HGV Class 2

The world’s 5^th largest employer is the haulage and logistics industry. This industry is constantly in need of new drivers of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs). However, to drive an HGV, you will need a special licence. There are also different classes of HGV driver with different tests you will need to pass. Fortunately, all of these tests can be completed in around a month if you are fully committed. In this article, we will focus on all the tests you will need to complete to become a HGV Class 2 driver. We will also look at why you might want to become a Class 2 driver and briefly consider the differences with HGV Class 1 drivers. Finally, we will explore what salary you can expect and the responsibilities you can expect as a Class 2 driver.

What is HGV Class 2?

HGV Class 2 drivers are an integral part of the UK supply chain. As a result, they are always in high demand. HGV Class 2 drivers are people who are qualified to drive rigid bodied HGVs (sometimes called Large Goods Vehicles (LGVs)) up to 7.5 tonnes professionally. They are also qualified to drive HGVs with trailers of no more than 750kg. Some people also refer to the HGV Class 2 licence as the Category C licence.

To clarify, the HGV Class 2 licence qualifies you to drive:

Description	What is covered	Notes
HGVs	Vehicles above 3.5 tonnes and under 32 tonnes. The Category C/HGV Class 2 licence covers vehicles with cabs and trailers that are permanently fixed together.	This licence is a stepping stone between the basic HGV licences (below) and the HGV Class 1 licence: ‘C1’ which allows you to drive vehicles over 3,500kg and under 7.5 tonnes. ‘C1 + E’ which allows you to drive C1 vehicles with a trailer up to 750kg (so long as total vehicle weight is under 12,000kg.
LGVs
Category C vehicles

Class 2 Qualifications

In order to obtain a Class 2 licence, you will need to provide the following information and take steps as appropriate:

• Proof that you are 18 years of age or older
• Proof that you hold a category B (standard driving) licence
• Medical evidence
• Complete an application form for the provisional entitlement for the Category C licence. You will require this to take the Category C test.

Once you have these you will also need to complete the Driver CPC training. This is required for anyone who wishes to drive HGVs professionally and is broken down into 4 parts: theory, case studies, driving ability, and practical demonstration tests. The total cost of the Driver CPC if you pass everything first time is a minimum of £230. The price will be slightly higher if some tests are taken at the weekend. You will then be required to take 35 hours of periodic CPC training every five years to maintain this qualification.

HGV Class 2 Training

The HGV Class 2 training is the most popular course for new HGV drivers. One reason for this is that you are more likely to be on jobs that require deliveries closer to home. You are covered to drive the majority of haulage trucks and large removal trucks. By taking this test you will unlock numerous job opportunities with higher rates of pay than the more basic C1 and C1 + E licences. You will also qualify to drive vehicles in the C1 Category automatically by taking the Class 2 test. You should also take this test if you wish to take the HGV Class 1 (HGV Cat C + E) test as you are required to have done so.

How are Class 1 and Class 2 different?

The Class 2 HGV licence is limited to driving large vehicles over 3,500kg with trailers that do not exceed 750kg. It is also restricted to rigid vehicles (where the cab is permanently fixed to the trailer) under 32 tonnes. This type of licence also means you are more likely to do local deliveries. You must have passed the Class 2 practical test before you are able to take the Class 1 test.

HGV Class 2 Salary

HGV Class 2 drivers are always in high demand in the UK. As a result, you can expect a healthy salary between £22,492 and £29,000 when you hold an HGV Class 2 (Category C) driving licence.  However, the average salary for HGV Class drivers is around the £25,000 mark. Hourly rates can be anywhere between £10 per hour and £15 per hour.

How many hours can a Class 2 Driver do?

All HGV drivers have strict restrictions placed on the number of hours they can do. These must be monitored by tachograph. Failure to meet these restrictions can lead to fines of up to £1,500 based on data held in the tachograph. The guidelines on working hours are outlined in the table below:

Time frame	Maximum Hours	Breaks Required	Exemptions
Daily	9	45 minutes every 4.5 hours. This break time can be broken down into one 30 minute and one 15 minute break.	Two 10 hour days are permitted in any given week so long as required breaks are taken every 4.5 hours. The total number of weekly and bi-weekly hours must also be adhered to.
Weekly	56
Bi-Weekly	90

Class 2 Driver Responsibilities

All HGV drivers will be involved in transporting goods between contractors, suppliers, and customers. You will be required to do this safely, efficiently, and securely. This is all covered by the Driver CPC tests. As an HGV Class 2 driver, you will also be expected to ensure customers have a good impression of your organisation. This means looking after your vehicle well, driving professionally, and keeping paperwork up to date. You will also be expected to engage well with customers and maintain your health.