It is one of the questions we are asked most often at Hirus: “Can I drive the 7.5 tonne lorry on my normal licence?” The honest answer is that it depends when you passed your test. This guide tells you how to find out in about a minute.
It comes down to category C1
Every vehicle we hire, from the small van to the Luton, can be driven on a standard car licence. The 7.5 tonne lorry is the exception. To drive it, your licence must include category C1, which covers vehicles weighing between 3,500kg and 7,500kg when loaded.
Here is the rule of thumb:
| When you passed your car test | Do you have C1? |
|---|---|
| Before 1 January 1997 | Normally yes, it came with the car test |
| On or after 1 January 1997 | Only if you have passed a separate C1 test |
A full category C licence, the one for larger lorries, covers C1 vehicles as well.
Check yours now
Do not rely on the rule of thumb. Look at your actual licence.
The back of your photocard. There is a table of categories. Find the C1 row. Dates on that row mean you hold it. The second date is the day it expires.
The government website. Go to gov.uk/view-driving-licence and it will list what you can drive. You will be on that site anyway to get your DVLA check code, so check your categories while you are there. See our DVLA check code guide if you have not done one before.
Over 70? Check the date
If you got C1 through your car test, it normally runs out when your licence is renewed at 70, unless you sent in a medical report when you renewed. Plenty of people are surprised by this. If you are over 70, read the dates on the C1 row carefully.
What Hirus asks for
To hire the 7.5 tonne lorry from us, each driver needs to:
- hold category C1, or full category C
- be 25 or over
- have held a full UK licence for at least two years
- be named on the hire agreement
Bring your photocard licence and DVLA check code when you collect, as you would for any van. One more thing to know: the Windscreen and Puncture Waiver cannot be added to the lorry.
Using it for work?
If you are moving your own things, the right licence category is all you need. If you are driving the lorry as part of your job, extra rules can apply to vehicles over 3,500kg, including the Driver CPC and limits on driving hours. Check the guidance on gov.uk to see whether they apply to you.
No C1? You are not stuck
Most people who ask about the lorry are planning a big house move, and a lorry is not the only way to do it.
Hire a Luton with tail lift. It is the biggest vehicle you can drive on a car licence. The square box body stacks well and the tail lift saves your back. If one load is not enough, do two. Mileage is unlimited, so the second trip costs you only the time and fuel.
Hire an extra long wheelbase van. The largest panel van we have. Good for long items and lots of boxes.
Add a driver who has C1. A friend or relative with the right licence can drive, as long as they meet the age and licence rules and are named on the agreement. They need their own licence and check code.
Not sure which van fits your job? Our van size guide goes through every vehicle.
Ready to book?
Have a look at the C1 row on your licence first. If it is there and in date, you can book the 7.5 tonne lorry online in the usual way. If you are unsure what your licence shows, call either of our depots and we will help you work it out. Our numbers are on the contact page.