If you prefer to become a lorry driver in the UK, you will be required to get special training and a licence. There are two major kinds of training to select from- HGV Class 1 Training and HGV Class 2 Training. Both are best options, but they train you to operate several types of vehicles. Pay attention to what everyone means and how to finalise which is best for you.
What Is HGV Class 2 Training?
HGV Class 2 Training guides you how to drive rigid lorries, these are big trucks that have one single body (the front and the back are joined together). This is called a Category C licence.
These are the kinds of vehicles you will be capable to drive with a Class 2 licence-
Delivery lorries
- Dustbin lorries (bin trucks)
- Fire engines
- Large box vans
This training is best for beginners. It guides you learn-
- How to handle and drive big vehicles
- How to load and unload goods safely
- Road safety and traffic laws for big vehicles
Once you complete this training and pass your tests, you can start working as a lorry driver for local or regional deliveries.
What Is HGV Class 1 Training?
HGV Class 1 Training is for driving even big vehicles, ones with a separate trailer. These are called articulated lorries, and the licence you get is called Category C+E.
These vehicles are mostly used for long-distance driving, like-
- Moving goods across the UK
- International deliveries ( UK to Europe)
- Transporting large loads to warehouses or shops
Before starting Class 1 training, you must already have a Class 2 licence. This is because driving with a trailer is more complicated. During Class 1 training, you will learn-
- How to attach and remove trailers (coupling and uncoupling)
- How to drive safely with a trailer
- How to handle longer, heavier vehicles on motorways and tight roads
Main Variations Between Class 1 and Class 2
Feature
- Vehicle Type
- Licence Name
- Driving Jobs
- Who Can Apply?
- Salary Potential
HGV Class 1
- Articulated lorry (with trailer)
- Category C+E
- Long-distance, national/international
- Must have Class 2 licence first
- Higher salary with more experience
HGV Class 2
- Rigid truck (one piece)
- Category C
- Short trips, local and city deliveries
- Beginners
- Good salary
Which One Should You Choose First?
If you are a beginner to driving big vehicles, it is usually best to start with HGV Class 2 Training. It is simple, easy to get used to, and guides you to begin working very soon. When you get enough experience on the road, you can then move up to HGV Class 1 Training to open more job offers and earn a high payscale.
Some training institutes provide both training, where you can go from Class 2 to Class 1 in one course. You can save time if you already understand you prefer to drive big vehicles.
Both HGV Class 1 and HGV Class 2 Training are the best methods to begin a well-paying, stable career in the transport industry. The best option depends on your goals-
- Do you prefer to stay local and start work very fast? Go for Class 2.
- Do you prefer to drive long distances and earn more in the long run? Plan for Class 1.
No matter which path you take, getting the right training is the first big step toward becoming a professional HGV driver.
