Frequently Asked Questions

The salary earned will not only be determined by age and experience but will also depend on the level of HGV training undertaken and licence acquired. For example, a driver with category CE (class 1) should expect to earn more than a driver with just category C (class 2) entitlement.

Once qualified in the discipline of their choice, drivers can choose to opt for permanent employment, where they are guaranteed a set salary, or they can undertake agency work where they may be given a wide variety of short term positions to gain skills and experience.

The average salary of a permanent, full-time UK UK LGV driver is currently £31,200. So some drivers earn more than £31,200, tanker drivers and car transporter drivers can earn up to £ 52,000 per annum.

A newly qualified HGV driver (cat C and CE) can expect to earn a salary in the region of £24,500 to £26,500 in permanent employment, while an experienced driver can earn in the region of £28,500 to £35,000 plus.

Pay rates will vary depending on the individual employer, as well as specific job title and duties of the driver. When it comes to finding work new entrants do have a certain disadvantage as employers and insurance companies typically prefer applicants to have 2 years of driving experience. This is not always the case however and conscientious employers will take on new drivers who have the right aptitude and attitude.

A large number of new HGV drivers opt to undertake work with agencies, driving for a wide variety of firms, in order to gain experience and improve their skills.

The disadvantage of agency work is that the pay rates can vary and drivers need to be aware of achievable hourly pay in line with their qualifications and expectations. Also, temporary work is just that, temporary. As a result, continual work cannot be guaranteed.

Pay expectations for the various entitlements are listed below:

Cat C1 (over 3.5 tonne but no more than 7.5 tonne vehicle). £8.50 to £11.00 per hour
Cat C (over 7.5 but no more than 32 tonnes (under construction and use regulations) vehicle). £9.00 to £13.50 per hour
Cat CE (class 1, articulated,).£11.50 to £16.00 plus, per hour

Once drivers have built up their knowledge and skills, there are still many ways in which they develop their careers and improve their salary. HGV driving is not just about driving a truck. For example, many HGV’s are fitted with a crane (HIAB) which must be operated by a suitably trained and qualified HGV driver.

Some drivers may also be required to transport a dangerous (ADR) or high-value goods which require specialist training and certification. Some HGV drivers may even elect to become Operator CPC holders. Operator CPC training is required if you wish to become a transport manager or owner-operator. It confirms the holder has a thorough knowledge of managing a commercial transport enterprise.

Each extra skill and discipline further enhances the HGV drivers’ knowledge and experience and this, in turn, should reflect a higher rate of pay.

Category C. Minimum Driving Age. 18 (with Driver CPC)

Category C, also known as class 2 or a rigid, is a goods vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) over 3.5 tonnes but not more than 32 tonnes. The 32 tonnes restriction is a Construction and Use regulation and applies to all class 2 type vehicles. A rigid type vehicle is best described as having the cab and trailer permanently fixed together. You do not need to obtain category C1 entitlement before gaining category C. You can in effect leapfrog the 7.5 tonnes process and go straight for class 2.​

In order for a driver to take control of an articulated or drawbar type vehicle, a category CE license is required. Category E represents trailer entitlement with a weight exceeding 750kg Gross Vehicle Weight. All drivers will need to obtain a category C license before cat C+E entitlement is added.

No, whilst undergoing driver training you will be exempt from using a tachograph, either analog or digital.