Class 1 vs Class 2 HGV Driving Jobs: What’s the Difference?
If you’re looking at Class 1 vs Class 2 HGV driving jobs, understanding the difference between the two licence categories can help you decide which type of driving work is right for you.
Both Class 1 and Class 2 drivers play an essential role in the UK transport and logistics industry, but the vehicles you can drive, the type of work available and the day-to-day experience can be quite different.
Here’s a straightforward guide to what each involves.
What Is a Class 1 HGV Driver?
Class 1 driving is commonly used to describe driving vehicles covered by a Category C+E licence.
This allows qualified drivers to operate a Category C vehicle with a trailer over 750kg. In practice, this includes many of the articulated vehicles used for trunking, distribution and longer-distance transport.
Class 1 HGV driving jobs can include:
- Depot-to-depot trunking
- Distribution centre work
- General haulage
- Store deliveries
- Longer-distance driving
- Day and night work
- Tramping
- Weekend shifts
The nature of the work varies considerably between operators, so not every Class 1 role involves long-distance driving or nights away from home.
What Is a Class 2 HGV Driver?
Class 2 is the term commonly used for driving vehicles covered by a Category C licence.
These are rigid vehicles over 3,500kg, and Class 2 work is frequently associated with local and regional deliveries.
Class 2 HGV driving jobs can include:
- Local deliveries
- Multidrop work
- Store deliveries
- General haulage
- Distribution work
- Day and night shifts
- Temporary and ongoing assignments
Some Class 2 roles may involve more interaction with customers or more frequent loading and unloading than typical trunking work, although this depends entirely on the assignment.
Class 1 vs Class 2 HGV Driving Jobs
The main technical difference between Class 1 vs Class 2 HGV driving jobs is the category of vehicle your licence permits you to drive.
But when you’re choosing work, there are other practical differences worth considering.
Class 1 opportunities may involve larger articulated vehicles, longer journeys and trunking between depots or distribution centres.
Class 2 work is often more locally or regionally focused and can involve a greater number of deliveries during a shift.
Neither is inherently better than the other. The right option depends on your qualifications, experience and the type of working day you prefer.
Which Type of HGV Driving Work Is Right for You?
Think about what matters to you when choosing assignments.
If you enjoy longer journeys and fewer individual drops, certain Class 1 roles may suit you. If you’d rather work more locally and return home at the end of your shift, some Class 2 opportunities may be a better fit.
Shift pattern matters too. HGV driving isn’t limited to the traditional Monday-to-Friday working week. Depending on the operation, opportunities can include days, nights, weekends and flexible agency shifts.
Rather than choosing purely by licence category, look at the complete assignment: hours, location, type of load, number of drops, responsibilities and working pattern.
What Qualifications Do HGV Drivers Need?
To work professionally as an HGV driver, you’ll need the appropriate driving licence for the vehicle you’re operating.
Drivers will also generally need a valid Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) and a digital tachograph card where required.
There may be additional requirements for particular assignments, vehicles or loads, so always check what’s expected before accepting work.
Keeping your documentation and training up to date is an important part of working professionally as an HGV driver.
Can You Move From Class 2 to Class 1 Driving?
Drivers who want to expand the types of vehicles they can drive can obtain the appropriate C+E entitlement.
For some drivers, gaining additional entitlement can open up a wider choice of assignments and different types of driving work.
That doesn’t mean every Class 2 driver needs to progress to Class 1. Plenty of experienced drivers actively prefer rigid vehicle work and the types of assignments it offers.
Your decision should ultimately depend on the type of driving career and working pattern you want.
Finding Class 1 and Class 2 HGV Driving Jobs
Employ Recruitment specialises in HGV driver recruitment and works with professional drivers across a number of locations throughout the UK.
We recruit for different types of Class 1 and Class 2 driving work, with opportunities varying according to location, client requirements and current demand.
If you’re looking for your next HGV driving opportunity, explore our Driver Jobs pages to find information about work in your area and current vacancies, or register with Employ Recruitment so our team can understand the type of driving work and shifts you’re looking for.
