C1 licence vs C licence
Both are professional goods-transport licences. C1 covers vehicles between 3,500 and 7,500 kg from age 18. C covers anything over 3,500 kg without limit but requires age 21. For medium trucks (parcel, urban distribution), C1 is enough; for trailers and large trucks, you need C.
| Feature | C1C1 License - Light Truck | CC License - Truck |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum age | 18 years | 21 years |
| Authorised vehicles | Goods vehicles between 3,500 kg and 7,500 kg. | Goods vehicles over 3,500 kg. |
| Exam questions | 20 | 20 |
| Exam time | 20 min | 20 min |
| Max errors | 2 | 2 |
| Options per question | 3 | 3 |
C1 License - Light Truck
Goods vehicles between 3,500 kg and 7,500 kg.
See syllabus & testC License - Truck
Goods vehicles over 3,500 kg.
See syllabus & testFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between the C1 and C licences?
Both are professional goods-transport licences. C1 covers vehicles between 3,500 and 7,500 kg from age 18. C covers anything over 3,500 kg without limit but requires age 21. For medium trucks (parcel, urban distribution), C1 is enough; for trailers and large trucks, you need C.
What is the minimum age for each?
C1 licence: age 18. C licence: age 21.
How is the DGT theory exam in each case?
C1: 20 questions, 20 minutes, max 2 errors. C: 20 questions, 20 minutes, max 2 errors.
What vehicles can I drive with each licence?
C1: Goods vehicles between 3,500 kg and 7,500 kg. C: Goods vehicles over 3,500 kg.
Which one should I get first?
If by age you can only access the C1 (minimum age 18), start there and consider stepping up to the C when you reach 21. If you already have the age for both, going straight to the C is usually more cost-effective (one training, one exam, one fee) — the C1 loses relative value if the C covers every vehicle you're interested in.
Can I step up from C1 to C 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 C1 and step up to the C 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.