Having C1 entitlement on your driving licence provides greater opportunities for better employment.
Car drivers who passed their tests after 1 January 1997 must pass the C1 test to have entitlement to drive this category of vehicle. The ambulance weight is 4,200 kg, that is equivalent to a small lorry (3,500 kg and 7,500 kg).
To drive a rigid vehicle/lorry up to 7.5 tonnes, you need to be 18 years or over to drive this licence category.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does the Theory Test consist of?
It is a computer based test, the first part being made up of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ). Candidates are asked 100 questions in 115 minutes. They can expect questions to refer to all categories of LGV, not just C1. To pass, they must answer at least 85 questions correctly out of 100.
The second part is a Hazard Perception Test (HPT). Candidates are shown a series of 19 video clips which feature everyday road scenes. In each clip there will be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards. The pass mark for the hazard perception part of the theory test is 67 out of 100.
Each of these tests can be taken separately. The current test fee for MCQ is £35 and HPT is £15.
2. What does the Practical Test consist of?
This test lasts 90 minutes and begins with five vehicle safety check questions. These are followed by a special reverse exercise into a marked bay at the DSA Test Centre. A controlled braking exercise is also performed in the same area before normal driving on all types of road, including the possibility of motorways.
Excellent forward planning skills are required to pass this test. Drivers will be expected to take into particular account the weight and size of the vehicle they are negotiating the various hazards, including different types of junction.
From Monday 4 October 2010 the DSA will include an “Independent driving” exercise into all driving tests. For a period of around 10 minutes the candidate will be asked to follow direction signs, such as place names, or will be given maximum of four simple verbal directions at any one time. The verbal directions will be given at the side of the road which will be aided, if necessary, by simple diagrams.
3. How many Vehicle Safety Check Questions are there and how are they marked?
Candidates will be asked five questions which will be a combination of ‘show me’ and ‘tell me’. A driving fault will be recorded for each incorrect answer to a maximum of four driving faults. If the candidate answers all five questions incorrectly, a serious fault will be recorded.
4. What happens during the test?
During the driving test the examiner will give you directions which you should follow. Test routes are designed to be as uniform as possible and will include a range of typical road and traffic conditions.
Throughout the test you should drive in the way your instructor has taught you. If you make a mistake, don't worry about it, it might be a less serious driving fault and may not affect your result. The examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving.
You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test (16 or more results in failure). However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test. If at any time your examiner considers you to be a danger to other road users your test will be stopped.
You are allowed to take someone with you on the test, this person must be over 16 years old and cannot take any part in the test.
5. What are the National Speed Limits for a C1 vehicle (Does not exceed 7.5 tonnes)?
Motorway
70mph
Dual Carriageway
60mph
Single Carriageway
50mph
Source: The Highway Code (Page 40).
C1 Driver Training
Our training course for C1 licence acquisition builds on the driver’s experience as a qualified motorist. During the practical training there will be reference to the previous learning achieved while studying for the theory part of the DSA’s Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) Test.
Our first practical focus will be on training the new C1 driver to take into particular account the weight and size of the vehicle. Training routes will be comprehensive, requiring the trainee to correctly negotiate the various road and traffic hazards, including different types of junctions, corners and bends. We will then concentrate on developing excellent observation and forward planning and vehicle control skills as documented in the IHCD Ambulance Service Driving Manual.
Our training supports the fuel saving techniques advocated by an EcoSafe Driving Style. The general idea is to plan the deceleration and braking so that the vehicle rarely stops, but keeps moving forward even if at only a very slow pace.
• We recommend viewing of the “Official DSA LGV Practical Test – Are You Ready”. This is available online on YouTube.
