24 July 2026 · Licences
C1 licence for ambulance, vans, and 7,500kg
What a C1 licence is for, who needs it, and how it differs from a full Class 2 HGV licence.
C1 is not the same as a full Class 2 HGV licence. It covers certain vehicles up to 7,500kg. People ask about it for ambulance work, some bigger vans, and larger motorhomes.
Who usually wants C1
- Ambulance and some NHS driving roles
- Jobs that need more than a car licence but not a full rigid truck
- Motorhome drivers who sit over the car limit
If you want supermarket lorries or artics, you want Cat C or Cat C+E, not only C1.
Is it quicker?
It can be a different path. Availability depends on your area. We will not advertise a 48 hour miracle. If we can help, we will say how long it usually takes.
How to ask
Call 0800 820 3300 and say C1, not “the small HGV one”. Or use the callback form and pick the ambulance C1 option.
We will tell you if C1 is right, or if Class 2 is what the job actually needs.