If you are thinking about a new career or just want to drive something bigger than a van, you might be asking what is HGV class 2 and how it actually works. It is the most common starting point for new drivers in the UK. At Commercial Transport Training, we see people from all walks of life making this switch. We have put this guide together to show you the reality of the job.
What is HGV Class 2 and the vehicle types?
Simply put, an HGV Class 2 licence lets you drive a rigid vehicle over 3,500kg. These vehicles do not have a trailer that uncouples or bends. The cab and the load area are part of the same chassis. You might hear people call it Category C. That is the official name on your licence.
You can drive a vehicle up to 32 tonnes with this. It is quite a jump from a car. Most of these vehicles have four, six, or eight wheels. Because they are rigid, they are easier to park and turn than the big articulated lorries. This makes them the best choice for driving in towns or narrow country lanes.
The biggest thing to understand is that the driving style is different. You have to watch your tail swing and your height more than you ever did in a car. But once you get the hang of it, it feels quite natural. Most people find that the visibility is actually better because you sit so high up.
The honest rules for getting your licence
You cannot just get in and go. There is a set process you have to follow. We see people get confused by the paperwork all the time but it is fairly simple if you take it step by step.
- Age and Licence: You need to be 18 and have a full car licence.
- The Medical: You need a D4 medical. A doctor checks your eyes and your heart. It is not a fitness test so don’t worry about that.
- Provisional: You send off a D2 form to the DVLA to get Category C added to your licence.
- The Theory: There are three parts to the theory. You have the multiple choice, the hazard perception, and the CPC case studies.
- Practical Training: This is where you actually learn to drive the vehicle.
At Commercial Transport Training, we handle the admin for you. We have our own fleet and our own yard. This is important because many companies are just middle-men who book you into other schools. We do it all ourselves. When you train with us, you use the same vehicles and meet the same instructors every day. It makes a big difference to how relaxed you feel.
What is HGV class 2 work actually like?
The work is very varied. Most people think it is just delivering bread or milk but there is a lot more to it. You could be driving a skip loader or a tipper on a building site. You could be driving a fire engine or a removal vehicle.
A big part of the job is multi-drop work. This means you might have 10 or 15 stops in a day. You will be in and out of the cab. It is more physical than Class 1 work where you might just drive for four hours and then wait to be tipped.
The pay is good. You can expect to earn a solid wage and there is always work available. The UK has a massive shortage of drivers so you will never be out of a job. But the hours can be long. You might start at 5am or 6am. The upside is that you are usually home every night. You don’t have to sleep in the vehicle like long-distance drivers do.
Why people choose this path
Most of our students at Commercial Transport Training choose Class 2 because they want a stable job. They want to be home for their families. It is also cheaper and quicker to get than a Class 1 licence. And if you decide later that you want to go bigger, the jump to Class 1 is much easier once you have some experience on the road.
We are based in Leighton Buzzard. We help people from Milton Keynes, Luton, and all over the surrounding areas. Our instructors have been doing this for decades so they know every trick in the book to help you pass. We don’t use high-pressure sales. We just give you the training you need.
Starting your career the right way
If you want to move forward, the first thing is the medical. Do not book a full course until you have passed your medical and got your provisional back. It saves a lot of hassle.
The transport industry is always looking for reliable people. If you can show up on time and look after the vehicle, you will do well. It is a big responsibility but it is a good way to make a living. If you have more questions about what is HGV class 2 or what the training involves, just give us a call on 01525 370 862 or complete our online contact form. We are happy to talk you through it.
