Class 1 vs Class 2 HGV Licence: What’s the Difference?

Compare Class 2 Category C and Class 1 Category C+E licences, including rigid lorries, trailers and the direct car-to-C+E route.

‘Class 2’ and ‘Class 1’ are commonly used names for two large-goods-vehicle licence categories. Class 2 means Category C; Class 1 means Category C+E. The practical difference is trailer entitlement: Category C covers large vehicles with a trailer up to 750kg maximum authorised mass (MAM), while Category C+E covers Category C vehicles with a trailer over 750kg MAM.

Class 2: Category C for rigid lorries

Category C allows you to drive vehicles over 3,500kg MAM with a trailer up to 750kg MAM. In everyday HGV use, this is commonly the category for rigid lorries, where the cab and load body are on one vehicle. It suits a route where the vehicle you need to drive falls within Category C and you do not need the heavier-trailer entitlement.

Learn about the HGV Class 2 (Category C) training course if Category C is the licence category you need.

Class 1: Category C+E for lorries with heavier trailers

Category C+E allows you to drive Category C vehicles with a trailer over 750kg MAM. Articulated lorries are a common example, but the legal category is about the vehicle-and-trailer combination rather than a job title. Training for this route includes the skills needed to handle the relevant combination, such as trailer manoeuvring and coupling where applicable.

If you already hold a full Category C licence, the HGV Class 1 (C+E) training course is the Category C-to-C+E upgrade route.

Can you go directly from a car licence to C+E?

Yes. You do not have to pass a standalone Category C test before taking the Category C+E route. GOV.UK explains that a lower-category test is not required before a higher-category test. A driver starting with a full Category B car licence must still follow the current qualification process, including the appropriate provisional entitlement and tests.

For a direct car-licence-to-C+E route, see the Fast Track C+E course. Its course page sets out the current route information and the requirements to check before practical training.

Which route should you choose?

Choose Category C (Class 2) if the vehicles you plan to drive are within Category C and you do not need to tow a trailer over 750kg MAM.
Choose direct Category C+E (Class 1) if you are starting from a car licence and the trailer entitlement is the goal. Passing Class 2 first is not a legal requirement.
Choose the Category C-to-C+E upgrade if you already hold full Category C entitlement and want to add the heavier-trailer entitlement.

Your licence category is only one part of deciding on a driving role. Check the vehicle category required for the work you want to do and confirm any employer-specific conditions before choosing a route.

Professional driving and entitlement checks

If driving an HGV is the main part of your job, GOV.UK says you need the full Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC), subject to the applicable exceptions. Before booking, check the entitlement shown on your licence and use the current GOV.UK guidance for the legal requirements that apply to you.

Talk through the right course route

GS Driver Training is based at Dunsfold Airport, Cranleigh, GU6 8TB. To discuss the course route that matches the licence you hold now, call 01252 447808. Office hours are 08:00–17:00 Monday to Friday; the office is closed at weekends and on bank holidays.

Check GOV.UK licence categories, higher-category eligibility and vocational-driver qualification requirements.

For help selecting the relevant existing course, contact GS Driver Training.

Read the full article on GS Driver Training Blog.

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For more information about HGV training courses, call 01252 447808 or visit our courses page.