Can someone please explain what the different catogerys are all about. I've read information on the internet but its very contradicting.
I only have a normal Cat A + B on my driving license, whats the best way of getting Cat C.
I've just been made redudant from my job, and would like to make a career in driving, is this a good idea?
Medium sized goods vehicles
Category C1
A medium sized lorry with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of at least 4 tonnes, at least 5 metres in length, capable of 80 km/h (50 mph) and with a closed box cargo compartment at least as wide and as high as the cab.
Category C1 + E
There are two types of test vehicle in the C1 + E category.
* A drawbar outfit made from a combination of a category C1 vehicle towing a trailer of at least 2 tonnes MAM with a combined length of at least 8 metres, capable of 80 km/h (50 mph) and with a closed box trailer at least as high and as wide as the towing vehicle. The trailer may be slightly less wide than the towing vehicle, but the view to the rear must be by use of external mirrors only.
* A medium sized articulated lorry with a MAM of at least six tonnes with a combined length of at least 8 metres, capable of 80 km/h (50 mph) and with a closed box trailer at least as high and as wide as the towing vehicle. The trailer may be slightly less wide than the towing vehicle, but the view to the rear must be by use of external mirrors only.
Large goods vehicles
Category C
A rigid goods vehicle with a MAM of at least 12 tonnes, at least eight metres in length and least 2.4 metres in width, capable of 80 km/h (50 mph). The vehicle should have at least eight forward ratios, a closed box cargo compartment at least as wide and as high as the cab.
Category C + E
There are two types of test vehicle in the C + E category.
* A drawbar outfit made from a combination of a category C vehicle and trailer with a MAM of 20 tonnes and a length of at least 7.5 metres from coupling eye to extreme rear and a combined length of at least 14 metres with a trailer at least 2.4 metres in width. The vehicle combination should be capable of 80 km/h (50 mph), with at least 8 forward ratios and a closed box cargo compartment at least as wide and as high as the cab.
* An articulated lorry with a MAM of at least 20 tonnes, with a minimum length of 14 metres and and minimum width of at least 2.4 metres. The maximum length of the vehicle is 16.5 metres (54 feet) or for a low-loader trailer manafactured on or after 1 April 1981 the maximum length is 18 metres (59 feet). The vehicle should be capable of 80 km/h (50 mph) and have with at least 8 forward ratios and a closed box cargo compartment at least as wide and as high as the cab
In a nutshell, a rigid vehicle is Class C, an atriculated one is Class C+E.
The best option is to phone around some local LGV / HGV training schools and ask for an assessment. Then you will see if driving such a vehicle actually appeals from the sharp end!
Assuming you then gain your licence, then the funs starts. You'd have to register with as many employment agencies as you could to build and gain experience, without experience, you won't get regular employment. You'll find this hard at the start so take any driving related job thats offered (even if its driving a Fiesta van) and make it known to the company concerned that you have an LGV licence, if they see you do a good job on the smaller vehicle, you'll often get a break on something bigger.
Its a lot of outlay for a job that certainly when your newly qualified, you'll find difficult to get on the bottom rung of the ladder.
And even when your near the top of the ladder, the money is not too great.
On the other hand, whilst the rules & regulations are slowly ruining the job, I enjoy it and can think of harder ways to earn a living.
I get paid to drive around in a flashy Scania is how I view it!
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