If you're thinking about becoming a professional HGV driver, one of the first questions you'll come across is: Whats the difference between a Class 1 and Class 2 HGV licence?
These two licence types define the kinds of heavy goods vehicles you're legally allowed to drive and can shape the direction of your driving career. Both are valuable qualifications, but they serve different purposes depending on the type of vehicle and journey you plan to take on.
In this article, we'll explain the difference between Class 1 and Class 2 HGV licences, the training and tests involved, and the kind of jobs and salaries you can expect with each one.
What Is an HGV Licence?
An HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) licence allows you to drive vehicles over 3.5 tonnes for commercial purposes. You'll often hear the term LGV (Large Goods Vehicle) used as well — but don't be confused.
HGV licences are split into different categories depending on vehicle size, weight, and structure, and the two most common are Class 1 (Category C+E) and Class 2 (Category C).
What Is a Class 2 (Category C) HGV Licence?
A Class 2 HGV licence, also called a Category C licence, allows you to drive rigid-body vehicles that weigh over 7.5 tonnes. "Rigid" means that the cab and the trailer are permanently attached as one solid unit.
These vehicles are typically used for:
- Local or regional deliveries
- Waste collection
- Construction transport
- Retail and supermarket distribution
Key Features of Class 2 Vehicles:
- Structure: Rigid body (cab and load are part of one frame).
- Weight limit: Up to 32 tonnes.
- Axles: Usually two or more.
- Manoeuvrability: Easier to drive and park compared to articulated lorries.
- Driving style: Suited for shorter, urban routes.
Class 2 vehicles are ideal for drivers who prefer local or daytime work, as they typically involve shorter routes and regular schedules.
Training & Requirements for a Class 2 Licence
Before you can apply for a Class 2 HGV licence, you'll need to meet a few basic requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Hold a full Category B (car) licence.
- Pass a medical exam to confirm you're fit to drive heavy vehicles. (D4 medical costs £50–£120)
- Apply for a provisional Category C licence from the DVLA.
- Pass the theory and hazard perception tests. (HGV theory test (Part 1a): £26 | Hazard perception (Part 1b): £11)
- Complete a Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) if you plan to drive professionally.
Once these are complete, you'll undertake practical HGV training with a qualified instructor. This usually takes around 5–7 days, depending on your previous experience. Training focuses on:
- Vehicle control and safety checks
- Reversing and turning techniques
- Road awareness and hazard perception
- Efficient driving for fuel and time management
After training, you'll take your practical test, which includes an on-road assessment and vehicle safety questions. (HGV practical test (Part 3b): £115 weekday / £141 evening/weekend)
What Is a Class 1 (Category C+E) HGV Licence?
A Class 1 HGV licence, also known as a Category C+E licence, allows you to drive articulated lorries — large vehicles with a detachable trailer.
These are the massive trucks you often see on motorways transporting goods between cities or across Europe. Because they can carry more weight and travel longer distances, a Class 1 licence opens up more job opportunities and higher pay.
These vehicles are typically used for:
- Long-distance haulage across the UK and Europe
- Container and freight transport
- Supermarket and warehouse distribution
- Fuel, goods, or bulk material deliveries
- Logistics and import/export operations
Key Features of Class 1 Vehicles:
- Structure: Tractor unit with a detachable trailer
- Weight limit: Up to 44 tonnes
- Flexibility: Trailers can be swapped to carry different cargo types
- Driving style: Suited for long-distance or international transport
- Common uses: Haulage, logistics, container transport, and freight
Driving articulated lorries requires more skill due to their size, turning radius, and the complexity of coupling and uncoupling the trailer.
Training & Requirements for a Class 1 Licence
To get a Class 1 (C+E) licence, you must already hold (or directly train for) a Class 2 (Category C) licence.
Since November 2021, you can now go straight to a Class 1 licence without passing a Class 2 test first — a change introduced by the DVSA to tackle the UK's driver shortage and simplify the process.
Here's how the process works:
- Hold a full Category B licence.
- Pass a medical exam.
- Apply for a provisional Category C+E licence.
- Pass the HGV theory and hazard perception tests.
- Complete professional Class 1 training.
- Obtain the Driver CPC qualification.
- Pass your practical test in an articulated lorry.
Class 1 training focuses on:
- Coupling and uncoupling trailers
- Reversing articulated vehicles
- Handling long and heavy loads
- Motorway and long-distance driving
Training usually takes 7–10 days, and costs for Class 1 training at GS Driver Training start from £1,497 inc. VAT. We also offer flexible finance options from £30/month.
