So you are thinking about becoming a lorry driver. It is a solid career choice and the demand for drivers in the UK is still high but before you get behind the wheel of a big rigid truck you need to know what it is going to cost you. Getting a category c licence which most people call a class 2 is an investment in your future. At Commercial Transport Training we see people from all walks of life making this jump and we want to be straight with you about the numbers.
There is no single price tag because everyone starts from a different place. Some people pass everything the first time and others might need a bit more practice. In 2025 you are looking at a total cost somewhere between £1,500 and £2,500 on average. Here is how that actually breaks down so you can plan your budget.
The starting line: medicals and provisionals
Before you even touch a steering wheel you have to prove you are fit to drive. You need a D4 medical exam. You can go to your local GP for this but they often charge a lot, sometimes up to £150 or more. A lot of drivers use private doctors who specialise in driver medicals because they usually only charge about £50 or £60.
Once you have your medical form you send it off with a D2 application to the DVLA for your provisional licence. The good news here is that the provisional itself is free. It won’t cost you a penny to get the entitlement added to your car licence but you can’t book any tests until it arrives back in the post.
Passing the theory tests
You can’t just jump into a lorry and hope for the best. You have to pass the theory first. There are actually two parts to the LGV theory test. The multiple choice part costs £26 and the hazard perception part is £11. We always tell people not to rush these. If you fail you have to pay again and it just slows everything down.
If you want to drive professionally you also need the driver CPC. This starts with the module 2 case studies test which costs £23. So for all your theory bits you are looking at £60 in test fees alone. Then you might spend £20 or £30 on revision apps or books. It is worth it because the cat c licence cost starts adding up if you have to keep retaking things.
Cat C licence cost for practical training
This is the biggest part of the bill. The actual driving lessons. Most people need a 4 or 5 day intensive course to get up to scratch. At Commercial Transport Training we use full sized vehicles so you get used to the real thing from day one. Training prices vary depending on where you are in the country and how many days you need.
Generally you are looking at £1,200 to £1,800 for the training course itself. This should include your instructor’s time and the use of the vehicle for your test. You also have the DVSA test fees to pay. The 3a off road reversing test is £40 and the 3b on road driving test is £115 on weekdays. If you want a weekend slot it costs £141 but most schools stick to weekdays to keep costs down for you.
Cat c licence cost and the driver CPC
If you are planning to earn money as a driver you need that CPC card. We already mentioned the theory side but there is also a practical part called module 4. This is a “show me tell me” test where you demonstrate things like checking if the load is secure and you understand the features of the vehicle. The test fee for this is £55.
Once you pass this you get your driver qualification card or DQC. You have to keep this updated with 35 hours of periodic training every five years but for now it is just part of the initial cost to get you on the road.
Hidden extras to think about
It is easy to forget the little things. You might need to take a day or two off work for your training which is a cost in itself. Then there is travel to the training centre. We are based in Leighton Buzzard and help people from Aylesbury, Luton, and Milton Keynes so we know how important it is to have a local reliable centre to save on petrol and time.
If you don’t pass the driving test first time you will have to pay for a retest. This usually means paying the DVSA fee again plus a bit more for the truck rental and the instructor’s time for that day. It happens to the best of us so it is always a good idea to have a little “buffer” in your savings just in case.
Is the cat c licence worth the money?
It sounds like a lot of money up front and it is but you have to look at what you get back. A qualified HGV driver can expect a starting salary much higher than many other entry level jobs. Many companies are crying out for drivers right now. Some even offer to pay for your training if you sign a contract to stay with them for a year or two.
At Commercial Transport Training we have been doing this for over 40 years. We have seen how a cat c licence can change someone’s life by giving them a steady career. The cost is a one time thing but the licence stays with you. As long as you keep your medicals up to date and do your CPC hours you have a job for life.
How to keep the cat c licence cost down
One way to save money is to be prepared. Do plenty of theory revision before you book the test. Look for a training provider that is transparent about their prices and doesn’t have hidden “booking fees” on top of the DVSA prices.
Also check if you are eligible for any funding. Sometimes there are government schemes or local grants for people looking to upskill, especially in transport. It is always worth an ask.
Getting your class 2 is a big step. It takes a bit of graft and a bit of cash but the freedom of the open road is waiting for you. If you want to chat about how we can help you get started just give us a shout at Commercial Transport Training. We will help you get through the process without any nonsense and get you into that cab as soon as possible.
Remember that the cheapest price isn’t always the best value. You want instructors who know their stuff and vehicles that won’t break down on your test day. We pride ourselves on a high pass rate because we actually care about making you a safe driver, not just getting you through a test. Get in touch with our team today to find out more information about pricing and how we can help you kick start your career.
