Everything about the theory test and the driving licence for category C1 in Switzerland – including motorhome and light trucks.
With category C1 you may drive motor vehicles between 3.5 t and 7.5 t total weight.
👉 This category is particularly relevant for motorhomes, delivery vehicles and special-purpose vehicles.
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🚐 What is category C1?
Category C1 entitles you to drive motor vehicles between 3.5 tonnes and 7.5 tonnes total weight.
It closes the gap between the normal category B (car) and category C (heavy trucks).
💡 C1 is particularly interesting if you want to drive larger vehicles but do not need a heavy truck.
🚗 Typical vehicles of category C1
Many vehicles that are frequently used in everyday and professional life fall into category C1:
- larger delivery and transport vehicles
- service vehicles (e.g. breakdown assistance or works services)
- motorhomes (campers over 3.5 t)
- smaller fire-service and emergency vehicles
- special vehicles in the medium weight range
👉 Especially in the area of motorhomes, category C1 is very often required.
🏕️ Category C1 and motorhomes
Many modern motorhomes exceed the limit of 3.5 tonnes and may therefore no longer be driven with category B.
In these cases you need category C1.
- larger and more comfortable vehicles
- more payload (water, luggage, equipment)
- longer journeys or year-round use
💡 If you want to drive a motorhome over 3.5 t, C1 is often the decisive requirement.
⚖️ Difference to category C
The difference between C1 and C lies mainly in weight and area of use:
- C1: 3.5 t to 7.5 t → lighter vehicles
- C: over 7.5 t → heavy trucks
👉 C1 is often used for specific applications or as an entry point, whereas C is clearly geared towards professional goods transport.
→ More about category C (heavy trucks)
🧠 What do you learn for the theory test?
The theory test for C1 builds on the normal car theory but extends it with important topics for larger vehicles.
- traffic rules and signalling
- vehicle dimensions and weight
- braking behaviour and driving physics
- safety and responsibility
- vehicle checks
- anticipatory and safe driving
✅ How e.driver supports you
With e.driver Professional you prepare specifically for category C1:
- structured learning path
- easy-to-understand content for C1
- exam-like questions
- learn on the app and web app
❓ Frequently asked questions about category C1
Do I need C1 for a motorhome?
Yes, if the motorhome weighs more than 3.5 tonnes. This is the case with many larger vehicles.
What is the difference to category B?
With category B you may only drive vehicles up to 3.5 t. C1 extends this range up to 7.5 t.
Can I drive professionally with C1?
Yes, many delivery and service vehicles fall into this category.
Is C1 a good entry point?
Yes, especially if you want to extend to category C later.
🎯 Your next step
Start now with your preparation for category C1.
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