HGV Driver Licence Training

It usually takes around 6-7 weeks to learn to drive an HGV. This will cover everything from applying for your provisional to having your medical, studying the theory and learning all the practical skills you need to pass the four tests that are part of gaining a professional driver’s licence.

The cost varies depending on the licence that you are looking to acquire and where you do the training. We’ll be able to give you all the information you need about pricing when we know more about your needs.

The good news is, HGV training doesn’t have to be expensive, especially if you opt for a fast-tracked training route. This will get you on the road quickly, for a competitive price.

The amount a HGV driver in the UK can earn varies depending on employer, but typically the starting salary for a newly qualified driver is anywhere between £19-24k. If you have more experience, like multiple licence categories, then you could certainly earn up to £40k. Have a look at our driving careers page for more info.

If you’ve taken a standard passenger car driving test in the past, then you will already know the rules of the road and how to interact with other traffic.  Professional drivers are highly skilled, but if you’ve trained properly, with a good school, you should find your practical and theory tests fairly straightforward. Data from 2022-23 shows HGV pass rates averaging at 59.7%, which is much higher than for cars at 47.9%. All you need to be able to do is stay focused, remain calm, and be confidence in your knowledge and experience you’ve gained – you’ve got this. Success is just a test away!

Yes, you can. Traditionally you had to have a Cat. C licence (for rigid trucks) before you could take your Class 1 (Cat. C+E , or artic) test. Some people would choose to complete the training in stages starting with the Cat. C taken first, followed shortly by the C+E.

However, changes introduced by the Government in November 2021 now allow to go straight to your Cat. C+E test without first having to pass a separate Cat. C test.
You will still learn to drive both rigid and articulated trucks, but those elements relating to the Cat. C will be tested by your driving school rather than by a DVSA examiner.

It is still possible to choose to train and take just the Cat. C test if you do not want to drive articulated vehicles. And remember, you need Driver CPC for all licences of Category C1 (7.5t) and above.

Class 1 and Class 2 are two different categories of LGV vehicles. Class 1 refers to large trucks that weigh over 3,500kg, including those above 7.5 tonnes, like national and long-haul lorries. They generally have a tractor unit and trailer, in an articulated or drawbar configuration. These are the largest vehicles that you can drive in the logistics industry, weighing up to 44 tonnes. A Class 1 HGV licence is also called a Cat C+E licence.

Class 2 refers to smaller trucks that weigh over 3,500kg, but no heavier than 32 tonnes. This may include a trailer weighing up to 750kg. These vehicles are often referred to as ‘rigids’ and include fire engines, bin collection vehicles and large removal trucks. They are usually used for making local and domestic deliveries. A Class 2 HGV licence is also called a Cat. C licence.

LGV Class 1, also referred to as Cat C+E, refers to a category of large vehicles that weigh over 3,500kg, including those above 7.5 tonnes. It is the same as HGV Class 1. If you have your Class 1 licence, you can drive most national/international haulage vehicles, drawbar or artic vehicles, and tractors with a long trailer unit. It is an upgrade on the Class 2, or Category C licence.

To become a Class 1 HGV driver, you need to take a Class 1/Cat C+E training course.

The course is four days long and includes all the safety information and training that you will need to be able to obtain your Class 1 licence and drive goods vehicles weighing up to 44 tonnes.

In order to take the course, you need to already have a Cat. B (ordinary car) licence, or a Cat. C1 (7.5 tonnes) licence.

If you already have a Class 2 (Cat. C) licence, you can upgrade it to a Class 1 (Cat. C+E) licence.

Class 2 drivers can earn up to £32,000 per year or £19.04 per hour. The types of vehicles you might drive with a Class 2 (Cat. C) licence include most haulage trucks, fire engines, bin collection vehicles and large removal trucks.

Find out how to get your Class 2 licence with Driver Hire today.