Everyone knows the category B driving licence. That’s the licence you need to drive a car. But what if, for example, you want to become a truck driver? Then you need a category C or CE driving licence. But what exactly is the difference between a category C and CE driving licence? We’d be happy to explain!
C driving licence
If you want to become a truck driver, you can obtain several driving licences. With a category C driving licence, you can drive a motor vehicle with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of more than 3,500 kg. The maximum authorised mass, abbreviated to MAM, consists of the vehicle’s weight plus its payload. A trailer or semi-trailer with a maximum MAM of 750 kg may also be attached to the vehicle.
CE driving licence
A CE licence also allows you to drive a motor vehicle with a maximum authorised mass of more than 3,500 kg. A trailer/semitrailer with a maximum authorised mass exceeding 750 KG may also be attached to the vehicle. As a CE licence holder, you are also authorised to drive a car with a trailer (over 3,500 KG), for which a BE licence is required.
The difference
The difference between a C and CE driving licence is the maximum weight of the trailer/semitrailer. With a C driving licence, it can weigh up to 750 kg. With a CE driving licence, the driver can tow a trailer/semitrailer weighing more than 750 kg.
C1 and C1E driving licences?
In addition to the C and CE driving licences, there are also the C1 and C1E driving licences. The main difference between these two licences is the minimum and maximum weight. We'll explain exactly how that works.
C1 driving licence
With a C1 driving licence, you are authorised to drive a vehicle with a maximum permissible mass (MPM) of more than 3,500 kg, up to a maximum of 7,500 kg. The vehicle may have a maximum of 8 seats. You may also attach a trailer with an MPM of up to 750 kg.
C1E driving licence
With a C1E licence, you may tow a heavier trailer/semitrailer in category C1. In this case, the trailer’s maximum authorised mass may exceed 750 KG, provided the combination does not weigh more than 12,000 KG. With a C1E licence, you may also drive a category B vehicle with a trailer/semitrailer with a maximum authorised mass of more than 3,500 KG.
Getting a Category C driving licence
Would you like to get your Category C driving licence? Then there are a few requirements you need to meet. To get a Category C licence with Code 95 (professional driving), you must be at least 18 years old. Want to drive without Code 95? Then you must be at least 21 years old. To get your Category C licence, you must hold a Category B driving licence, and you need a health declaration before taking the practical exam.
Of course, you can only take the practical exam if you’ve passed the theory exam. The theory exam is the RVM1-C (driving licence and professional competence module 1-C). Now you know exactly what the difference is between C and CE, and you’re ready to get your category C driving licence!
