General   (General discussion, talk about anything.)

Up to January 1997 a lorry up to 7.5 tons could be driven by a car licence holder. EU legislators changed the rules and classified lorries up to 7.5 tons as HGVs.
For people who passed their tests before 1 January 1997, there is no requirement to add a further entitlement to their licence. They are automatically allowed to drive vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes without having to take any more tests.
C1 entitlement, which is required for these vehicles, will already be included on their licence as they have grandfather rights. They might also have C1 + E entitlement, which means they can also have a drawbar trailer weighing up to 750kg, as well as driving the 7.5-tonne vehicle.
The net result more demand for HGV drivers without increasing the amount of freight carried. One of the root causes of today’s shortages.