Heavy truck: tractor + trailer up to 44 tonnes
Class CE License
The Class CE (heavy truck) license is the essential extension to the C license: it allows you to drive an articulated combination (tractor + semi-trailer or truck + trailer) of up to 44 tonnes. It is the reference license for long-distance haulage, international logistics and professional HGV driving. Accessible only after obtaining the Class C license.
The essentials
The French Class CE licence is the super-heavy extension of the C: it authorises driving an articulated combination (tractor + semi-trailer or truck + trailer) up to 44 tonnes in France. Training, shorter than the C as it focuses on coupling and reverse-line manoeuvres, costs between EUR 2,000 and EUR 3,500 in 2026. Accessible only after obtaining the C, from age 21 (18 with professional certificate). FIMO Goods from C remains valid, FCO mandatory every 5 years.
Pricing and rates for Class CE License
The price of the Class CE license ranges from €2,200 to €3,500 depending on the training centre and region. It is the heavy truck extension of the C license, so the 70-hour practical training complementing the C is shorter (Heavy Group code refresher, tractor and trailer hitching/unhitching, reverse manoeuvres, articulated 44T driving over 3 to 6 weeks). Reverse in line and parallel parking are the most discriminating exercises on the Class CE manoeuvring exam. The fee includes advanced theory training, practical training on tractor + semi-trailer, exam presentation for manoeuvring and traffic riding. Aids: CPF Transport via Mon Compte Formation, OPCO Transport (AKTO, OPCO Mobilités), France Travail for retraining toward road transport (in-tension job, >50,000 open positions).
FIMO and CPF funding
FIMO Marchandises taken with the C license remains valid for the Class CE license: no new initial training is required to drive a tractor coupled with a trailer. Only FCO (Mandatory Continuous Training) Marchandises must be renewed every 5 years (35h over 5 days). Without valid FCO, professional use is forbidden even with a CE license in order. CPF funding via Mon Compte Formation can cover the FCO. Often the FCO is paid by the employer as part of the training plan. For independent truck drivers, OPCO Transport (AKTO, OPCO Mobilités) intervenes. The CE license opens the best salaries in road transport (€2,200 to €3,500/month depending on experience and transport type).
How it works
01
Hitching
Master trailer coupling and load securing.
02
Manoeuvres
Reverse, docking, parking: the most challenging part of the test.
03
Driving
Driving a 44-tonne combination in urban, inter-urban and motorway environments.
04
Exam
Manoeuvring + on-road test with the inspector.
What's included
- Heavy group theory refresher
- Hitching / unhitching practical training
- Articulated combination driving on road and motorway
- Reverse and docking manoeuvres
- Manoeuvring and on-road exam preparation
Prerequisites
- Hold a valid Category C license
- Minimum age 21 (or 18 with a vocational qualification)
- Heavy group medical fitness up to date
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between C and CE?
C is limited to the rigid truck alone (no heavy trailer). CE allows you to tow a trailer over 750 kg, up to 44 tonnes total. It is the license for semi-trailers and road trains.
Do I need to retake the FIMO for the CE?
No: the FIMO Marchandises obtained with the C license remains valid. Only the FCO (continuing training) must be renewed every 5 years.
How much does the CE license cost?
On quote: typically between €2,000 and €3,500. Transport CPF via Mon Compte Formation and transport OPCOs (AKTO, OPCO Mobilités) often cover a significant part of the cost. France Travail steps in for jobseekers retraining into road transport (in-demand profession).
What career openings are there with the CE license?
Long-distance trucker, international transport, refrigerated logistics, super-heavy construction, exceptional transport. The CE license is the most sought-after in road goods transport: >50,000 jobs open in France according to France Travail (2026). Salaries: €2,200 to €3,500/month depending on experience and type of transport (national, international, exceptional).
FCO Marchandises validity for CE?
The FCO (Mandatory Continuing Training) Marchandises taken with the C license remains valid for the CE. To be renewed every 5 years (35h over 5 days). Without a valid FCO: professional practice is forbidden even with a valid CE license. Often covered by the employer or via the CPF.
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