C licence vs C+E licence
C allows trucks over 3,500 kg without a trailer (or with a light trailer ≤750 kg). C+E adds heavy trailers (>750 kg). For a conventional tractor + semi-trailer combo you need C+E. C alone falls short the moment the trailer exceeds 750 kg.
| Feature | CC License - Truck | C+EC+E License - Articulated Truck |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum age | 21 years | 21 years |
| Authorised vehicles | Goods vehicles over 3,500 kg. | C-category vehicles with trailer or semi-trailer over 750 kg. |
| Exam questions | 20 | 20 |
| Exam time | 20 min | 20 min |
| Max errors | 2 | 2 |
| Options per question | 3 | 3 |
C License - Truck
Goods vehicles over 3,500 kg.
See syllabus & testC+E License - Articulated Truck
C vehicle combinations with trailer or semi-trailer.
See syllabus & testFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between the C and C+E licences?
C allows trucks over 3,500 kg without a trailer (or with a light trailer ≤750 kg). C+E adds heavy trailers (>750 kg). For a conventional tractor + semi-trailer combo you need C+E. C alone falls short the moment the trailer exceeds 750 kg.
What is the minimum age for each?
C licence: age 21. C+E licence: age 21.
How is the DGT theory exam in each case?
C: 20 questions, 20 minutes, max 2 errors. C+E: 20 questions, 20 minutes, max 2 errors.
What vehicles can I drive with each licence?
C: Goods vehicles over 3,500 kg. C+E: C-category vehicles with trailer or semi-trailer over 750 kg.
Which one should I get first?
Both licences have the same minimum age (21), so the decision depends on which vehicles you'll actually drive and the cost of each training. Look at the comparison table above: the licence whose vehicles match your real use is the more efficient bet.
Can I step up from C to C+E without sitting a new full exam?
It depends on the category. Some permit pairs allow experience-based promotion with a simplified test (e.g. A1 → A2 after 2 years, or A2 → A after 2 years, with a short course and the specific tasa 2.3 fee of €28.87). Others, such as B → C or C → C+E, require full training and a specific exam even if you already hold the lower one. Check with your driving school or your Provincial Traffic Authority before enrolling.
How much time difference is there between passing one and the other?
Getting either takes 2 to 6 months if you study consistently and book sittings without delays. If you already hold the C and step up to the C+E by experience (when the promotion path is available), the time drops to 4–8 weeks. Going directly to both at separate moments adds the time of each: the wait for official DGT sittings is the longest factor, not training itself.
Practice the test for whichever licence you pick
Free DGT 2026 test with official questions for both licences. No signup.