Quick answer: A 7.5 tonne licence (category C1) lets you drive vehicles between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes in Hampshire and across the UK. You need to be at least 18, pass a medical, and complete a theory and practical test. The process typically takes several weeks and costs several hundred pounds in total.
If you drive for work or want to expand your driving privileges, getting a 7.5 tonne licence is a practical step worth understanding properly. This post covers what the licence allows, how to get it, what it costs, and what rules apply once you have it.
What Can You Drive with a 7.5 Tonne Licence?
A category C1 licence permits you to drive vehicles with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of up to 7.5 tonnes. This includes larger vans, ambulances, and smaller lorries used in trades and logistics. Vehicles in this class can carry up to eight passengers alongside the driver. Without this entitlement, your standard category B licence limits you to vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes — so this licence is a meaningful upgrade for anyone working in delivery, transport, or emergency services.
If you want to drive a 7.5-tonne vehicle professionally, go to Google and search for “7.5 tonne licence Hampshire” to find trusted local training providers.
What Are the Requirements for a 7.5 Tonne Licence in Hampshire?
You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a C1 licence. You will also need to meet DVLA medical standards, which means passing a Group 2 medical examination completed by a GP or approved doctor. This checks eyesight, cardiovascular health, and other relevant conditions.
Before taking the practical driving test, you must pass the category C1 theory test and hazard perception test. Most candidates also complete professional driver training with a specialist instructor to prepare. There is no legal requirement to take a course, but the pass rates reflect how much preparation matters.
How Much Does It Cost and How Long Does It Take?
The DVLA application fee for a C1 licence is £55 if applying online. The theory test costs £26, and the practical driving test costs £115 (weekday rate). A medical examination typically costs between £50 and £100, depending on your GP or clinic. Training costs vary, but expect to pay £500–£1,000 or more for a structured course with a Hampshire-based instructor.
From starting your application to holding the licence, the full process takes approximately six to twelve weeks, depending on test availability and how quickly your medical is processed.
What Rules and Restrictions Apply to 7.5 Tonne Vehicles?
Once licensed, you are subject to driving hours regulations under EU rules (or the equivalent domestic rules post-Brexit). These limit you to a maximum of nine hours driving per day, extendable to ten hours twice a week, with mandatory rest breaks of 45 minutes after four and a half hours of driving.
If your vehicle exceeds 3.5 tonnes, a tachograph is required to record driving time, speed, and rest periods. You are legally responsible for keeping accurate records and presenting them on request. Speed limits for C1 vehicles also differ from those for cars — 50mph on single carriageways and 60mph on dual carriageways, compared to 60mph and 70mph respectively for standard vehicles.
How Do You Apply for a 7.5 Tonne Licence in Hampshire?
Start by downloading and completing form D2 (application for a driving licence) and D4 (medical examination report) from the DVLA website. Your GP or a registered medical practitioner completes the D4. Once both forms are ready, send them to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BR, along with your current driving licence and the £55 fee.
After DVLA processes your application and medical, you can book your theory and practical tests through the DVSA website. For training, a Hampshire-based instructor familiar with local roads and test routes will give you the most relevant preparation.
