Obtaining C1 Category on Licence

watpoae

I want to obtain the category C1 on my driving licence so that I am able to drive vehicles up to 7,500kg.
I’ve looked into obtaining this qualification and it seems like a total minefield to me. I’ve looked through a couple of websites for organisations near me and I’ve struggled to understand the information they have put. I emailed them and they’ve both responded with answers that have still left me confused.
Basically I’ve been offered re-training by my current employer due to being made redundant at the start of next year. I want to obtain this category so that I can obtain a job working in my Uncle’s distribution centre.
Therefore I require a C1 category so that I can drive a large van (I passed my test in 2004 so don’t have this category by default) and it’ll be for hire and reward as I’ll be being paid.
Each company has mentioned a CPC qualification but I can’t get my head around this at all. Is this definitely required if only wanting the category for up to 7,500kg? If I do require this, is there any training needed or is it just a theory and practical test?
Could someone please detail also what I need in terms of testing, medical etc.
I appreciate I’ll also need training. With the vehicles only being larger than standard cars I imagine that I won’t require that much training. I’ll try and start learning to just use the side mirrors etc before I start the actual training. What is the rough amount of time it takes to undertake the training (I’d be doing an hour training on one or two days a week after work) and what would be a rough cost?
From the responses I’ve had companies can’t detail this but it’s going to be critical that I put at least a good estimation of the costs in for my employer to be able to approve it.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

David_Perks

The CPC qualification, while not needed yet, will become mandatory to have from 1/1/2014. This is for all full time drivers of commercial vehicles (both goods and passenger).

After a very quick search with Google, I've found that it is 35 hours training every 5 years to remain competent.

Some information can be found here.

[Deleted User]

watpoae wrote: »

and it’ll be for hire and reward as I’ll be being paid.

Which means you will require CPC.

Details of CPC HERE.

With the vehicles only being larger than standard cars I imagine that I won’t require that much training.

Then you imagine wrong.

There's far more to driving a MGV than most people think, especially with the CPC.

watpoae

Thanks, I'll probably steer clear away from that for now then.

Can anyone help me with info about obtaining the C1 please?

Gordon_Hose

You need to find a local driver training school who do C1 training. Many HGV schools do LGV training. Look on Yell.com.

Can't really see what is difficult about it! Find school, call them, arrange training and test. Job done.

Oh, and they should be able to help with the CPC training should you require it.

DaveF327

No-one has yet mentioned how the OP actually gets the provisional C1 entitlement added to his licence. This is needed before any training can be taken. Some training schools can provide this assistance as part of their service, but it pays to know.

Download a D4 and take it to your doctor for a medical examination. The doctor will charge a fee for this. The leaflet INF4D will explain.

Then you must get a D2 application form from either a post office or a DVLA local office. This form will allow a provisional C (which includes C1) entitlement to be added to your licence. You must enclose your completed D4 form with your application.

Your licence will come back with provisional C and C1 on your counterpart so that you can begin training on the road.

Although choosing a training course may well be a minefield, you will find useful links here to apply for the various tests you will need to pass.

Theory test (includes CPC theory)
Practical test (when theory passed)

You may also find these publications useful: http://www.tsoshop.co.uk/bookstore.asp?FO=1162852&TRACKID=000578 Some publications are downloadable.

forgotmyname

Just had a look at one website and it said it came into force September 2008. For new drivers.

Existing drivers were exempt from it but as it only last 5 years, Existing drivers need to do it by Sept 2013.

Ive had my Class 2 as it was for some time. Not driven an HGV for a while now and it expires next year.

So i need a medical and apply for a CPC before i renew? Or do i only need the CPC to actually get a job driving ?

Thanks

AnythingButChardonnay

forgotmyname wrote: »

Just had a look at one website and it said it came into force September 2008. For new drivers.

Existing drivers were exempt from it but as it only last 5 years, Existing drivers need to do it by Sept 2013.

Ive had my Class 2 as it was for some time. Not driven an HGV for a while now and it expires next year.

So i need a medical and apply for a CPC before i renew? Or do i only need the CPC to actually get a job driving ?

Thanks

Licence and CPC are separate. The CPC is for a job aspect, and requires 'uploading' 35 hours of recognised !!!!!!!! every 5 years to keep it going.

[Deleted User]

If I were the OP, I'd do Category C instead.

More useful.

paddedjohn

forgotmyname wrote: »

Just had a look at one website and it said it came into force September 2008. For new drivers.

Existing drivers were exempt from it but as it only last 5 years, Existing drivers need to do it by Sept 2013.

Ive had my Class 2 as it was for some time. Not driven an HGV for a while now and it expires next year.

So i need a medical and apply for a CPC before i renew? Or do i only need the CPC to actually get a job driving ?

Thanks

Your class 2 is still valid but to drive commercially you will need to do the CPC training, you can buy a 15 ton rigid as private transport and not need the CPC.;)

banger9365

its simple after sept 2014 old licence holder's will need a DCPC ,new driver need one know to get paid to drive,
forgotmyname you need to do a medical to renew your licence,when DVLA tell you or it get revoked until you do and you need to do your DCPC if you want to drive and get paid after sept 2014,

And its DCPC not CPC they are totally different