What is a Class 2 Lorry Licence?
You can operate a category C vehicle if you have a Class 2 lorry licence.Rigid-body vehicles, also referred to as category C vehicles, are common. If you hold a Category C licence, you can pull a trailer weighing up to 750 kg and drive stiff cars weighing more than 3500 kg. In order to drive an articulated vehicle, you must have a Class 1 HGV licence.
Requirement of licence to drive Category C vehicle
You must fulfil the following conditions in order to be qualified for a Cat category C/Class 2 licence:
- One should be 18 years old.
- Possess a current driver’s licence.
- Possess a temporary Class 2 licence,
- A medical examination
- Ace the theoretical test
- It is crucial to keep in mind that in order to keep your Class 2 licence active, you must complete 35 hours of Periodic CPC training every five years (once achieved).
Rules and Regulations for Class 2 Licence
The number of hours an HGV driver can drive in a day is strictly regulated for the safety of drivers and other road users.The amount of time that can be spent driving is limited to 4.5 hours at a time, 9 hours per day, and 56 hours per week.You must keep in mind that a two-week period cannot include more than 90 hours of driving. Any drive longer than 4.5 hours must be followed by at least a 45-minute break.
The time permitted for driving may be broken up into shorter segments, but the first break must last at least 15 minutes, and the second break must last at least 30 minutes. Whatever number of breaks you take throughout the day. No matter how many breaks you take during the day, you must also take a continuous 11-hour break from driving during a 24-hour period. For any drivers caught infringing these laws, there are severe financial penalties in effect (a maximum on-the-spot fine of £300).
Qualities required for a Class 2 Driver
More than just moving merchandise from one location to another is what a Class 2 driver performs. If you want to work in this profession, it’s advised that you may show that you:
- Reliable
- Organised
- Calm under pressure
- Possess excellent driving skills
- Vehicle maintenance skills
- Excellent communication skills
What distinguishes Classes 1 and 2 driving licences from one another?
The distinction is fairly straightforward: a Class 1 licence permits you to operate a category C+E vehicle, or artic, which is essentially an articulated lorry. Driving a rigid, often known as a category C vehicle, is permitted with a Class 2 licence.
Salary for HGV drivers
Earnings for a class C or Class 2 driver (above 7.5 but under 32 tonnes) range from £7 to £13.50 per hour. An hourly wage for a cat C+E (class 1, articulated, drawbar type vehicle) can range from £8 to additional fifteen pounds.The average salary for HGV drivers in 2019 is estimated to be roughly £32,000, though it may be more or less based on experience. Though you have to start somewhere, more seasoned drivers can make more money than newly licensed HGV drivers.
Also Read: What is needed to get a C1 licence?