It has been well publicised that there is a shortage of HGV drivers across the globe, and various initiatives have been put in place to attract new drivers into the industry. To be an HGV driver, you will need a specialist driving license, but there are a number of different ones out there.
Here, Walker Movements takes a look at the different types of HGV license, what each one means and which one you might need to apply for.
Often, HGV licenses are broken down into different classes according to the size of the truck and what it might contain. Each driver will need the correct license for the truck that they are driving so it is important to understand what each one is and what you are likely to need.
Class 1 and 2 licenses
A Class 1 license might also be known as a category C + E licence, and it permits the driver to operate a vehicle that is 7.5 tonnes or more and has a trailer that can detach. As you might expect, these tend to be some of the largest vehicles on the road and can be used to cover longer distances.
A Class 2 license can be used for an HGV that is more than 7.5 tonnes and has a rigid body base, meaning the cab cannot be separated from the trailer. Typically, these vehicles tend to be refuse collection lorries or fire engines as an example and are used around cities and on shorter journeys.
Category C1
A category C1 license allows the driver to take control of slightly smaller trucks which are between 3.5 tonnes and 7.5 tonnes. If you passed your driving test before 1997 then you will automatically have one of these licenses, but any who took their test after this time will need to take a separate test in order to be eligible.
Category D and D1
It is important to remember that drivers in charge of large vehicles don’t just transport goods, they can carry people too. The category D and D1 license gives you permission to drive a vehicle with passengers, such as a bus or a coach. The D1 license is applicable for those who want to drive a minibus with up to 16 seats and was also automatically granted to those who passed their driving test before 1997.
Category B + E
This type of license was also given to those who passed their test before 1997 and allows you to tow an item behind your normal car. This might include a caravan, trailer, or horse box. If you passed your test after 1997 then you will need to apply for this license separately.
Lorry Loader or HIAB
This type of licence allows the holder to operate a lorry loader or the machinery that is used to deposit items on to the long bed at the back of a trailer using hydraulic attachments. You will need specialist training for this, and it will permit you to operate other types of cranes that could be mounted onto the truck.
ADR
An Accord Dangeroux Routier (ADR) license is the qualification that is needed to transport any dangerous goods such as fuel tankers or anything containing corrosive or flammable materials and liquids.
Whatever type of HGV vehicle you want to drive, you need to make sure that you have the appropriate training and license in order to do so. You should always check your licence thoroughly so that you know exactly what you are allowed to be in charge of and apply for any separate licenses before you get behind the wheel.
Andrea Easton is the Head of Finance and Operations of Walker Movements, who are specialists in quality second-hand, used trucks and trailers and are global leaders in the trucking industry. Walker…
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