What license do you need to drive a company vehicle?

Employees can drive a company car or van up to 3,500kg with a standard car driving licence. To become a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) driver, a driver must be over 18 (although there are some exceptions) and have a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC). Points to bear in mind are:

Size of vehicle

Employees can drive a van up to 3,500kg if they have a standard car driving licence.

They may need to take extra tests to drive vehicles weighing between 3,500kg and 7,500kg or to tow a trailer with a van

If the vehicle has a maximum authorised weight of 3.5 to 7.5 tonnes, a category 'C1' LGV driving licence is needed.

If the maximum authorised weight is more than 7.5 tonnes then a category 'C' LGV driving licence is needed.

Age of driver

A licence to drive lorries, minibuses or buses is usually valid until aged 45.

After 45, the driver must renew their licence every 5 years until they’re 65.

After 65, the driver must renew their licence every year.