If you’ve ever dreamt of getting behind the wheel of a powerful lorry, becoming a professional HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) driver might be your next big move. But before you hit the open road, understanding the different HGV licence classes in the UK is essential. With recent changes to licence structures, training routes, and the Driver CPC, it’s more important than ever to get clear, current information.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the main types of HGV licences (C1, C1+E, C, and C+E), entry routes, costs, career prospects, and the steps to get started. Whether you’re starting from scratch or considering an upgrade, this blog is for you.
What Is an HGV Licence and Why Does It Matter?
HGV stands for Heavy Goods Vehicle, a category of vehicles that weigh over 3,500 kg and are used to transport goods commercially. These vehicles are divided into licence classes regulated by the DVLA and correspond to industry terms like “Class 1” and “Class 2”.
Each class determines the size and weight of the vehicle you can drive. Getting the right licence not only ensures you’re legally compliant, but it also opens doors to various career opportunities, from local deliveries to international haulage.
HGV Licence Classes Explained
Let’s break down each licence category so you can find the right fit for your goals.
C1 Licence – For Medium-Sized Vehicles
- Vehicle Type: Vehicles weighing 3,500 kg to 7,500 kg.
- Examples: Large vans, ambulances, small horseboxes.
- Minimum Age: 18
- Training Duration: 3-4 days
- Typical Starting Salary: £25,000+
- Who It’s For: Ideal for paramedics, furniture movers, and those needing to drive light commercial vehicles.
If you pass your car test before 1997? You may already hold C1 entitlement through “grandfather rights”.
To apply, you’ll need to pass a medical exam using the D4 form, obtain a provisional C1 licence, and complete the Driver CPC if driving commercially.
C1+E Licence – Medium Vehicles with Trailers
- Vehicle Type: A C1-class vehicle paired with a trailer over 750 kg, with a maximum combined weight limit of 12,000 kg.
- Examples: Motorsport trailers, small logistics combinations.
- Minimum Age: 18
- Training Duration: 3–5 days
- Typical Starting Salary: £28,000+
- Who It’s For: Perfect for those towing trailers for events or deliveries, especially in motorsports and exhibitions.
Category C Licence – Also Known as Class 2 (Rigid Lorries)
- Vehicle Type: Rigid HGVs over 3,500 kg up to 32 tonnes. Trailer must not exceed 750 kg.
- Examples: Bin lorries, tippers, supermarket trucks, scaffolding vehicles.
- Minimum Age: 18
- Training Duration: 4–5 days
- Typical Starting Salary: £35,000+
- Who It’s For: Ideal for local and regional deliveries and construction logistics.
To get a Category C licence, you must:
- Be 18 years old
- Hold a Category B licence
- Pass an HGV medical
- Complete the Driver CPC Parts 1–4
Category C+E Licence – Also Known as Class 1 (Articulated Lorries)
- Vehicle Type: Articulated lorries or draw-bar combinations up to 44 tonnes.
- Examples: Long-haul HGVs, car transporters, container trucks.
- Minimum Age: 18
- Training Duration: 6–8 days (Fast Track route)
- Typical Starting Salary: £40,000–£55,000+
- Who It’s For: Drivers interested in long-distance or international freight.
Thanks to the 2021 regulatory change, you can now go straight from Category B (car) to C+E without needing to pass a separate Category C test. This “fast-track” route saves time and resources and helps address the UK’s driver shortage.
Quick Comparison Table
| Licence Class | Vehicle Type | Weight Limits | Typical Jobs | Training Duration | Starting Salary |
| C1 | Medium rigid | 3.5–7.5t | Paramedic, removals | 3–4 days | £25,000+ |
| C1+E | Medium with trailer | Up to 12t (GTW) | Small logistics, motorsport | 3–5 days | £28,000+ |
| C / Class 2 | Large rigid | Up to 32t | Construction, supermarket delivery | 4–5 days | £35,000+ |
| C+E / Class 1 | Artic/draw-bar | Up to 44t | Long-haul, international | 6–8 days | £40,000–£55,000+ |
What Is the Driver CPC?
To drive an HGV professionally in the UK, you must hold a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), which proves that you’re trained and current on essential safety practices and legal standards.
Initial Driver CPC – What You Need to Pass
- Part 1: Multiple-choice theory + hazard perception
- Part 2: Case studies
- Part 3b: Practical driving
- Part 4: Practical vehicle checks and load safety
Periodic CPC – Ongoing Requirement
Drivers must complete 35 hours of periodic training every five years, or risk a fine of up to £1,000.
In December 2024, a new two-tier Driver CPC system was introduced::
- National CPC: National CPC consists of shorter 3.5-hour training modules and is applicable solely for driving within the UK.
- International CPC: International CPC involves standard 7-hour training sessions and is mandatory for driving professionally across the EU.
Since February 2025, returning drivers have also been able to regain UK eligibility by completing a dedicated 7-hour ‘return to driving’ module.
Costs Involved in Getting an HGV Licence
The total cost varies based on the licence and route you take. Below is a quick breakdown:
| Licence | Training Cost | DVSA Fees | Medical & CPC Fees | Total Estimated |
| C1 | £700–£850 | £155 | £450–£600 | ~£1,300 |
| C1+E | £850–£1,000 | £155 | £450–£600 | ~£1,500 |
| C | £1,200–£1,400 | £179 | £450–£600 | ~£1,750 |
| C+E (Fast Track) | £2,575+ | £179 | £450–£600 | ~£3,200 |
Medical fees average £50–£120 depending on your provider.
Career Opportunities and Salary Potential
With increasing demand for drivers across sectors, now is a great time to join the industryAs demand for qualified drivers continues to rise across multiple sectors, there’s never been a better moment to step into the HGV industry.
Here’s what to expect:
- C1: Local services (ambulance, removals) – stable demand.
- C: Supermarket and construction supply chains – high demand.
- C+E: Long-distance haulage and freight – very high demand, especially post-Brexit.
Employers are actively recruiting, and roles often include bonuses, nights-out pay, and overtime options.
Tips for Choosing the Right Licence Path
Not sure where to start? Here are some practical tips:
Align with your goals: Want to stay local? Choose Category C. Dreaming of international roads? Go for C+E.
Check your budget: Training, tests, and travel can quickly add up — plan accordingly.
Select an approved training provider: Traindrive is DVSA-approved and offers modern vehicles, experienced instructors, and high pass rates. Book your HGV training with Traindrive here.
Plan CPC early: Don’t wait until the last minute; off-peak training seasons can save you money.
Stay on top of medical renewals: Especially important after age 45 and annually after 65.
Medical and Licence Renewal Requirements
| Age Group | Renewal Interval | Medical Requirement | Notes |
| Up to 45 | Valid until 45 | D4 (initial only) | No CPC renewal needed until 5 years |
| 45–65 | Every 5 years | D47P + D4 | CPC every 5 years |
| 65+ | Every year | Annual D4 | CPC still required |
More on HGV medicals can be found at mhf.uk.com.
Final Thoughts
The UK HGV licence system may seem complex, but once you break it down, the path forward is clear and exciting. Whether you’re looking for local delivery work or want to explore international logistics, there’s an HGV licence that fits your career goals.
And with changes making entry faster and training more flexible, now is the perfect time to get started. Ready to begin your HGV driving journey? Contact Traindrive today and get expert guidance on choosing the right course for you.
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