Category C Licence For HGV Training

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HGV Category C Licence

If you want to embark on a career as a professional HGV driver, then the first thing you need to do is obtain your HGV Category C licence. Also known as a Class 2 licence, this is the entry level qualification to driving commercially, and the quickest route to gaining employment.

Did you know... holders of a Category C licence are the most sought-after drivers by employers. Due to the increase in online sales there is currently a shortfall of 70,000+ HGV drivers so now is a perfect time to train for a HGV licence.

What Can You Drive With This Licence?

The Category C licence allows you to drive rigid body vehicles, i.e. those where the cab is permanently fixed to the trailer. It covers vehicles that are over 3,500 kg in weight, but under 32 tonnes, and trailers of up to 750kg MAM (maximum authorised mass).

Looking to get started on your HGV training?

Fill in our form below to get more information from 3 leading HGV providers

The Type of Work You Can Expect

The Cat C licence opens the door to many business sectors, and the type of driving can also vary greatly, from local deliveries to international logistics. Here are some examples of vehicles you’ll be qualified to drive:

• Commercial delivery vehicles
• Large home removal lorries
• Waste disposal trucks
• Skip lorries
• Road gritters
• Fire engines

Salaries will vary depending on the type of work and the number of hours driven, but you can easily earn up to £32,000+ if you gain your licence and have the right mindset. If you want to be a part of the fleet that keeps the economy moving, then the HGV Category C licence is the place to start.

Requirements:In order to gain your Category C / Class 2 licence, you’ll need to:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Hold a valid UK car driving licence.
• Pass a very straightforward medical exam, consisting primarily of a blood pressure and eyesight test.

The HGV Training process

Now you need to understand the HGV Training process:

It can seem complicated starting out, with different licences and paperwork to send off for, complete and send back and some find the process and language confusing. Some HGV training providers will look after all of this for you, but with some schools you’ll have to work through each phase yourself. In short the process is as follows:

Choose a training company

Select and register with a HGV Training company, fill your details in to the training pack

Arrange your medical test

A simple medical test needs to be done, it will only take 5 minutes and can be done with your local GP

Complete your theory test

To help you prepare for your theory test there are a huge range of online learning materials and 1:1 support

Complete your practical training

Your HGV Training will be taken over 4 days and will provide you with all you need to pass your practical test

Looking to get started on your HGV training?

Fill in our form below to get more information from 3 leading HGV providers

Career Progression

Obtaining a Category C licence is your route to a truly rewarding career in road haulage. One that has good job security, excellent earning potential and even the option to become self-employed. Drivers that hold a Category C licence can also upgrade their licence to the HGV C+E licence. This is the highest qualification for HGV drivers and allows you to drive articulated lorries over 7,500 kg in weight and haul trailers weighing over 750 kg.

Licence Types and Earning Potential

Category C licenceDrive rigid body vehicles up to 7500kg with trailer up to 750kg. The most common licence.

Average salary per year

up to £36k

Category C+E licenceDrive vehicles over 7500kg with trailers over 750kg. Higher earning potential.

Average salary per year

up to £50k

Category C1 licenceCat C’s smaller cousin. Drive vehicles between 3500 – 7500kg with trailer up to 750kg.

Average salary per year

up to £28k

Category C1+E licenceSmall, rigid body vehicle towing a trailer weighing more than 750kg.

Average salary per year

up to £28k

Talk to an expert about gaining your licence > How do I start my HGV Training?

The most important thing when starting out, is to understand your options when choosing a training provider. This is an investment in your future so make sure you choose the right company for you.

There are providers out there who have less reputable backgrounds, so make sure you look into the company before signing up. Make sure the training provider is an established company in a good financial position. Companies House is a good place to check on a company’s background; just search for their company name and check on how recently it was set up, and what their history looks like.

Look at Google reviews for fair, unbiased reviews from people who have trained with them. And compare costs – making sure you understand exactly what is included.

Also check your provider is a member with the RHA and / or the FTA, both of whom are important industry bodies in haulage and logistics. This will ensure you have found a legitimate and accredited HGV training provider.

How much does HGV training cost?

