If you’re thinking about driving HGVs for a living, one of the first things you’ll need to work out is which licence you’ll need. The rules can seem a bit confusing at first, so here’s a straightforward look at what each licence covers, and which one makes the most sense depending on the type of driving job you’re aiming for.
Understanding HGV Licence Categories
The term “HGV” stands for Heavy Goods Vehicle and typically refers to any commercial vehicle over 3.5 tonnes. The categories are defined by weight and vehicle type, and they are regulated by the DVSA.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common HGV licence types:
Category C1 Licence
- Vehicle weight: Between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes
- Common vehicles: Small lorries, horseboxes, ambulances
- Typical jobs:
- Local parcel delivery driver (e.g. DPD, Parcelforce)
- Ambulance driver (often required in the NHS or private healthcare)
- Light removals or a furniture delivery driver
- Catering or hospitality logistics (event transport)
The Category C1 licence is perfect if you’re planning to drive medium-sized commercial vehicles. It’s often required for roles in the medical sector or logistics companies working with smaller loads. You can train for this category if you’re 18 or over and already hold a full UK car licence.
View our Category C1 training course.
Category C Licence (Class 2)
- Vehicle weight: Over 7.5 tonnes (rigid body)
- Common vehicles: Tippers, refuse trucks, flatbeds
- Typical jobs:
- Skip lorry and scaffold truck driver
- Regional deliveries for supermarkets and wholesalers
- Waste collection and construction haulage
Category C is one of the most popular choices for new HGV drivers. It qualifies you to drive large, rigid vehicles, which are widely used in everything from construction and recycling to food distribution. These jobs are often Monday to Friday, with set routes and stable hours, making it a good starting point for many.
View our Category C (Class 2) training course.
Category C+E Licence (Class 1)
- Vehicle weight: Over 7.5 tonnes, with a trailer (articulated)
- Common vehicles: Artics, curtain-siders, container lorries
- Typical jobs:
- Long-distance haulage across the UK and Europe
- Container transport from docks and distribution centres
- Depot-to-depot trunking for major retailers
- High-value or specialist freight transport
Category C+E is the top-tier HGV licence. It allows you to drive articulated lorries — the big rigs you see on motorways carrying goods nationwide. Class 1 drivers are in high demand and tend to earn higher wages, particularly in long-haul or overnight roles. Many drivers upgrade from Category C, but you can also go straight to C+E if you’re ready.
View our Category C+E training course.
Not Sure Which Licence to Start With?
Your choice depends on what kind of driving work you want to do:
- Want to stay local and work with smaller vehicles? C1 might be enough.
- Looking for steady regional work with good hours? Start with Category C.
- Aiming for long-distance or international driving with the best pay? Go for C+E.
If you’re unsure, many drivers start with Category C, gain experience, and upgrade later. At Heads of the Valleys Training, we also offer fast-track packages so you can go straight to Class 1 — saving time and money.
View all of our HGV training options.
What About CPC?
To drive an HGV commercially, you’ll also need the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC).
There are two types:
- Initial CPC training – for new drivers who haven’t held an HGV licence before
- Periodic CPC – 35 hours of classroom or online learning every 5 years
Whether you’re new to the industry or simply need to renew, we offer both in-person and online CPC training so you can complete it in a way that suits your schedule.
What Else Do You Need to Start?
Before you can start training, there are a few legal steps to complete:
- Pass an HGV medical (D4 form signed by a doctor)
- Apply for a provisional HGV licence
- Pass the HGV theory tests (multiple choice and hazard perception)
Our team will guide you through all of this, including helping you book your medical and prepare for the theory test.
View our step-by-step guide to becoming an HGV driver.
Start Your Driving Career With Us
At Heads of The Valleys Training, we’ve helped thousands of new drivers start successful careers in transport. With expert instructors, modern training vehicles, and a friendly support team guiding you from start to finish, we make the entire process simple and stress-free.
Whether you’re applying for your first HGV licence or upgrading to Class 1, we’ll help you every step of the way.
Ready To Get started?
View all HGV training courses or contact us to speak to our team today.
