HGV Vehicle Classes Explained
In order to drive any heavy goods vehicle on the roads in the United Kingdom, it is essential that you make sure you have the correct licence. You also need to have an understanding of the different vehicle classes.
The licence category is required to be on your driving licence if you want to drive an HGV legally. This means you will have to take additional driving qualifications in order to get the relevant licence category.
You also need to understand the different categories of licence and the different vehicle classes.
Not only will this ensure that you have the right qualifications to drive a heavy goods vehicle, but it also means that you can ensure you have the appropriate HGV insurance in place. Legally, you cannot drive an HGV in the United Kingdom without the appropriate HGV insurance in place.
Of course, understanding the different types of licences and vehicle classes ensures that you know exactly what type of training you need to complete, and what licence you will need.
HGV Licence Classes
An HGV licence enables drivers to drive lorries and trucks that weigh over 3.5 tonnes.
What HGV licence you need depends on what type of vehicle you drive. HGV licences last for five years and have to be renewed after five years have elapsed.
HGV classes are the different licences that are available. The classes are based on the size of the vehicle. Anyone who wants to drive an HGV must ensure that they have the appropriate HGV licence.
Let’s have a look at the different classes below.
HGV Class 1 Licence
This class of licence is required for anyone who wants to drive an HGV that weighs 7.5 tonnes or over and has a detachable trailer.
Category C1 licences are also known as category C and E licence (see below).
HGV Class 2 Licence
An HGV class 2 licence also relates to vehicles that weigh 7.5 tonnes or more.
The main difference between a class 1 licence and a class 2 licence is that class 1 licences are for those vehicles with detachable trailers.
Class 2 licences are for those vehicles that have rigid body bases. This means the cab will not separate from the trailer as is it not detachable.
Class 2 licences are also known as category C licence.
Category C1 Licence (Class 3)
A category C1 licence is for those drivers who drive vehicles that weigh over 3.5 tonnes but not over 7.5 tonnes. For those drivers who passed their driving test pre-1997, they will automatically receive a category C1 licence.
If you passed your driving test after 1997, you will have to take a further test to get a category C1 licence.
Category C1 and E Licence (Class 1)
A category C1 and E licence allows you to drive the same types of vehicles as a category C1 licence. However, the main difference is that with a category C1 and E licence you are permitted to tow trailers behind the vehicle you are driving.
You need to make sure that the weight of the vehicle you are driving plus the trailer does not exceed 12,000kg.
This class of licence is used by people who want to tow a horsebox for example, or those with large commercial vans that tow trailers behind them.
The C1 and E licence is an upgraded version of the C1 licence and anyone who wants this class of licence will need to ensure that they have taken and passed the C1 test.
Category C Licence (Class 2)
A category C licence is also sometimes known as a class 2 or rigid licence.
This type of licence is designed for those vehicles that weigh over 7.5 tonnes.
This is a very common type of licence for HGV drivers. It enables the driver to drive rigid based trucks, and articulated lorries.
Category B and E Licence
A category B and E licence is required by drivers who want to tow a caravan or a trailer behind their car.
Category D Licence
A category D licence allows drivers to drive large vehicles that are for passengers. These vehicles include buses, minibuses and coaches.
What Is The Difference Between HGV Class 1 and HGV Class 2 Licences?
The main difference is actually a very simple one. A Class 1 licence will enable the driver to drive a category C and E vehicle. A class 2 licence on the other hand enables the driver to drive a rigid vehicle.
The category C1 licence is essentially the most fundamental and primary level of HGV training and licence that you can obtain.
A category C1 licence is the next step up from the standard UK driving licence.
HGV Insurance
Heavy goods vehicles need comprehensive insurance to ensure the vehicle is protected. Depending on the business you work for, you may need a non-standard and bespoke insurance policy.
For any changes to your business and its operations, or for a no obligation quotation, please contact ISIS Insurance today and our expert advisers will be on hand to advise you further.
ISIS Insurance offers a wide variety of insurance options and quotes that cover everything a HGV might need when it comes to insurance, from skip lorries to refrigerated vehicles.