HGV or LGV training: unraveling the terminology

At Voyager Transport Training, we often encounter the question of whether to pursue HGV or LGV training. The answer is simple: it doesn’t matter, because they are essentially the same thing. Keep reading to discover what the different HGV licence categories are.

Understanding HGV licences

Before 1992, heavy trucks in the UK were referred to as Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs). However, the terminology underwent a transformation in 1992 when the UK adopted the European Union’s terminology, labeling them Large Goods Vehicles (LGVs). Since then, the terms HGV and LGV have been used interchangeably to denote the same category of vehicles. The UK also introduced a letter-based classification system for licenses. For instance, while the term “Class One HGV Driver” remains in common use, technically, the driver holds a Large Goods Vehicle Lorry (C) with Trailer (E).

Deciphering LGV licences

The Large Goods Vehicle licence categories are straightforward and easy to grasp. They follow a logical pattern: Car (B), Lorry (C), Bus (D), and if you see an (E) following the letter, it signifies a trailer. A ‘1’ appended to the letter indicates a restriction, typically based on weight or the number of passengers. For example, D1 designates a minibus.

The Large Goods Vehicle license categories are as follows:

• C1: A rigid goods vehicle weighing between 3500 kg and 7500 kg, towing a trailer up to 750 kg. Commonly referred to as a ‘7.5 tonner.’
• C1+E: Category C1, inclusive of towing a trailer over 750 kg, with a total weight not exceeding 12000 kg. This is typically known as a ‘7.5 tonner + trailer.’
• C: A rigid goods vehicle weighing over 7500 kg, towing a trailer up to 750 kg. Commonly referred to as ‘Class 2,’ ‘LGV2,’ ‘HGV2,’ or ‘rigid.’
• C+E: A rigid vehicle capable of towing a trailer of any size. Commonly known as ‘Class 1,’ ‘LGV1,’ ‘HGV1,’ or ‘articulated.’

A category C+E driver possesses the authority to drive vehicles from categories C, C1, or C1+E, encompassing any vehicle towing a trailer.

A category C driver is authorized to drive a C1, covering rigid vehicles.