DrivingFor drivers6 min read
Class 2 Driver Jobs: Pay, Work and How to Get Started
Home most nights, plenty of variety and steady demand. Class 2 is a solid driving career in its own right and a great step up to Class 1. Here is what the work looks like and how to land it.
- Class 2 (Category C) covers rigid lorries over 3.5 tonnes.
- Most Class 2 work is local or regional, so you are usually home every night.
- HGV pay runs from around £27,000 starting out to around £47,000 with experience, before extras.
- You need your Category C licence, Driver CPC and a digital tacho card.
What is a Class 2 driver?
A Class 2 driver holds a Category C licence and drives rigid lorries over 3.5 tonnes. That covers 7.5 tonners all the way up to 32 tonne rigids, depending on the job. You can tow a trailer up to 750kg.
What does the work involve?
- Multi-drop and store deliveries for retailers and wholesalers.
- Building materials, often with a tail lift or a crane (HIAB).
- Tipper and skip work on construction and waste sites.
- Refuse collection for councils and contractors.
- Removals and furniture deliveries, often two-person.
Many Class 2 jobs involve handballing, tail lift work or customer contact as well as driving, so read the job spec properly.
What do Class 2 drivers earn?
The National Careers Service puts HGV driver pay at around £27,000 starting out, rising to about £47,000 with experience. Where you sit in that range depends on the job and the hours.
What pushes Class 2 pay up:
- Night and weekend shifts.
- Overtime, especially in peak season.
- Specialist skills: HIAB crane, ADR for hazardous goods, tipper work.
- Being flexible on start times and locations.
Agency Class 2 work often pays a strong hourly rate, and you get variety, flexible shifts and a quick start. Many of our Class 2 roles also lead to permanent jobs.
What you need to get started
- A full Category C licence.
- Your Driver CPC qualification and card.
- A digital tachograph card.
- The right to work in the UK. We check this when you register.
New to HGV driving? Read our guide on how to become an HGV driver, and keep on top of your training with our Driver CPC renewal guide.
Class 2 or Class 1?
| Class 2 (C) | Class 1 (C+E) | |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle | Rigid lorries | Articulated lorries and drawbars |
| Typical work | Local and regional deliveries | Trunking, regional and long distance |
| Home time | Usually home every night | Depends on the job, some nights out |
| Pay | Good | Usually higher |
Plenty of drivers do Class 2 for a year or two, then upgrade. If that is your plan, the experience you build now counts.
Got your Class 2? We will keep you moving.
The right Class 2 job comes down to the right agency. Here is why drivers choose DROPP.
Looking for Class 2 work? Get in touch your way.
Register online, message us on WhatsApp, give us a ring or send your CV, and a consultant will get back to you.
Pop your details in and attach your CV. It goes straight to our registrations team and we will be in touch.
Class 2 driver jobs: quick answers
What can you drive with a Class 2 licence?
A Class 2 (Category C) licence lets you drive rigid lorries over 3.5 tonnes, such as 18 and 26 tonne rigids, with a trailer up to 750kg.
How much do Class 2 drivers earn?
Pay depends on the job, the hours and where you are. The National Careers Service puts HGV driver pay at around £27,000 starting out, rising to about £47,000 with experience, before overtime and night or weekend rates.
Do I need Driver CPC to drive Class 2 professionally?
Yes. You need your Category C licence, a Driver CPC qualification and a digital tachograph card to drive a lorry for work.
Is Class 2 a good step towards Class 1?
Yes. Many drivers get experience on rigids first, then upgrade to Category C+E (Class 1) for articulated lorries and higher-paid work.
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Rules and pay rates change, so check the current official guidance before you act on it.