If you want to drive lorries for a living you need to know what is an LGV licence. People use a lot of different names like HGV or Class 1 and Class 2 which makes things confusing. LGV stands for Large Goods Vehicle. It is just the official name the government uses for any vehicle over 3,500kg. You will hear people say HGV too because that was the old name but they mean the same thing. And since the rules changed back in the 90s the terminology has stuck around with older drivers. Commercial Transport Training sees this confusion every day and it is normal to be a bit unsure at the start.
The weight of the vehicle is the main thing that determines which licence is actually needed. And it is important to be careful because driving a truck without the right category can get a driver a big fine or even a lost car licence. It is best to get the right training before even sitting in the cab of a big rig. Our instructors have spent decades on the road so we know exactly what the examiners are looking for.
Different types of licences
There are a few categories based on how big the truck is. A Cat C1 licence lets people drive small lorries between 3,500kg and 7,500kg. Some people use these for horseboxes or ambulances but many drivers skip this part. If the goal is to work in logistics or for a big haulage firm there probably won’t be much use for just a C1 but for some specific jobs like moving furniture or working for the council it might be enough.
The Cat C licence is the most common one for new starters. This is often called Class 2 and it is for rigid lorries where the cab and the back are all one piece. It is possible to drive bin lorries or delivery trucks with this. Most people start here because the truck doesn’t bend in the middle and that makes it much easier to go around corners or reverse into narrow loading bays at supermarkets. It is a good way to get used to the size of a large vehicle without the extra stress of a trailer. Commercial Transport Training usually recommends this for those who want to build confidence slowly.
If the goal is to drive the biggest trucks then a Cat C+E licence is needed which people call Class 1. This is for articulated lorries that have a trailer that uncouples. It is harder to drive because of the trailer but it usually pays more money. It is possible to go straight to this now or start with the rigid truck first to get some practice. Many drivers prefer the Class 1 because more time is spent on the motorway and less time trying to navigate tight city streets in a smaller truck. but reversing an artic is a skill that takes a long time to master properly.
What is needed first
Drivers have to be 18 years old and have a normal car licence. Before training can even start a medical check from a doctor is required. They check eyes and heart health to make sure a driver is fit for the road. After that an application is sent off for a provisional licence. Tests cannot be booked until that comes back in the post and sometimes the DVLA takes a few weeks to send it so planning ahead is smart.
The medical is quite strict compared to a car one. The doctor will check blood pressure and ask about any history of fits or sleep problems. If glasses are worn they will check vision with them on too. Once the provisional is ready the theory side of things can begin. Commercial Transport Training helps talk through these steps so nothing is missed. We have helped thousands of drivers navigate this paperwork since we started.
The tests and the cost
Getting the licence involves a few different parts. There has to be a pass for a theory test and a hazard perception test. Then there are case studies and a practical driving test. A Driver CPC is also needed if the plan is to get paid for driving. Without the CPC card it is illegal to work as a driver even if the driving bit is passed. The CPC is basically a way to show a driver is a professional and knows how to load the truck safely and follow the rules on driver hours. When you look into what is an LGV licence you have to remember that the CPC is just as important as the driving test itself.
Training usually takes about a week but it depends on how fast a person learns. It costs somewhere between £1,500 and £3,000 for everything. This includes the medical and the test fees. It is a lot of money so it is worth making sure the job is the right fit and it is good to check if the training school includes the cost of the tests in the price because some of them add it on at the end. Commercial Transport Training is always honest about these costs from the start and we use modern vehicles so you learn on relevant gear.
What is the job actually like
The hours are often long and start very early in the morning but there are always plenty of jobs available for drivers who have the right licence. Work might start at 4am to get deliveries done before the traffic gets bad and it is necessary to be comfortable being alone for most of the day. It isn’t a job for everyone but for those who like being on the road it is a solid career.
There also has to be a lot of care with the law. There are strict rules on how many hours can be driven without a break. If a driver goes over by even a few minutes the fines can be huge and the police or the DVSA can stop a truck at any time to check the tachograph. So the job suits someone who can follow rules and stay organised with paperwork. We make sure our students understand these legalities because passing the test is only half the battle.
Is it worth the money
For most people the answer is yes because the demand for drivers is so high right now. Shops and factories can’t function without lorries so there is always work but the licence has to stay clean and training must be kept up. Every five years there is 35 hours of extra training to keep the CPC valid. This is just to make sure every driver stays up to date with new laws and safety equipment.
If the decision is made to go for it then just take one step at a time. Get the medical done first and then see how the theory goes and there is no pressure to go straight for the biggest trucks if it doesn’t feel right. Plenty of people spend years driving rigid lorries before they ever touch a trailer and they make a good living doing it.
Getting started with Commercial Transport Training
If you are ready to get started or just want to chat more about what is an LGV licence and which category is the best fit for you then get in touch with us at Commercial Transport Training. We have been doing this for a long time and our instructors know exactly how to get you through your medical and your tests without the stress. You can give us a call 01525 370 862 on or complete our online contact form and we will walk you through the costs and the timelines so you know exactly what to expect. There is no pressure to sign up right away because we want to make sure you have all the facts first. Reach out today and we can help you get your new career on the road.
