Class C without Class B: Can you get a truck license right away, and what do you need to do?

In Ukraine, you can obtain a Class C license immediately, without first obtaining a Class B license—this is explicitly provided for by law. Find out what requirements you need to meet, what this license entitles you to, and what restrictions still apply

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Many people believe that before obtaining a commercial driver’s license, one must first obtain a Class B license. In fact, this is not the case. The Main Service Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs has officially clarified that current legislation does not require the prior acquisition of a Class B license in order to obtain a Class C license.

This is explicitly provided for by Resolution No. 340 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, according to which a driver’s license may be issued for the first time directly for the right to drive vehicles of categories A1, A, B1, B, C1, C, and others in accordance with established requirements. In other words, category C can be the first and only category a person obtains.

Read also: Reinstating a driver’s license after revocation: what exams and documents are required?

What does Category C offer, and who needs it?

Category C grants the right to drive:

● vehicles with a maximum authorized mass exceeding 7,500 kg;

● vehicles with a trailer whose maximum authorized mass does not exceed 750 kg.

This category is required for most trucks and opens the door to a career in freight transportation. For those planning to transport goods within Ukraine or abroad, holding a Category C license is a basic requirement for official employment as a driver.

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Requirements for obtaining a Category C license in Ukraine

To obtain a Category C driver’s license, you must meet four requirements:

● be at least 18 years of age;

● complete training at an accredited educational institution;

● pass the written and practical exams at a Ministry of Internal Affairs service center;

● receive a driver’s license of the corresponding category.

The application process is standard and does not differ from the procedure for obtaining any other category—it simply does not require the mandatory “preliminary step” of holding a Class B license.

Important restrictions: the rule is not the same for all categories

Although Category C can be obtained without Category B, the law establishes additional requirements for some other vehicle categories.

In particular, for obtaining categories involving trailers, there is a mandatory requirement to hold a base category:

● BE — requires holding an open Category B;

● CE — requires holding an open Category C.

In other words, if your goal is to drive a truck with a heavy trailer (over 750 kg), you must first obtain a Class C license, and only then a Class CE license.

Specialists at the State Service Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs recommend familiarizing yourself with all requirements for the necessary category before starting training to properly plan the sequence of steps and avoid misunderstandings during the preparation process.

By the way, if you plan to drive your own car or provide transportation services — you can purchase Motor TPL Insurance online quickly and without waiting in line through Visit Ukraine.

We remind you! In Ukraine, certain categories of drivers are required to undergo regular vehicle inspections. This is due to the need to bring Ukrainian legislation into line with European Union requirements. Read more about which vehicles are subject to inspection, what the cost of servicing will be, and what other changes are expected.

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