HGV Class 2 Drivers UK
Class 2 HGV drivers are trained operators of rigid vehicles who are skilled in construction and waste management, and typically make short-haul journeys. Recruiting a qualified and experienced Class 2 HGV driver can sometimes be challenging, especially as there is always a high demand for HGV drivers in the industry. With the number of ideal candidates being few and far between, Elite Recruitment can help you with what seems like an impossible task and find you the employee that best suits your business.
What is a HGV Class 2 Driver?
Drivers that have a Class 2 licence are typically those who are new to driving a commercial vehicle and are starting out in the HGV industry. Generally, Class 1 truckers start with a Class 2 licence before working their way up – the fundamentals of truck driving and health and safety are taught in Class 2 so you will be guaranteed a fully trained candidate with a chance to progress. By hiring a Class 2 driver, you can benefit from having a proactive and motivated employee become a part of your team, no matter if it’s a temporary or permanent role.
Class 2 licences allow truckers to operate an HGV over 3.5 tonnes with a trailer that weighs up to 750 kg. They are trained in driving in a rigid or category C vehicle, and the type of work can be anything from:
- HGV shift work – usually 9-5 Monday to Friday shifts.
- Short-haul HGV work – doing drops across a smaller area.
- 4 on 4 off – shifts that alternate between four consecutive day and night shifts, followed by four days off.
- Single drop HGV work – where they drop off one big delivery during the shift.
Benefits for HGV Class 2 Drivers
There are plenty of benefits for those in the industry including: flexibility as most employers let you choose your shift, day or night; there is never a shortage of jobs due to the high demand for HGV drivers; and there is always a chance for progression from a Class 2 to Class 1. No matter the reason for becoming a HGV driver, you can be assured that Elite Recruitment will help you find your ideal role. We cover all the steps in the recruitment process – all you need to do is decide who you want to hire! Contact us here and we will see what we can do for you!
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24 hour on-call service, always on hand to help
Staff can be available at short notice
All staff have full compliance checks prior to placement
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
HGV Class 1 Vs Class 2
If you’re considering a career in HGV driving or looking to hire qualified drivers, it’s important to understand the key differences between an HGV Class 1 and HGV Class 2 licence. Both licences enable drivers to operate heavy goods vehicles, but they differ in terms of vehicle size, job opportunities, and responsibilities.
HGV Class 1
An HGV Class 1 licence, also known as a Category C+E licence, allows drivers to operate larger, articulated lorries that can weigh up to 44 tonnes. These vehicles usually consist of a cab and a detachable trailer, offering greater flexibility for long-haul transportation and larger loads.
Key Features of an HGV Class 1 Licence:
Drive vehicles over 7.5 tonnes with a detachable trailer.
Typically used for long-haul deliveries across the UK and internationally.
Often includes overnight stays and longer shifts.
Higher earning potential due to the increased level of responsibility.
Common job roles: haulage, tanker work, refrigerated transport, bulk deliveries.
HGV Class 2
An HGV Class 2 licence, also known as a Category C licence, allows drivers to operate rigid vehicles over 7.5 tonnes, meaning the cab and trailer are fixed together as a single unit. These vehicles are commonly used for local and regional deliveries, offering more structured shift patterns.
Key Features of an HGV Class 2 Licence:
Drive rigid vehicles over 7.5 tonnes (up to 32 tonnes).
Ideal for shorter-distance deliveries and multi-drop work.
Typically involves day shifts with a better work-life balance.
Higher earning potential due to the increased level of responsibility.
Suitable for urban environments, construction, and waste management.
Common job roles: retail deliveries, construction haulage, refuse collection.
North West HGV Class 2 Recruitment
Our recruitment team is based in Widnes, Cheshire, but we work with companies across the North West, covering large counties like Cheshire, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Cumbria, and Merseyside, including the areas within such as:
- Warrington
- Widnes
- Wigan
- Skelmersdale
- Haydock
- Runcorn
- Wrexham
- St Helens
- Trafford
- Manchester
- Bolton
- Carrington
As a leading recruitment agency for HGV and logistics jobs, we strive for the very best. This is why we make sure our candidates have either a Class 1 or Class 2 HGV licence – you can also request which one you prefer when you submit a vacancy with us. Leave the recruitment process in the best hands and submit a vacancy today!
We’re Specialists
Specialising in recruitment for the logistics, transport & warehouse industry.
We’re Experienced
Recruiting since 2011, we’re an experienced team ready to help you find your next role.
We’re Elite
Delivering an elite recruitment service to companies looking for staff and people looking for work.
Candidates we’ve placed
Exallant service and staff which went above and beyond to help me, fantastic agency it will be a pleasure working with you. Thankyou
Jason Burton
I have been with Elite for nearly 8 years. My circumstances have changed now and I’m moving on to other ventures. However, I must say that I would not hesitate to return to work at Elite in future. The staff have always been great with me and very supportive when I had a period of illness.
I’ve had some fantastic long term work at a couple of places in particular and I would highly recommend any other driver to work at Elite Employ
Stuart Armstrong
Very well organised and professional. Ellie and Morgan have been very helpful. Looking forward to starting working for them. Got Apps for hours and availability as well as an out of hours phone number which for a HGV driver working non office hours is brilliant.
Ian Horby
Candidates we’ve placed
Worked for elite for the last couple of years. Ellie and team have been brilliant with me. The work been provided has been spot on and never had any issues. Staff are friendly and competent . Highly recommend elite employment.
Connor Wood
What a great welcome I received on signing up for this agency. The lady I spoke to was very helpful and very chatty explaining everything I needed to know to sign on for them I’ve been on different agencies before but I must say this one is up at the top. Nothing seems to much and if I’ve had any problems they’ve been right by my side helping me through it.
Stephen Aykroyd
This is a very good company to get work through, they were quick in finding me work and kept me up to date every step of the way. I’d like to give a shout out to Morgan, they have been a massive help! Thank you!
