HGV Driver Roles Explained: Class 1, Class 2, 7.5 Tonne & Van Driving

If you’re looking for driving jobs, you’ve likely seen adverts for Class 1, Class 2, 7.5-tonne and van drivers. However, what truly distinguishes these roles and which one suits you best?

The UK transport industry offers a diverse range of opportunities from local multi-drop van driving to long-distance HGV work. Each role involves different vehicle types, licence requirements, responsibilities and working patterns.

This guide from Kenect Recruitment will help you understand the main driving roles you’ll encounter when searching for your next transport job.

What Is a Class 1 HGV Driver?

A Class 1 HGV driver typically operates the largest vehicles on UK roads. Today’s relevant driving licence category is Category C+E, but “Class 1” is still commonly used in the transport and recruitment sectors. These vehicles consist of a cab and trailer and can include articulated lorries used for transporting large quantities of goods across the country.

What Does a Class 1 Driver Do?

Depending on the employer and contract, Class 1 work can involve:

Long-distance deliveries
Depot-to-depot trunking
Distribution centre work
Store deliveries
Day or night shifts
Local and nationwide routes
Nights away from home

Because Class 1 drivers can operate larger articulated vehicles, obtaining a C+E licence can open the door to a broad range of professional driving opportunities.

Who Is Class 1 Driving Best Suited To?

Class 1 driving is ideal for those who enjoy long journeys and feel comfortable driving large vehicles. Employer working patterns vary greatly so candidates can find anything from regular local shifts to longer-distance work.

What Is a Class 2 HGV Driver?

A Class 2 driver holds a Category C licence. Unlike a Class 1 articulated vehicle, a Class 2 vehicle typically has its cab and load area connected as a single rigid unit. These are commonly referred to as rigid HGVs. Class 2 vehicles are widely used across various industries, including distribution, construction, removals and waste management.

What Does a Class 2 Driver Do?

Typical Class 2 driving work can include:

Local deliveries
Multi-drop routes
Store deliveries
Pallet deliveries
Construction deliveries
Collection work
Distribution centre routes

Class 2 jobs often involve more frequent stops than long-distance Class 1 work. Drivers also typically interact more with customers, warehouse teams, and delivery locations during their shift.

Class 1 vs Class 2: What’s the Difference?

The main difference lies in the type of vehicle you’re licensed to drive.

Class 1 – Category C+E permits you to operate articulated or drawbar vehicles with a separate trailer from the cab.
Class 2 – Category C allows you to drive large rigid vehicles where the cab and load-carrying section are combined.

Both categories offer excellent career prospects. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your preferred driving style, your current licence and the working patterns you desire.

What Is a 7.5 Tonne Driver?

Another common transport recruitment role is the 7.5 tonne driver, also known as a 7.5T driver. These vehicles fall between vans and larger HGVs and are typically used for local distribution and deliveries. The relevant licence entitlement is usually Category C1.

What Does a 7.5 Tonne Driver Do?

Typical responsibilities can include:

Multi-drop deliveries
Home deliveries
Local distribution
Furniture deliveries
Collections
Customer-facing delivery work

Because of the nature of these roles, 7.5 tonne drivers may spend more time loading, unloading and interacting with customers than some HGV drivers.

Can I Drive a 7.5 Tonne Vehicle on My Licence?

Your entitlement to a C1 licence depends partly on when you passed your driving test and the details on your licence. Drivers who passed before 1 January 1997 might already have C1 entitlement through acquired rights. Those who passed after this date will generally need to obtain the relevant entitlement separately. Always check the categories on your driving licence before applying for a role.

What Does a Van Driver Do?

You don’t necessarily need an HGV licence to build a transport career. Van driving jobs are plentiful across the UK and offer a fantastic opportunity to gain professional driving and delivery experience. Most standard van roles involve vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes and can generally be driven with a Category B car licence, subject to the specific vehicle and your licence entitlement.

Typical Van Driving Jobs

Van driving can include:

Parcel deliveries
Multi-drop work
Business deliveries
Collections
Local distribution
Courier work
Customer deliveries

Some van driving roles involve dozens of stops daily while others require fewer longer-distance deliveries. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand each vacancy rather than assuming all van driving jobs are identical.

Which Driving Role Is Right for You?

There isn’t a single driving role that’s inherently superior to another. The right job depends on your preferences. For example, if you enjoy larger vehicles and longer journeys, Class 1 driving might be ideal. Alternatively, if you prefer local or regional work in a rigid HGV, Class 2 driving could be a better fit. For delivery-focused work using a medium-sized commercial vehicle, consider 7.5 tonne driving. Finally, if you’re entering the transport industry or prefer smaller vehicles, van driving offers another route into professional driving. When comparing vacancies, remember to look beyond the vehicle.

Consider:

Shift times
Days and nights
Number of drops
Distance travelled
Loading and unloading requirements
Nights away
Temporary or permanent employment
Location
Pay and overtime arrangements

These factors can make two jobs requiring the same licence feel completely different.

What Do I Need to Become an HGV Driver?

For professional HGV driving, you’ll need the correct driving licence entitlement for the vehicle you’re operating. Depending on your role and circumstances, you might also need a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) and a corresponding Driver CPC card. Additionally, there are requirements regarding medical fitness, driver hours and tachographs. Before starting training or applying for work as an HGV driver, ensure you check the latest official requirements.

Find Your Next Driving Job With Kenect Recruitment

Whether you’re an experienced Class 1 driver, looking for your next Class 2 role, searching for 7.5 tonne work or interested in van driving jobs, Kenect Recruitment works with employers across the transport and logistics sector.

Our teams can help match your experience, licence and availability with suitable opportunities.

Looking for your next driving role? Search the latest transport and driving vacancies with Kenect Recruitment or speak to your local team today.