Category B+E: Car or Van and Trailer.
If you passed your test after 1997 and hold a full Category B licence, you are only entitled to tow a 750kg trailer, or the towing vehicle and trailer combined must not exceed a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of 3500kg train weight.
Remember that these weight limits apply to the plate weight of the vehicle and trailer, NOT what is actually being carried.
The plate weight (or gross weight) of the trailer is the maximum weight of both the trailer and any load carried. Also make yourself aware of your vehicle's towing weight limits - these must not be exceeded.
Passing a B+E driving test allows you to tow a trailer above 750kg and exceed the 3500kg train weight limit.
Category C1 (7.5t medium goods vehicle)
Passing your C1 test allows you to drive vehicles up to and including 7.5t (7500kg). We introduced the VW LT46 (4600kg) into the fleet to accommodate paramedic / ambulance drivers and other clients who need to drive vehicles over 3500kg without having to take a test in a medium sized lorry. To do this in a C1 truck type vehicle no longer makes economic or logical sense. We would recommend you do the upgrade Category C test because all the medical conditions, theory, hazard perception and practical training is the same for both. You are putting the work and money into improving your driving entitlements, and by passing your Category C test, this gives you the C1.
You must undertake and pass a theory and hazard perception test before you can take a practical driving test in this type of vehicle.
Category C1+E (Towing a trailer)
We offer training courses to add this entitlement to your licence. You do not have to take a theory test to add this entitlement, only a practical test. Contact our office for details.
Category D1 (Minibus)
A Category D1 licence allows you to drive minibuses over 3500kg. If you have Category D1 on your licence with a restriction code 101, you have probably gained this entitlement through what is known as 'Grandfather Rights' (prior to 1997). You cannot drive minibuses over 3500kg for hire or reward without first passing a full D1 driving test. Take a look at our special minibus page for all the courses we offer in this field. At present we are the only driving school in this area to offer all of the courses mentioned.
You must undertake and pass a theory and hazard perception test before you can take a practical driving test in this type of vehicle.
Category D1+E (Towing a trailer)
We offer training courses to add this entitlement to your licence. You do not have to take a theory test to add this entitlement, only a practical test. Contact our office for details.
Category D and D+E (Coach, bus or coach, bus and trailer combination)
We offer training in your own vehicle, or we can supply a suitable vehicle for training and test in these categories. If utilising your own vehicle, please contact our office to discuss the requirements needed to meet the DSA test requirement standard for vehicles used on test.
Category C (Large goods vehicles)
MAN Rigid Vehicle (Manual)
MAN Rigid Vehicle (Manual)
MAN Rigid Vehicle (Automatic)
New to our fleet is the MAN Automatic. You can now pass your test in an automatic but have full entitlement to drive any Category C vehicle. Let us know your preference (manual or automatic) when coming to train with us!
After passing your Category C test, you are entitled to drive a rigid vehicle over 7500kg (7.5t). If you wish to tow a trailer over 750kg with this type of vehicle, you have to pass a C+E test (see below).
To drive this type of vehicle for hire or reward, you have to pass your driver certificate of professional competence (DCPC). Click here to go to our DCPC section to learn more, or contact our office for more.
You must undertake and pass a theory and hazard perception test before you can take a practical driving test in this type of vehicle.
Category C+E (Large good vehicle and trailer combination)
MAN Rigid Vehicle and Trailer combination (Wagon and Drag)
MAN Rigid Vehicle and Trailer Combination (Wagon and Drag)
The MAN Artic
Here we are. The top of the shop with the finest training vehicles around. The various combinations we offer for training and test are second to none. Ranging from a small sleeper cab rigid vehicle and trailer combination or wagon and drag, as they are often called, all the way up to the MAN Artic unit and trailer. This impressive machine commands a lot of attention when she's on the move. New drivers and existing drivers all share the same admiration and respect as she goes by. It is used extensively for familiarisation. This gives a realistic approach into the haulage industry incorporating tag axles, etc. When adding a +E entitlement on your licence, you do not have to take a theory type test. For more information, or to discuss your requirements, please contact our office on 01964 543020, or email us at start@golgv.co.uk
