Explaining HGV Licence Categories & Restrictions
At Argent Equipment, we offer a wide range of truck testing services, from HCV CVRT to bus testing, we've got commercial vehicle owners covered! When we're not doing that, however, we're creating blogs like this one that provide helpful information useful for anyone who drives an HGV in Ireland or operates a fleet.
Today, we're going to be taking a brief look at HGV licence categories and the restrictions they entail. Of course, it's vital to stay compliant with all laws and regulations - something that applies to both vehicle testing and licensing. So, let's dive straight in.
HGV Driving Licence Categories
When it comes to the many different-sized vehicles that exist, it's important to be sure that you or your drivers are qualified to drive certain types. Licensing categories have also changed over time, with Class 2 & 3 licence holders enjoying grandfather rights for category C+E vehicles.
Category B Licence
Holders of a Cat B licence can drive standard cars and other vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes max permitted weight (MPW) when there are less than eight seats (not including the driver). It’s also possible to couple a trailer where the MPW does not exceed 750kg or the gross train weight (GTW) is not more than 3.5 tonnes.
Category C Licence
If you or your driver possess a Cat C license, it's possible to drive any vehicle that exceeds 3.5 tonnes MPW, although not vehicles in categories D, F, G and H. A trailer of up to 750 kg can also be attached. Every type of rigid LGV falls into this category.
Category C+E Licence
When the vehicle being driven is in Cat C, but the combination is not, you’ll need a Cat C+E licence. For instance, if the trailer attached exceeds 750 kg, you’ll need this specific type of licence to drive it legally.
Category C1 Licence
Next, we have Cat C1 which permits the holder to drive vehicles exceeding 3.5 tonnes but not more than 7.5 tonnes MPW. Again, a trailer can be used if it's not more than 750 kg. Cat C1 vehicles can also be driven by Cat B licence holders who had their car licence issued before 1997. Those who had theirs issued after 1997 have to take a C1 test.
Category C1 + E Licence
In a similar vein to Cat C+E licences, Cat C1+E licences allow you to drive a C1 vehicle of up to 7.5 tonnes with a trailer of over 750 kg. A combined vehicle weight of up to 12 tonnes GTW is allowed for those with car licences issued before 1997. For everyone else, it’s 8.25 tonnes max.
Ensuring You Stay Legal & Safe On the Road
As we can see, Ireland's HGV licensing laws are very specific and designed to keep Ireland's roads safer by ensuring everyone is qualified. Something else designed with safety in mind is HCV CVRT testing that ensures your vehicle is safe to drive. At Argent Equipment, we offer a wide range of testing services, as well as tachograph calibrations & tail lift inspections.
If you'd like to know more about our full range of services, visit us today at www.argent.ie where you'll also discover clear directions to both of our Dublin workshops. Alternatively, to speak to us directly about your requirements, call 01 572 6500 today.