What licence do you need to drive a 7.5 tonne truck in the EU?
A 7.5 tonne truck licence in the EU means Category C1, covering vehicles from 3,500 kg to 7,500 kg - a standard car licence does not qualify.
Logifie Team
Logistics Technology Experts
To drive a 7.5 tonne truck in the EU, a driver needs a Category C1 licence, covering vehicles between 3,500 kg and 7,500 kg. A car licence (Category B) does not cover this weight class. Drivers must be at least 18, pass a medical exam and theory test, and hold a Driver CPC to work professionally.
What is a Category C1 licence and what can you drive with it?
Category C1 is the EU-harmonised licence class for light and medium goods vehicles with a maximum authorised mass (the fully loaded weight limit set by the manufacturer) of between 3,500 kg and 7,500 kg. A 7.5 tonne truck sits squarely inside this band, which is why C1 is the correct answer, not Category B. Readers weighing up a lighter vehicle first can compare it against Logifie's guide on what licence you need to drive a van for work in the EU , which covers the Category B threshold and where it stops applying.
The table below sets out the four licence categories relevant to this weight range, from the standard car licence up to a full HGV entitlement.
| Licence category | Maximum vehicle weight and what it covers |
|---|---|
| Category B | Up to 3,500 kg. Standard car licence, also covers vans and light commercial vehicles. |
| Category B+E | Car plus trailer, combined up to 4,250 kg, extendable to 7,000 kg after a trailer test. |
| Category C1 | 3,500 kg to 7,500 kg. Light and medium trucks, including the 7.5 tonne class. |
| Category C | Over 3,500 kg, no upper limit. Full HGV category, Driver CPC required for professional use. |
How do you get a C1 licence in the EU?
C1 sits on top of a full car licence in most member states, so applicants normally hold Category B before adding C1. The process includes a medical fitness check, a theory test covering vehicle-specific rules, and a practical driving test in a vehicle within the C1 weight band. Directive (EU) 2025/2205 , which entered into force on 2025-11-25, is the current EU legal basis for these licence categories, as confirmed in the European Commission's news release on the modernised rules . The same directive introduces accompanied-driving provisions that let 17-year-olds train under supervision for C1, C1E and C before reaching the standard minimum age. Readers who want the full age breakdown across categories, including how this interacts with Category C, can read Logifie's minimum age to drive a truck in Europe guide.
Do you need a Driver CPC to drive a 7.5-tonne truck professionally?
Yes. Anyone driving a 7.5 tonne truck for hire, reward, or as part of an employed transport role needs a Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) on top of the C1 licence, gained through periodic training and a qualification test. This applies regardless of the exact vehicle weight within the C1 band. Once qualified, C1 drivers moving into fleet or last-mile roles can put the licence to work with Logifie's driver assistant app , built for professional drivers managing routes, documentation, and compliance on the road.
Frequently asked questions
Can you drive a 7.5-tonne truck on a car (Category B) licence?
No. Category B only covers vehicles up to 3,500 kg of maximum authorised mass, so a 7.5 tonne truck requires a separate Category C1 licence. Driving above the Category B limit without the correct licence is a licensing offence across the EU.
What is the minimum age for a C1 licence in the EU?
The standard minimum age for a Category C1 licence is 18. Directive (EU) 2025/2205 also permits accompanied driving from age 17 for C1, C1E and C categories under supervision, though this does not lower the age at which a driver can hold the licence unsupervised.
Do you need a tachograph in a 7.5-tonne truck?
Most vehicles in the C1 weight band used for the commercial carriage of goods require a tachograph to record driving time, breaks, and rest periods. Exemptions exist for some non-commercial or short-distance uses, so drivers should confirm their specific exemption status before assuming one applies.
Is the C1 category the same in every EU country?
Category C1 is harmonised across the EU under the driving licence directive, so the 3,500 kg to 7,500 kg weight band and core entitlement are consistent everywhere. National implementation details, such as testing procedures and administrative fees, still vary by member state.
Drivers who qualify on C1 and want to put it to work can browse Logifie's careers hub for current HGV and light-truck driving roles across Europe.
