If you’re exploring a career in haulage or transport in the UK, you may have come across the term “Class 2 driver” and wondered what it means. Simply put, a Class 2 driver holds a specific type of driving licence that allows them to operate large rigid vehicles such as lorries, trucks, and vans. This blog explains everything you need to know about becoming a Class 2 driver, including the types of vehicles you can drive, the licensing process, costs, training, earnings, and more.
What is a Class 2 Driver?
What is a Class 2 Driver Licence?
A Class 2 driving licence in the UK, also known as a Category C licence, lets you drive large rigid vehicles over 7.5 tonnes in weight, but not exceeding 32 tonnes. These vehicles are typically used for regional deliveries and local transport, such as HGV Class 2 vehicles, refuse trucks, and delivery lorries. The Class 2 licence lets you operate these vehicles without the need for a detachable trailer, which is what a Class 1 driver uses for articulated lorries.
What’s the Difference Between Class 1 and Class 2 Drivers?
The primary difference between Class 1 and Class 2 drivers is the type of vehicles they are qualified to drive. Class 1 drivers hold a C+E licence, allowing them to operate both rigid vehicles and articulated vehicles (those with a detachable trailer). In contrast, Class 2 drivers are restricted to rigid vehicles that do not have a detachable trailer.
What Can I Drive with a Class 2 Licence?
Class 2 Vehicles: Types of Vehicles You Can Drive
With a Class 2 licence, you can drive various types of rigid vehicles used in industries like construction, delivery, and waste management. Some common examples include:
- Rigid lorries: Trucks with a single, solid body.
- Flatbed lorries: Used for transporting goods that need to be secured to the truck bed.
- Box lorries: Enclosed trucks for transporting goods that need protection.
- Tipper lorries: Common in construction, used to carry loose materials like gravel, sand, or soil.
These vehicles are typically easier to manoeuvre than articulated vehicles, making them ideal for urban deliveries and construction work.
Can I Drive a Class 2 on a Car Licence?
No, a car licence (category B) doesn’t allow you to drive Class 2 vehicles. To drive a Class 2 vehicle, you need to obtain the appropriate Class 2 driver licence through training, exams, and meeting medical requirements.
Class 2 Licence: Costs and Training
How Much Does a Class 2 Licence Cost in the UK?
The cost of obtaining a Class 2 licence can vary depending on your location and the training provider, but the total expenses generally range from £1,500 to £2,500. This includes fees for theory tests, practical tests, and medical examinations.
HGV Class 2 Licence Cost
A Class 2 HGV licence involves specific training for heavy goods vehicles. The cost typically includes:
- Training fees: Around £1,000 to £1,500.
- Theory and practical test fees: Approximately £200 to £300.
- Medical examination: Typically £50 to £100.
HGV Class 2 Training Cost UK
HGV Class 2 training generally consists of classroom instruction on road safety, vehicle regulations, and logistics, along with practical on-road training. The overall cost for training typically falls between £1,000 and £2,000.
Class 2 Driver Salary and Earnings
How Much Do Class 2 Drivers Earn?
Salaries for Class 2 drivers can vary widely depending on experience, location, and the type of work. On average, a Class 2 driver in the UK can earn between £25,000 and £30,000 annually. More experienced drivers can expect to earn upwards of £35,000.
Class 2 Driver Salary UK: What’s the Average Hourly Rate?
The average hourly rate for a Class 2 driver is around £12 to £15 per hour, depending on factors such as overtime, industry, and location.
Factors Affecting Earnings
Several factors influence a Class 2 driver’s salary, including:
- Overtime: Many employers offer additional pay for working beyond regular hours.
- Location: Drivers working in major cities like London may earn more due to the cost of living and traffic conditions.
- Specialist Roles: Drivers in specialist sectors (e.g., hazardous material transport) may earn higher salaries.
Class 2 Vehicles: Types and Requirements
HGV Class 2 Vehicles
A Class 2 vehicle is a rigid vehicle that typically weighs between 7.5 to 32 tonnes. These vehicles are used in various industries for regional transport, local deliveries, and other tasks that require heavy-duty vehicles without a detachable trailer. Specifically, HGV Class 2 vehicles include trucks, lorries, and vans that are commonly used for delivering goods within cities or regional areas. Unlike articulated vehicles, these vehicles are not flexible, as they lack the ability to detach a trailer. Common examples of HGV Class 2 vehicles, therefore, include refuse trucks, flatbed lorries, and box trucks.
Class 2 Driving Licence: How to Get One
How to Obtain a Class 2 Driving Licence
To become a Class 2 driver, you need to complete several steps:
- Eligibility: You must be at least 18 years old and hold a full UK car driving licence.
- Medical Exam: You must undergo a medical examination to ensure you’re fit to drive large vehicles.
- Provisional Licence: Apply for a provisional HGV licence to start training.
- Driver CPC: Complete the Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) training.
- Theory Test: Pass the theory test, which includes multiple-choice questions and a hazard perception test.
- Practical Test: Pass the practical driving test to demonstrate your ability to operate a Class 2 vehicle safely.
FAQs
No, a car licence (category B) doesn’t allow you to drive a Class 2 vehicle. You must obtain the appropriate Class 2 driver licence through training and exams.
With a Class 2 licence, you can drive rigid vehicles, including lorries, delivery trucks, flatbed trucks, and refuse vehicles.
The total cost of obtaining a Class 2 licence in the UK can range from £1,500 to £2,500, depending on the training provider and associated fees.
A Class 1 driver can operate both rigid vehicles and articulated lorries with detachable trailers, while a Class 2 driver is limited to rigid vehicles only.
On average, it can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks to obtain your Class 2 licence, depending on how quickly you can complete your training and pass the required tests. This time frame may vary depending on the availability of training slots and tests.
The salary for Class 2 drivers varies depending on factors such as experience, location, and industry. For instance, a new Class 2 driver can expect to earn between £25,000 and £30,000 per year. In contrast, experienced drivers typically earn upwards of £35,000 annually. Furthermore, additional pay may be available for overtime or weekend work..
A 7.5 tonne vehicle falls under the Class 2 category of licences, but Class 2 licences cover vehicles weighing up to 32 tonnes. So, while 7.5 tonne vehicles are included in the Class 2 range, drivers with a Class 2 licence can operate a wider variety of larger vehicles.
Yes, if you hold a Class 1 (C+E) licence, you can legally drive Class 2 vehicles as well. The Class 1 licence covers both rigid and articulated vehicles, giving drivers more flexibility.
Conclusion
Becoming a Class 2 driver opens up a wide range of opportunities in the logistics and transport industries. With the ability to drive a variety of rigid vehicles, including trucks and delivery lorries, Class 2 drivers play a key role in local and regional transport. Although the process of obtaining a Class 2 driver licence requires training, exams, and medical checks, it provides a solid foundation for a rewarding career. If you’re considering a career in driving, obtaining a Class 2 licence offers great potential for a stable and well-paying job in a growing industry.
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