Can I Train for a HGV Class 1 Without a Class 2 Licence?

YES, you can train for your HGV class 1 licence with just a car licence. That means you can drive the most complex articulated lorries, as well as rigid vehicles with a trailer over 750kg. It’s obviously going to be more challenging than going for your Cat C licence, but you can train from scratch for these roles.

Before November 2021 it wasn’t possible, but at this point, largely due to the HGV driver shortage in the UK, the government changed the rules to allow people to train for a Cat C+E licence without the need for a class 2. However, the question is, should you? While we wouldn’t necessarily stop you from taking this route as an HGV training provider, we think it’s best to take things a little more slowly.

The Benefits of Getting Your HGV Class 2 First

It is possible to steam ahead and aim high with your HGV training. However, there are significant benefits associated with obtaining your class 2 licence first and adding your class 1 licence string to your bow later. Let’s take a minute to see what they are.

Benefit 1 – Perfecting Your Vehicle Handling

Class 2 vehicles are rigid, meaning the cab and cargo area are one fixed unit. This makes them simpler to manoeuvre compared to more complex articulated trucks you may encounter with a class 1 licence. The feeling among our experienced instructors is that it’s best to cut your teeth on a rigid truck so that you’ve got the skills and know-how to take on something more complex.

Benefit 2 – Building Your Road Awareness

Driving a heavy goods vehicle safely is easier said than done. It calls for a deep understanding and awareness of traffic behaviour, road conditions and the limitations of what a truck can do. When you start with a class 2 licence, it allows you to build this awareness more gradually. Without this foundation to build upon, it can be much harder to learn how to handle something bigger and more complex.

Benefit 3 – An Articulated Lorry Can Be Overwhelming

If you’ve come directly from driving a car to a full-sized articulated lorry, the difference in terms of driving experience is vast! As such, it can be quite overwhelming to suddenly be in sole charge of a vehicle of this size. However, should you gain experience on a class 2 vehicle first, the step up to class 1 trucks is that much smaller and less daunting.

You have to realise that HGV driving requires confidence and it can take time to become comfortable with the size and power of the vehicle you’re controlling.

Training for Your Class 2 HGV Licence First is Just Safer

Underpinning all of the benefits we’ve listed above is one thing – road safety. By training for your class 2 licence first and gaining some real experience, you’re going to be more road-aware, more confident and better able to handle your vehicle. Some people jump straight in and start with their class 1, but we’d recommend the slower route, as it’s just safer.

If you’re looking for an HGV training provider who can not only help you realise your HGV driving ambitions but also help you find work once qualified, the experienced HGVT team is here to help. You can find out more about us, what we do and our network of 60 nationwide training centres today simply by get in touch.