Key Differences Between Class 1 and Class 2 HGV Licences
Here's a simple side-by-side comparison:
|
Feature |
Class 2 (Category C) |
Class 1 (Category C+E) |
| Vehicle Type | Rigid lorry | Articulated lorry |
| Weight Limit | Up to 32 tonnes | Up to 44 tonnes |
| Vehicle Structure | Cab and load fixed together | Cab with detachable trailer |
| Manoeuvrability | Easier for city driving | Requires more skill to reverse/turn |
| Ideal For | Local or regional deliveries | Long-distance or international haulage |
| Training Level | Entry-level HGV licence | Advanced HGV licence |
| Average Salary (2026) | £28,000 – £35,000 per year (newly qualified) | £40,000 – £55,000 per year (experienced) |
| Typical Employers | Retailers, councils, local logistics | Haulage firms, freight, container transport |
Career Opportunities
With a Class 2 Licence:
A Class 2 licence qualifies you for jobs such as:
- Supermarket delivery driver
- Construction or skip lorry driver
- Refuse collection driver
- Local freight or parcel delivery
These jobs are perfect if you prefer set hours and shorter routes.
With a Class 1 Licence:
A Class 1 licence unlocks opportunities like:
- Long-haul truck driver
- International freight driver
- Container or tanker operator
- Distribution centre transporter
You'll likely cover longer distances, spend more time on the road, and earn a higher wage.
From Class 2 to Class 1: Career Progression
Many UK drivers begin with a Class 2 licence to gain experience before upgrading to Class 1. This path helps you build confidence handling large vehicles before tackling the challenges of articulated lorries.
Upgrading from Class 2 to Class 1 typically involves:
- Additional training on articulated vehicles
- Learning trailer coupling/uncoupling
- Passing the Category C+E practical test
Some training schools, like GS Driver Training, offer combined or fast-track courses that take you directly from car licence to Class 1.
How Much Does HGV Training Cost in the UK?
While prices vary between schools and regions, here's an approximate breakdown of costs you can expect in 2026:
- D4 Medical: £50–£120
- HGV Theory Test (Part 1a): £26
- Hazard Perception Test (Part 1b): £11
- CPC Case Studies (Part 2): £23
- HGV Practical Test (Part 3b): £115 (weekday) / £141 (evening/weekend)
- CPC Part 4 Practical Demonstration: £55 (weekday) / £63 (evening/weekend)
- Driver CPC Periodic Training: £150–£200 per 7-hour session (35 hours every 5 years)
At GS Driver Training, our HGV Class 2 training starts from £847 inc. VAT, and Class 1 training starts from £1,497 inc. VAT. We also offer flexible finance options from £30/month to help you spread the cost.
HGV Driver Shortage in 2026
The UK continues to face an HGV driver shortage, though figures have improved since the peak in 2021. In 2026, the shortage is approximately 50,000–60,000 drivers. This ongoing demand means that qualified HGV drivers are highly sought after, offering excellent job security and competitive salaries.
FAQs about HGV Licences
Q: Can I go straight to a Class 1 HGV licence?
A: Yes, since November 2021, the DVSA changed regulations allowing drivers to go directly for their Class 1 (Category C+E) licence without first passing the Class 2 (Category C) test. This streamlines the process for aspiring articulated lorry drivers.
Q: How long does HGV training take?
A: The duration of HGV training varies. For a Class 2 licence, practical training typically takes around 5–7 days. For a Class 1 licence, it usually takes 7–10 days. This is in addition to the time required for theory tests and medical examinations.
Q: What is the Driver CPC?
A: The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) is a qualification required for professional HGV drivers in the UK. It involves initial qualification (Modules 2 and 4) and 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to maintain your qualification. You can find more information on our Driver CPC courses page.
Q: What's the salary difference between Class 1 and Class 2 drivers?
A: In 2026, newly qualified Class 2 drivers can expect to earn between £28,000–£35,000 per year. Experienced Class 1 drivers, due to the larger vehicles and longer routes, typically earn more, ranging from £40,000–£55,000 per year.
Ready to start your HGV driving career or upgrade your licence? Browse our training courses or contact GS Driver Training today to find out more about our HGV Class 1 and Class 2 training options at Dunsfold Aerodrome.