driving licence c1 category?

Anyone who initially pass there car driving test prior to 1997 can drive a vehicle not exceeding 7,5 tonnes anything above that will require a HGV test.

Anyone passing their car driving test WILL have to pass HGV to drive a 7.5 tonne vehicle and to tow a trailer, which can be done through HGV or specified car and trailer test!!

You think that's daft, back in the 60's you didn't need to take a separate test to drive a lorry, any lorry. You were just given the keys (if the lorry had keys) and told to get on with it. When the HGV licences were introduced in the late 60's early 70's anyone who could prove they were driving lorries before that date could claim Grandfather rights and be issued with a licence. Some of those drivers have yet to reach retirement.

When I took my HGV test in 1971 it was possible to do it on a provision licence without even having a full car licence. One test and you could drive anything

If you passed your car test prior to 1997 then you are automatically entitled to drive any vehicle ( apart from minibuses with more than 10 seats / coaches - these require a specific licence ie. a PSV ) upto a maximum gross weight of 7.5 tons. You would have to take a specific HGV ( now known as LGV, to be accurate ) test if you wish to drive a vehicle above 7.5 tons mgw ( max gross weight ). So, for upto an mgw of 26 tons and NOT articulated ( towing a trailer ) ie. a rigid vehicle then you need to pass the LGV ' C ' licence. If you wish to drive an articulated vehicle then you need to pass another test, depending upon the MGW, for 32 tons mgw, 38 tons mgw and 44 tons mgw you must pass the LGV ' CE ' licence ( used to be known as HGV class 1 ). For lesser mgws the entitlement may be known as something different to LGV CE, I dont know for sure.