If you drive or plan to drive a vehicle weighing between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes, you need a C1 licence. This includes motorhomes, ambulances, horse boxes, and some larger commercial vehicles. In this complete guide, we explain everything you need to know about the C1 driving licence — what it is, who needs one, how to get it, the medical requirements, and how much it costs in 2026.
What Is a C1 Licence?
A C1 licence (also known as a Category C1 licence) allows you to drive vehicles weighing between 3,500kg and 7,500kg. It sits between a standard car licence (Category B) and a full HGV licence (Category C). The C1 driving licence is part of the Group 2 entitlement, which means you need to meet higher medical standards than a standard car driver.
If you passed your car driving test before 1 January 1997, you were automatically given C1 entitlement on your licence. However, if you passed your test after this date, you will need to apply separately for a C1 licence and pass additional tests.
What Can You Drive with a C1 Licence?
With a C1 licence, you can legally drive:
- Motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes — Many modern motorhomes exceed the 3.5-tonne limit, requiring a C1 licence to drive legally
- Ambulances — Most ambulance trusts require drivers to hold a C1 licence
- Horse boxes — Larger horse transport vehicles often fall into the C1 weight category
- Medium-sized commercial vehicles — Delivery vans and box trucks up to 7.5 tonnes
- Some fire engines and specialist vehicles
How to Get a C1 Licence
Getting a C1 licence involves several steps. Here is the process from start to finish:
Step 1: Apply for a C1 Provisional Licence
Before you can take your C1 driving test, you need to apply to the DVLA for a provisional C1 entitlement. You must already hold a full Category B (car) licence. You can apply online at GOV.UK or by post using a D2 application form and a D4 medical form.
Step 2: Pass the C1 Medical
Because the C1 licence is a Group 2 entitlement, you must pass a D4 medical examination before the DVLA will issue your provisional licence. This is the same medical required for HGV and bus drivers. The C1 medical includes an eyesight test, blood pressure check, and a review of your medical history.
At Simply Medicals, we offer C1 medical examinations from just £49.99 at over 30 clinic locations across England. All medicals are carried out by GMC-registered doctors, and appointments are available within 24 hours. Book your C1 medical online here.
Step 3: Pass the C1 Theory Test
You will need to pass a separate theory test for the C1 category. This covers topics specific to driving larger vehicles, including vehicle safety, hazard perception, and loading regulations. The theory test costs £26 and can be booked through the DVSA.
Step 4: Pass the C1 Practical Driving Test
The practical test consists of two parts — a vehicle safety demonstration (the “show me, tell me” questions) and an on-road driving assessment in a vehicle between 4 and 7.5 tonnes. Most people complete their training through a specialist C1 driving school over 3 to 5 days.
C1 Licence Cost UK: Full Breakdown
How much does a C1 licence cost in 2026? Here is a breakdown of all the costs involved:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| D4 Medical (C1 Medical) | From £49.99 (Simply Medicals) |
| DVLA Provisional C1 Application | £43 (online) / £58 (post) |
| C1 Theory Test | £26 |
| C1 Practical Test | £115 (weekday) / £141 (weekend) |
| Driver Training (3-5 days) | £800 – £1,500 |
| Total Estimated Cost | £1,034 – £1,767 |
The biggest cost is the driver training, which varies significantly depending on your location and the training provider. The C1 licence cost can be reduced if you already have some experience with larger vehicles or if your employer covers the training costs.
C1 Medical Requirements
The C1 medical (also called a D4 medical) is a mandatory health assessment that checks whether you are medically fit to drive vehicles in the C1 category. The medical must be carried out by a registered doctor and involves:
- Eyesight test — You must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres and meet the minimum visual acuity standards
- Blood pressure check — Your blood pressure must be within the DVLA’s acceptable limits for Group 2 drivers
- Medical history review — The doctor will ask about conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, heart disease, and sleep apnea
- General fitness assessment — Including BMI, hearing, and neurological function
The doctor will complete the D4 medical form, which you then submit to the DVLA with your licence application. At Simply Medicals, our C1 medical near me service ensures you get an appointment quickly — often within 24 hours — at a clinic near you.
C1 Licence Renewal
Your C1 licence is valid until you turn 45 (if you are under 45 when it is issued). After 45, it must be renewed every 5 years until you reach 65, and then every year after that. Each renewal requires a new D4 medical examination.
If you held automatic C1 entitlement from before 1997, this was valid until your licence expired at age 70. After that, you need to renew it with a medical every 3 years.
Do I Need a C1 Licence for a Motorhome?
Yes, if your motorhome has a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) over 3,500kg, you need a C1 licence to drive it legally. Many popular motorhome models exceed this weight limit, especially once loaded with passengers and belongings. Driving a motorhome over 3.5 tonnes without a C1 licence is a criminal offence that can result in points on your licence, a fine, and invalidated insurance.
If you are unsure whether your motorhome requires a C1 licence, check the MAM on your vehicle’s registration document (V5C). If it exceeds 3,500kg, you will need to get a motorhome medical and apply for C1 entitlement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a C1 licence for free?
Some employers — particularly the NHS and ambulance services — will fund your C1 licence training and testing. The military also provides C1 training. Otherwise, you will need to cover the costs yourself.
How long does it take to get a C1 licence?
From medical to licence in hand, the process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. This includes waiting for the DVLA to process your provisional application, completing training, and passing both tests.
What is the difference between C1 and C1+E?
C1 allows you to drive vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes. C1+E allows you to tow a trailer with a combined weight of up to 12 tonnes. If you need to tow heavy trailers, you will need the C1+E extension.
Book Your C1 Medical with Simply Medicals
Getting your C1 licence starts with passing your D4 medical. At Simply Medicals, we make it fast and affordable — from just £49.99 with appointments available within 24 hours at over 30 locations across England. All medicals are carried out by experienced, GMC-registered doctors.
Book your C1 medical online now or call us on 0808 188 9112.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a C1 licence?
A C1 licence allows you to drive vehicles between 3,500kg and 7,500kg, such as large motorhomes, ambulances and horse boxes. It is a category on your UK driving licence.
How much does a C1 licence cost?
The total cost is typically £1,000 to £1,500, which includes the medical (from £49.99), provisional entitlement application (£43), theory test (£26), and practical driving test plus training.
Do I need a medical for a C1 licence?
Yes. A D4 medical examination by a registered doctor is required. The medical checks your eyesight, blood pressure, BMI, and general health to DVLA Group 2 standards.
How do I get a C1 licence?
Apply for provisional C1 entitlement with a D4 medical, pass the LGV theory test, then pass the practical driving test with an approved training provider.