Posted on February 26th, 2023.

As a transportation business, having the right team of drivers is crucial for the success of your operations. When it comes to heavy goods vehicle (HGV) haulage and tramping driver services, you may need to hire drivers with specific licenses and qualifications. In this blog post, we will discuss the difference between Class 1 and Class 2 drivers, the requirements for each, and when to hire them for your business.

What are Class 1 and Class 2 Drivers?

Class 1 and Class 2 drivers are classifications of HGV drivers in the UK. They are defined by the type of vehicle they are qualified to drive and the weight of the vehicle they are permitted to operate. Class 1 drivers are qualified to drive articulated lorries, while Class 2 drivers are qualified to drive rigid lorries.

Class 1 Drivers

Class 1 drivers are qualified to operate articulated lorries, which are heavy goods vehicles consisting of a tractor unit and a trailer. These vehicles are designed to transport large quantities of goods over long distances. The maximum weight of a Class 1 vehicle in the UK is 44 tonnes. To become a Class 1 driver, the following requirements must be met:

• A full category B (car) driving licence
• A provisional category C+E licence (which includes a medical examination)
• Completion of a Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) course

Class 2 Drivers

Class 2 drivers are qualified to operate rigid lorries, which are heavy goods vehicles that have a fixed body and do not have a separate trailer. The maximum weight of a Class 2 vehicle in the UK is 32 tonnes. To become a Class 2 driver, the following requirements must be met:

• A full category B (car) driving licence
• A provisional category C licence (which includes a medical examination)
• Completion of a Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) course

When to Hire Class 1 Drivers

If your business involves long-distance haulage or transporting heavy loads, you may need to hire Class 1 drivers. Class 1 drivers are qualified to operate articulated lorries, which are designed to transport large quantities of goods over long distances. Here are some situations where you may need to hire Class 1 drivers:

• Transporting goods across the country: If your business involves transporting goods across the country, Class 1 drivers are essential. They are qualified to operate vehicles with a maximum weight of 44 tonnes, which makes them ideal for long-distance haulage.
• Transporting heavy goods: If your business involves transporting heavy goods, such as construction materials or industrial equipment, you may need to hire Class 1 drivers. Articulated lorries can carry large quantities of heavy goods, which makes them ideal for this type of transportation.

When to Hire Class 2 Drivers

If your business involves local or regional deliveries or transporting goods with smaller vehicles, you may need to hire Class 2 drivers. Class 2 drivers are qualified to operate rigid lorries, which are smaller and more maneuverable than articulated lorries. Here are some situations where you may need to hire Class 2 drivers:

• Local or regional deliveries: If your business involves local or regional deliveries, such as delivering goods to retail stores or construction sites, Class 2 drivers are ideal. Rigid lorries are more maneuverable than articulated lorries, which makes them easier to operate in urban areas.
• Transporting smaller goods: If your business involves transporting smaller goods that do not require the space of an articulated lorry, you may need to hire Class 2 drivers. Rigid lorries can still carry a significant amount of cargo, but they are better suited to smaller loads than articulated