Driving a goods-transport vehicle with GVWR over 3.5 tonnes requires a C licence (rigid truck) or CE (articulated truck + trailer). These licences open into road-transport trades (top French employer sector per Transport and Logistics Union), with a tight market. This guide details training, rates, procedures in 2026.
Difference between C and CE licences
C licence authorises driving a goods-transport vehicle over 3.5t GVWR (rigid truck), with a trailer or semi-trailer up to 750 kg. CE licence (or « super heavy ») authorises driving a tractor + semi-trailer or trailer over 750 kg, no combination GVWR limit. CE is essential for long-distance semi-trailer transport, the most frequent truckers' activity.
2026 prerequisites
To enrol in C or CE training in 2026, several conditions. Minimum age: 21 for C, 21 for CE (18 with parallel FIMO training, see below). Mandatory B licence, valid 2 years minimum. Prior medical exam by prefecture-approved doctor (heavy-group medical fitness). Optional but recommended psychotechnical test to assess professional responsibility. Criminal record clear of certain serious traffic offences.
Training: duration and content
C licence training: 105-140 hours over 3-6 weeks (intensive or spread). Content: theoretical modules (transport regulation, mechanics, safety, goods handling), centre practice (parking, precision manoeuvres), urban and extra-urban traffic driving. CE licence training: 105-140 hours too, centred on articulated-combination driving, semi-trailer coupling/uncoupling, loading-dock handling.
C or CE exam
The exam has three parts. Theory test: heavy-group highway code, 40 questions, minimum 35 correct. Off-road: vehicle checks, manoeuvres (parallel, reverse, hitching). Traffic: 45-minute urban and extra-urban course, with Road Safety inspector. Candidate must pass all three to obtain the licence.
FIMO: mandatory initial training
FIMO (Mandatory Minimum Initial Training) is mandatory to practise truck driving commercially. Duration: 140 hours (20 days) for goods transport. Modules: rational-driving refinement (14h), regulation application (10h), health, safety, service (7h), loading and securing techniques (14h), driving practice (105h). Can be done alongside licence training (combined) or separately after licence obtained.
FCO: 5-yearly refresher
After initial FIMO, each professional driver must take 35-hour FCO (Mandatory Continuing Training) every 5 years, else lose commercial practice right. Average 2026 rate: €650-900. This training updates regulatory, technical and safety knowledge.
2026 French rates
C licence only (no FIMO): €1,800-2,800 by region (approved centres: AFTRAL, Promotrans, ECF Pro, regional groups). CE licence only: €1,400-2,200 (shorter training, prerequisite C licence). Combined C + FIMO: €4,500-6,500 (140h + 140h). Combined CE + FIMO: €4,200-6,200. CPF eligibility: most combined trainings are Personal Training Account eligible, with possible remaining balance.
2026 professional prospects
Road transport sector recruits massively. Per French National Road Transport Federation (FNTR), about 45,000 HGV driver positions remain unfilled in France early 2026. Average beginner gross salary: €1,900-2,300/month for confirmed messaging driver, €2,100-2,800 in long-distance (large-displacement allowances included), €2,400-3,200 in specialised (tanker, refrigerated, car-transport). Career evolution to trainer, dock manager, logistics operator.
Rewarding specialisations
Several valuable specialisations. International long-distance driver: salary + allowances. Tanker driver (petroleum, chemical, food): mandatory ADR + €1,500. Refrigerated driver: perishable-goods handling. Car-transporter driver: high technicity, well paid. Tipper driver (construction, TP, waste): rough but stable driving.
Financing training: aid
Several schemes fund training. 1) CPF (Personal Training Account): up to €5,000 accumulated, funds Qualiopi training. 2) Pôle Emploi (AIF - Individual Training Aid): for job seekers, partial or full cover possible, per validated professional project. 3) POEI (Individual Operational Employment Preparation): funded if employer promises hiring at end. 4) Professionalisation or apprenticeship contracts: training funded by host company.
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