Everything about the theory test and the driving licence for categories C and CE in Switzerland – for trucks and vehicle combinations with trailer.
With category C you may drive heavy motor vehicles over 7.5 tonnes total weight. With CE you may additionally drive combinations with trailers or semi-trailers.
👉 These categories are central to professional use in goods transport, on construction sites and in specialised areas.
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🚛 What is category C?
Category C entitles you to drive motor vehicles over 7.5 tonnes total weight.
It is the classic category for commercial goods transport and is required in many professions.
Typical vehicles are:
- trucks for goods transport
- tippers and construction-site vehicles
- concrete mixers
- refuse collection vehicles
- tanker and silo vehicles
- large fire-service vehicles
- motorhomes over 7.5 t
💡 These vehicles require a good understanding of weight, driving behaviour and responsibility in road traffic.
🔗 What is category CE?
Category CE extends category C and allows you to drive heavy trailers or semi-trailers.
It is required when you drive vehicle combinations, for example:
- articulated lorries (truck with semi-trailer)
- trucks with trailer
- vehicle combinations in long-distance transport
👉 CE is particularly important in the transport and logistics sector.
💡 Without CE you may drive a truck, but you may not pull heavy trailers.
🧠 What do you learn for the theory test?
The theory test for category C / CE goes well beyond the normal car theory.
- traffic rules and signalling
- vehicle dimensions and weight
- braking distance and driving physics
- load and load securing
- safety and responsibility
- vehicle checks
- driving behaviour with a trailer (for CE)
These topics are decisive for your safety – and for passing the exam.
⚖️ Difference to category C1
The difference between C / CE and C1 lies mainly in weight and area of use:
- C / CE: over 7.5 t → heavy trucks and combinations
- C1: 3.5 t to 7.5 t → lighter vehicles
👉 C / CE is clearly geared towards professional use, whereas C1 is often used for specific applications or as an entry point.
→ More about category C1 (motorhome & light trucks)
✅ How e.driver supports you
With e.driver Professional you prepare specifically for categories C and CE:
- structured learning path
- easy-to-understand content for C and CE
- exam-like questions
- learn on the app and web app
❓ Frequently asked questions about C / CE
What is the difference between C and CE?
With C you may drive heavy motor vehicles. With CE you may additionally drive heavy trailers or semi-trailers.
Do I necessarily need CE?
Only if you work with trailers or in long-distance transport. In many transport professions, however, CE is standard.
Is the theory test for CE different?
The basics are the same, but additional knowledge of vehicle combinations is important.
Which vehicles may I drive with C?
All motor vehicles over 7.5 tonnes, e.g. trucks, construction-site vehicles or large special vehicles.
Is category C difficult?
It is more demanding than the car exam, but quite manageable with targeted preparation.
🎯 Your next step
Start now with your preparation for categories C and CE.
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