Costs vary by location and licence, but we have found cost is typically around £1,999 for an entry-level Category C licence. CPC is also dependent on location and school, but on average around £350.

If you don’t have the savings to fund this, beware of HGV Training providers offering credit as this can add thousands of pounds to the cost of training. It is sometimes worth considering your own financial position, a credit card can be a cheaper way to borrow the funds for training.

Some providers may be able to split the payments, making it more affordable for you to train.

How long does it take to become an HGV driver?

If you are flexible on location and training, you can train in as little as 4 days. You will always have to wait for the DVLA to process your application and the test centre’s forms so the minimum to expect is around 3 weeks. At the moment, due to the impact of covid on the industry, these times may be affected.

Is the HGV test hard?

Pass rates for the HGV test vary depending on time of year, location and attempt number. You can vastly increase your chances by choosing the right provider. Ask what the training school’s pass rate is.

Your test will usually last 90 minutes, and will include a number of manoeuvres, such as reversing into a loading bay, parallel parking or following signs without specific instructions – for example you will asked to drive to a locations using road signs and markings rather than prompts from the examiner. Your instructor will always take you through this on day 1 of training.

Some providers offer products which protect you if you are concerned or worried about not passing the first time, so it is worth considering a little extra outlay, if it gives you peace of mind when taking your test.

Don’t forget, before you get in the truck, you’ll need to get your medical, provisional and theory test. A good national provider should take care of these for you.

Is HGV driving a good job?

With so many HGV driver vacancies, job security is very high in HGV training.

Wages are also excellent when compared with other jobs, and there is a lot of freedom with the opportunity to pick and choose contracts, locations and what is involved in the job. Setting your own terms is another of the key benefits of becoming an HGV driver.

In addition, you can train to be an HGV driver in a matter of weeks, whereas other trade jobs can take years – a plumber, for instance takes 3 years training.

People often list being on the open road, listening to whatever music or radio they like and seeing different parts of the country as their favourite parts of the job.

How much do HGV drivers earn in the UK?

A newly qualified driver can earn up to £32,000 per year, with earning potential for more experienced drivers of up to £50,000.

What’s the difference between Class 1 and 2 HGVT?

There are several terms you may hear when looking into HGV licences.

Category C (Cat C) is also known as Class 2, and includes any rigid body vehicle. The Category C licence is one of the most frequently sought-after licences that recruiters and haulage firms look for from candidates. It can be considered the entry level HGV Licence, as it is easy to train for, and the fastest route to get driving an HGV.

The Category C+E is also known as an ‘Artic,’ Class 1 or Wagon and drag. It is popular for national and international distribution and has a higher earning potential, with fewer drops.

Make sure you fully discuss and understand your choices when it comes to HGV licences and what they entail – there are different benefits to each, and a good provider should discuss these with you before taking any payment.

How many hours a week can an HGV driver work?

HGV Driving hours were originally based on EU regulations, but they’ve now been converted to British law. The UK HGV driver may now work the following hours:

• There is a 9-hour limit on driving per day. 2 days a week, 10 hours per day is allowed.
• The maximum weekly quota is set at 56 hours

Can you drive straight after passing your HGV test?

You can drive an HGV as soon as you’ve passed all your tests and taken your Driver CPC, even before the card arrives.

You should get your photo ID card within 20 days of passing your HGV test.

What’s the difference between LGV and HGV?

LGV stands for Large goods Vehicle and HGV stands for Heavy Goods Vehicle, and there is no difference between the LGV and HGV licences under current UK legislation (and EU law); They are the same licence, and both cover any truck over 3.5 tonnes.

In 1992, the meaning of LGV changed from Light goods vehicle, to large goods vehicle, which is where some of the confusion arises. If you would like more information on this, a good training provider will explain all of the different licences available and what is entailed in each.

Selecting the right HGV Training provider

In order to increase your chances of success, it’s important to select a good training provider. One that can guide you through the process – from applying for your provisional all the way through to helping you with your job search. We recommend doing a thorough search, reading the reviews and not to go for the cheapest option. This is an investment in your future, and you want it to be as seamless as possible.

Looking to get started on your HGV training?

Fill in our form below to get more information from 3 leading HGV providers

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