Getting your 7.5-tonne C1 licence is straightforward with EP Training. We offer three course options, covering everything from your medical and theory tests through to the practical driving test. Furthermore, all fees are included upfront — so there are no hidden costs to worry about.
Choose Your Route
All prices include tuition, VAT, and test fees. Choose the option that matches where you are in the process.
A C1 licence enables you to drive goods vehicles weighing between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes. This places it between a standard car licence and a full Category C (HGV) licence. If you passed your car driving test before 1st January 1997, you may already hold C1 entitlement automatically — so it is worth checking your licence before booking.
For everyone else, obtaining a C1 licence involves four stages: a medical, a provisional licence application, theory tests, and a practical driving test. Fortunately, EP Training handles every step of that process on your behalf, so you do not need to manage any of it independently.
EP Training manages the entire process from start to finish. As a result, you do not need to deal with DVLA paperwork, theory test bookings, or driving test arrangements on your own. Instead, our team keeps you updated at every stage so you always know what is happening next.
Driver CPC applies to anyone driving a goods vehicle over 3.5 tonnes professionally. However, some roles are exempt — including ambulance drivers, paramedics, and those using C1 purely for private purposes. As a result, if you fall into an exempt category, Option 2 (C1 without CPC) is the right choice.
Before booking, we strongly recommend searching "Exemptions to Driver CPC" on the DVSA website to confirm whether CPC applies to your situation. Alternatively, call EP Training on 01372 450 800 and the team will advise you directly.
Step by Step
While you focus on learning, we handle every stage of the admin for you.
A short 15–20 minute assessment with EP Training's own doctor. Required before a provisional C1 entitlement can be added to your licence.
Your provisional licence application is completed and forwarded directly to the DVLA on your behalf. As a result, there is no form-filling for you to do independently.
Unlimited online official theory tuition is provided as part of your package. Additionally, your Multi Choice and Hazard Perception tests are booked at your nearest DVSA centre.
Three days of hands-on training in and around Guildford, delivered by experienced instructors in modern, well-maintained 7.5t vehicles.
Your practical test lasts approximately 1 hour 20 minutes and is booked by EP Training at the end of your course. Because you train on the same roads, you will already know the test routes well before test day.
Licence Comparison
C1 vs Category C — Which Do You Need?
Vehicles weighing between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes. Furthermore, it is less complex than a full HGV licence and considerably quicker to obtain. As a result, it is the appropriate choice for many specialist roles.
In contrast, Category C covers vehicles over 7.5 tonnes and is the standard commercial lorry licence. Therefore, if your goal is to become a professional lorry driver, Cat C is the right choice.
However, if you are unsure which licence you need, call EP Training on 01372 450 800 and a member of the team will advise you based on your situation and the role you are applying for.
Our 81% first-time pass rate is significantly above the national average. This reflects both the quality of instruction and the thoroughness of test preparation our candidates receive. Furthermore, a higher pass rate means fewer retests — and therefore lower overall costs for you.
EP Training uses only purpose-built, modern, well-maintained 7.5-tonne training vehicles. Because you train in the right vehicle from day one, both the learning experience and the test itself become considerably easier. Such quality is one of the practical advantages that sets us apart.
Every part of your C1 tuition and testing takes place in and around Guildford.By test day, therefore, you will already know the roads, junctions, and test routes thoroughly. That familiarity gives candidates a genuine advantage over those who train elsewhere.
Your medical is carried out by our own doctor at the Great Bookham centre. As a result, there is no need to find and book a separate appointment — it is all arranged as part of your course. Booking in-house saves time and removes one job from your list.
DVLA forms, theory test bookings, and driving test arrangements are all handled for you. This means you can focus entirely on learning, rather than spending time on paperwork. Moreover, our team keeps you updated throughout the process so nothing falls through the cracks.
Thousands of drivers across Surrey have obtained their C1 licence through us. Excellent reviews on Google, Trustpilot, and Facebook confirm the standard of training we deliver. In addition, our 2026 Best HGV Training Award reflects the recognition we have earned from the wider industry.
Optional Add-On
Pass Protection is an optional add-on available with all three C1 course options. It covers two free practical driving retests, should you be unsuccessful on your first attempt. Without it, each retest costs £450 — so it is worth considering carefully at the point of booking.
Importantly, Pass Protection must be purchased before the start of the driving course, because it cannot be added afterwards. For most candidates, it offers significant peace of mind. Given that each retest costs £450, two covered retests represent a potential saving of £350 compared to the £550 Protection price. As a result, many of our candidates choose to add it as a straightforward safeguard.
Areas We Serve
Based in Great Bookham, EP Training delivers C1 driver training to candidates from across Surrey and the surrounding areas. Courses are also open to drivers travelling from further afield. Because all training and testing takes place in Guildford, the venue is straightforward to reach from across the region. In addition, our team can advise on the best route to the test centre if needed.
