What can you drive on a car licence? Vans, 7.5 tonnes, trailers and motorhomes
The weight limits on a car licence, what changed for electric vans in June 2025, what older licences still cover, and when you need a C1 (7.5 tonne) licence.
Short answer
If you passed your car test on or after 1 January 1997, you can drive vehicles up to 3,500kg maximum authorised mass (MAM) with up to 8 passenger seats, or up to 4,250kg if the vehicle is electric or hydrogen. You can tow a trailer up to 3,500kg, as long as the vehicle and trailer together don't exceed 7,000kg. Anything heavier, such as a 7.5 tonne lorry or horsebox, needs a C1 licence.
If you passed before 1 January 1997, you can usually also drive vehicles up to 7,500kg (C1) and tow combinations up to 8,250kg.
Which licence for which vehicle
MAM is the vehicle's maximum authorised mass: its weight fully loaded, shown on the plate or in the handbook. It isn't what the vehicle weighs on the day.
| Vehicle | Car test passed from 1 Jan 1997 | Car test passed before 1997 |
|---|---|---|
| Van up to 3,500kg (petrol, diesel or hybrid) | Car licence (B) | Car licence (B) |
| Electric or hydrogen van, 3,500kg to 4,250kg | Car licence (B), since 10 June 2025 | Car licence (B) |
| Van or small lorry, 3,500kg to 7,500kg (for example a 7.5 tonne box van) | C1 needed | Usually covered (C1) |
| Horsebox or motorhome up to 3,500kg | Car licence (B) | Car licence (B) |
| Horsebox or motorhome, 3,500kg to 7,500kg | C1 needed | Usually covered (C1) |
| Car or van with a trailer up to 3,500kg, combined up to 7,000kg | Car licence (B) | Car licence (B) |
| Combination up to 8,250kg | Needs C1+E | Usually covered |
| Lorry over 7,500kg | Class 2 (C) | Class 2 (C) |
| Articulated lorry or drawbar | Class 1 (C+E) | Class 1 (C+E) |
Electric vans up to 4.25 tonnes: what changed in 2025
From 10 June 2025, car licence holders can drive electric and hydrogen vehicles up to 4,250kg without the extra five hours of training that used to be needed. The higher limit allows for the weight of the batteries. These vehicles can tow, as long as the vehicle and trailer together don't exceed 7,000kg. Petrol, diesel and hybrid vans are still limited to 3,500kg.
Licences from before 1997
Drivers who passed their car test before 1 January 1997 were given extra entitlements, usually C1 (vehicles from 3,500kg to 7,500kg) and D1 (minibuses, not for hire or reward). Check the categories on your licence; they're listed on the back of the photocard.
- At 70, to keep C1 and D1 you need a D4 medical, then another every 3 years, and you have to renew them by post rather than online. Keeping C1 at 70.
- Driving for work. If you drive a C1 vehicle for a living, you still need Driver CPC. Drivers who held their C1 entitlement before 10 September 2009 have "acquired rights": they don't need the initial Driver CPC tests, only the 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years.
Getting a C1 (7.5 tonne) licence
C1 lets you drive vehicles from 3,500kg to 7,500kg, with a trailer up to 750kg. You can get it from 18. The steps are the same as for a bigger lorry: a D4 medical, a provisional licence, the theory test, then the off-road and on-road driving tests. You only need the Driver CPC case studies and practical demonstration if you'll drive for a living.
Kent C1 courses we've checked cost £650 to £1,490 as advertised, or a middle of £970 all in once the medical, theory test and DVSA test fees are added. Compare every Kent C1 course.
If you're going to drive for work, it's worth comparing the price with a Class 2 (C) licence: it covers everything C1 does, plus lorries over 7.5 tonnes, and opens far more jobs. Which lorry licence to get.
Common questions
Can I drive a 7.5 tonne lorry on a car licence?
Only if you passed your car test before 1 January 1997, which usually gives C1 entitlement up to 7,500kg. If you passed on or after that date you need a C1 licence.
Can I drive a 3.5 tonne van on a car licence?
Yes. A car licence covers vehicles up to 3,500kg maximum authorised mass with up to 8 passenger seats, or up to 4,250kg if the vehicle is electric or hydrogen.
Can I drive a 4.25 tonne electric van on a car licence?
Yes, since 10 June 2025, with no extra training. The 4,250kg limit applies to zero emission (electric or hydrogen) vehicles only.
How heavy a trailer can I tow on a car licence?
If you passed on or after 1 January 1997, a trailer up to 3,500kg, with the vehicle and trailer together no more than 7,000kg. Pre-1997 licences usually cover combinations up to 8,250kg.
Do I need a special licence for a heavy motorhome or horsebox?
Over 3,500kg you need C1 (up to 7,500kg), unless you passed your car test before 1997. Pre-1997 drivers keep C1 until 70, and then have to renew it by post.