Understanding the Difference Between HGV Class 1 & Class 2 Licences

Are you considering becoming one of the UK HGV driving sector’s newest recruits? If so, you’ve got an exciting professional path ahead of you in an industry that’s crying out for your skills. As such, when considering your options, gaining an understanding of the difference between HGV class 1 and class 2 licences is helpful – and something we’ll be covering here.

These are two main types of licence for HGV drivers in the UK and each relates to different levels of experience and responsibility. So, to provide some clarity on the subject, we now look at each licence type separately to see what they entail.

The HGV Class 2 Licence (Category C)

Also known as the Category C licence, the Class 2 qualification is typically the first step you’ll take when starting your professional driving journey. It’s a licence that allows you to operate ‘rigid’ trucks over 3.5 tonnes, up to a limit of 32 tonnes. The primary characteristic of trucks like these is that the cab and the cargo area are part of the same fixed structure.
Commonly used by retail companies, local council services and construction operators, cat C trucks come in a range of different types, such as:

• Large delivery trucks
• Refuse collection vehicles
• Cement mixers
• Fire engines

When you take class 2 HGV training, you’ll engage in specific instruction on handling large, rigid vehicles and learning how to drive and manoeuvre them safely. As part of your training, you’ll master aspects like load distribution, safe braking and steering – with the latter being much different than what you might be used to when driving a car. Also, you’ll earn, on average, £30,000 per year.

For many drivers, the class 2 licence is an essential foundation for a rewarding career in the sector, as it gives you the ability to develop your driving skills and get used to the demands of professional driving. While it is now possible to skip this step and train directly for an HGV class 1 licence, it’s recommended that you spend some time working as a class 2 driver first.

HGV Class 1 Licence (Category C+E)

The next step up on the HGV licence ladder is the HGV class 1, which is also known as the Category C+E lience. It’s a qualification that enables you to drive larger articulated lorries, which comprise a cab and a separate trailer. The fact that the cab and trailer are separate entities makes driving more difficult, particularly when it comes to manoeuvres like reversing.

When working as a class 1 HGV driver, you’ll typically be employed by long-haul freight companies, supermarkets, and the automotive industry (for car transportation). Category C+E trucks also come in a number of different forms, such as:

• Refrigerated trailers
• Low-loader trailers
• Articulated lorries
• Logging trailers
• Tanker Trailers

Training for your HGV class 1 licence builds on what you’ve learnt as a class 2 driver, giving you the extra skills required to handle these more complex articulated vehicles. These skills include how to navigate tight corners, coupling/uncoupling trailers and reversing with a trailer.

As you might expect, working as a Cat C+E driver pays more – up to £37,000 per year – and you’ll also get access to a wider range of job opportunities, with the chance to drive international routes. Something, however, you do need to understand is that you might spend weeks at a time away from home.

Class 1 & Class 2 HGV Licences – The Key to an Exciting Career In Logistics

As we can see, while class 1 and class 2 HGV licences might exist in the same space, they’re very different in what they allow you to do. Your category C licence represents a great starting point for your professional career, giving you the skills and experience to drive rigid trucks for a living. It also gives you the platform you need to make the step up when you’re ready.

Once you’re comfortable, training for your cat C+E licence will allow you to take on more complex roles driving larger articulated vehicles and potentially earning higher wages. When you make this move is, of course, your prerogative.

To wrap up, it’s important to note that your HGV training with HGVT is comprehensive, covering everything you need from the ground up. This includes your Driver Medical, HGV theory practice via the HGVT App, and the theory test itself. We also provide practical training and testing, CPC certification, and exclusive recruitment support from Manpower, the UK’s leading recruitment provider and our exclusive recruitment partner. With HGVT, you’re fully equipped to start your journey as a professional HGV driver.