most likely be comfortable driving a standard vehicle, we’d always recommend getting lessons when preparing for your C1 driving test. This is because a medium-sized vehicle is a different experience from operating a smaller car. 

During your lessons, you’ll be taught the differences between standard and larger vehicles and how to handle the latter. You’ll be made aware of potential blind spots, how to manage your vehicle and the different controls.

One main thing to focus on during your training is navigating smaller roads or tighter spots as vehicles like motorhomes are often tricky to manoeuvre underneath low bridges and down country lanes. 

When you start training you can choose the type of mobile home you want to practice in. Deciding between a campervan and a motorhome? To find out what the right vehicle is for you, check out our blog. 

Pass your C1 Practical Driving Test

This is the final and perhaps the most important step to obtaining your C1 driving licence. You’ll need to complete and successfully pass your practical driving test in a 3,500kg or more vehicle. During the test you can be expected to complete the same navigation and driving tasks expected in a standard vehicle but with some additional requests.

You’ll need to correctly answer all the relevant questions about a medium-sized vehicle’s safety, operation and maintenance. There will also be a particular focus on successfully manoeuvring your motorhome or van by carrying out turns and parking tasks. 

The practical test is around 90 minutes long and if you successfully pass your instructor will provide you with a certificate of proof. You’ll then be sent a proper C1 driver’s licence and you’ll be ready to legally get on the road in your motorhome!

When Do You Renew a C1 Licence?

Now that you’ve got your licence you should stay aware of when you need to renew it. If you’re under the age of 45 then you only need to renew your C1 licence every 5 years. 

If you’re 45 or older then unfortunately your C1 licence needs to be renewed annually which for many people can be an inconvenience. If you got your licence before the 1st of January 1997 then you fall under the “grandfather rights” and don’t have to renew this licence. If however, you’re over 70, regardless of when you got your licence you have to have a licence renewal and medical assessment to identify if you’re still fit to drive.

If you pass your assessments then you can have your licence renewed for 3 years. 

Get Your licence Then Get On the Road with an Auto Finance Loan

If you’ve got your C1 driving licence and you’re ready to get out exploring then it’s time to find the best motorhome finance for your needs. At Auto Finance, our experts search all across the UK to find you the best loan terms for your chosen vehicle. We offer inclusive loan options and allow everyone the opportunity to apply for finance, even if you’ve got a poor credit history. 

If you’re struggling to find the right terms for you or can’t determine how much you can afford to pay, use our budget calculator for vehicle finance, to give you an estimate of your monthly repayments. 

Still can’t decide what you need from your finances? Don’t worry! Get in touch and tell us what vehicle you want and your budget and we’ll find you the best deal for your loan.