C and CE licences: what exactly do they cover?
The C licence allows you to drive a goods vehicle over 3.5 tonnes. The CE licence adds a trailer of over 750 kg - this is the articulated-truck licence. Both are essential for a career in professional road freight transport in France.
Eligibility
You must have held a B licence for at least 24 months (12 if you went through accompanied driving), be 21 (or 18 via vocational training), pass a medical examination with a prefecture-approved doctor and show no disqualifying condition (sight, hearing, heart).
Training length and content
C licence
Between 105 and 140 hours in a classic format, reduced to 35 hours for an experienced driver in a continuing-education path. The curriculum alternates HGV-specific theory, pad manoeuvres (reverse parallel parking, angled parking) and open-road driving.
CE licence
The CE requires the C first (unless you follow a full Titre Pro Conducteur path) and averages 105 hours. Focus is on coupling/uncoupling, manoeuvring a 16-18 m semi-trailer and managing the extended blind spots.
How much does it cost in 2026?
Expect €2,200 to €3,500 for the C alone and €3,500 to €5,500 for a C + CE + FIMO bundle. These trainings can be funded via France Travail (jobseekers), an OPCO (employees) or an AIF grant. CPF remains available for the professional-certificate leg.
The job behind the licence: 2026 outlook
A strained labour market
The FNTR federation estimates more than 50,000 unfilled driver positions in France in 2026. Entry-level salaries start around €2,100 net per month for a C licence and €2,400 to €2,800 with the CE (excluding bonuses, overnight stays and standby).
Three main specialities
Long-haul (international, frequent overnights), regional (home every night) and urban delivery (city, mostly rigid trucks). The speciality shapes lifestyle more than pay - choose according to your personal project.
Do you have to use a driving school?
Yes - C and CE licences can only be prepared through a prefecture-approved training centre. But prices vary a lot: compare at least three serious providers before signing. Also check the first-attempt pass rate (the most reliable metric) and the availability of HGV manoeuvring slots.
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Frequently asked
Your questions on this topic
What is the difference between C and CE licences?
The C licence authorises vehicles over 3.5 tonnes (rigid trucks up to 32 tonnes). The CE licence adds the right to tow a trailer over 750 kg (articulated set like semi-trailer, up to 44 tonnes). C training: 105 hours minimum (3,500 EUR). CE training: 70 additional hours (2,200 EUR). C+CE+FIMO package: 5,500 EUR average.
How much do the C or CE heavy goods licences cost?
C licence alone: 2,800 to 3,800 EUR (105 training hours). CE licence alone if C already obtained: 1,800 to 2,500 EUR (70 hours). C+CE+FIMO package: 5,000 to 6,500 EUR (200 hours total). Possible funding: CPF (1,500 EUR), France Travail (up to 100 percent for jobseekers), Pole Emploi AIF, OPCO transport branch for CDI employees.
What medical visit for the C or CE licence?
Mandatory medical visit at prefecture with approved doctor: 36 to 50 EUR. Checks sight (8/10 minimum), hearing (whisper 4 metres), current treatments, history. Frequency: every 5 years before 60, every 2 years between 60 and 76, every year after 76. Without a valid visit, the heavy goods licence is administratively invalid and driving liable to 135 EUR + 3 points.
What career prospects after a heavy goods licence?
Over 35,000 heavy goods driver jobs to fill in France in 2026 according to France Travail. Starting salary: 1,850 to 2,100 EUR net regional, 2,400 to 2,900 EUR long-distance (with meal allowance, overnight premiums). Specialities: ADR hazardous materials (+300 EUR), construction tipper (+200 EUR), tankers (+250 EUR). Quick conversion fully funded by France Travail in 6 to 9 months.
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