C vs C1 test

[Snow and Rocks]

My parents have a motorhome plated at 4250kg that we quite fancy using so I need the licence to drive it.

Is there a significant difference between the two tests/processes other than the size of van/lorry you do the lessons and test in?

I've no plans to drive commercially but do quite fancy the idea of rumbling around in a lorry for a few days!

[Tisy]

I think you're getting your licences confused. C1 is your 7.5 tonner which will be what you need to drive the motorhome if you're a youngster and don't have grandfather rights (passed car test before 1997). The C test is for anything rigid over 7.5 tonne. The rigids are fairly straightforward. If you can drive a van confidently then you should piss your C1, and the same for C1 to C.

Bear in mind if you want to tow a car behind the motorhome then you'll probably need to do your C1+E test too.

[Snow and Rocks]

I understand the various licence types and that I only need the C1 to drive the motorhome but if I can jump straight to having a full C licence for only a little extra effort and cost, then that seems worthwhile?

I might not need the C license now but there's no harm in having it - who knows what interesting ebay listings might appear on the horizon!

[paddy1970]

For the C1 license, you'll typically need about 2-3 days of training in medium-sized vehicles between 3,500kg and 7,500kg, while the full C license requires around 4-5 days in larger goods vehicles over 7,500kg.

Both require the same theory test and medical examination via a D4 form, though you won't need to complete the CPC modules since you're not planning to drive commercially. The actual test maneuvers are quite similar for both licenses, but the full C test is generally more challenging simply because you're handling a larger vehicle.

[Snow and Rocks]

Thanks for that - sounds good. I grew up rurally driving a variety of different things and regularly drive a tractor, tow a big tri-axle trailer etc so hopefully the vehicle handling side of things won't be too tricky.

Will have a phone around local training places tomorrow and see what sort of price differences they come up with.

[Tisy]

Snow and Rocks said:

I understand the various licence types and that I only need the C1 to drive the motorhome but if I can jump straight to having a full C licence for only a little extra effort and cost, then that seems worthwhile?

I might not need the C license now but there's no harm in having it - who knows what interesting ebay listings might appear on the horizon!

Ah. I understand your plan now. Personally I think you are wasting your money if you don't plan to use your C or C1 ticket to drive vocationally and where you are located there is very little rigid work anyway. You can't do anything with it unless you do your CPC and that is a waste of money and time if you are not going to drive regularly as you need to spend c. £250 renewing it every 5 years with 35 hours of classroom tuition which will make you lose the will to live.

Unfortunately the CPC requirement has completely killed any reasoning for "I'll do my wagon test(s) so I've got the licence(s) in my back pocket for a rainy day". I have all my tickets but can't even drive a minibus these days without the CPC.

[Koyaanisqatsi]

Tisy said:

...CPC and that is a waste of money and time...

Never a truer word spoken!