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HGV Driver (Class 1 / C+E) in the United Kingdom

Class 1 work is built on compliance: Category CE entitlement, Driver CPC, tachograph discipline and safe load handling. Most roles are trunking/RDC-based with rota shifts (days/nights/weekends), and pay is strongly shift-dependent.

Updated: 2026-01-01 Logistics & Warehousing Mid Sponsorship: Low (role-dependent)
Typical gross PAYE range (often advertised) Days ~£17–£19/hr; nights higher; weekends can reach ~£24/hr
Core compliance set Category CE + Driver CPC + tachograph rules + walkaround checks
Common patterns Trunking, RDC work, containers, fridge, curtainsider, tramping
CV required: candidates without a CV are not considered.
Work eligibility: non-UK candidates must have the right to work in the UK. For this occupation, sponsorship is typically limited; always assess eligibility and employer policy before planning relocation.
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Class 1 (CE) driver jobs Gross hourly rates Driver CPC Tachograph Drivers’ hours

Short portrait of the ideal candidate

A strong Class 1 driver is “boringly reliable”: consistent checks, consistent tacho discipline, consistent communication. Employers trust drivers who protect the licence first and the schedule second—because that is how incidents are prevented.

  • Compliance-first: drivers’ hours, breaks, walkaround checks, defect reporting.
  • Load safety: straps, seals, curtains/doors, weight awareness and yard rules.
  • Professional judgement: refuses unsafe loads or unsafe instructions politely and clearly.
  • Paperwork accuracy: POD, manifests, trailer numbers, temperature logs (where applicable).
  • Yard discipline: coupling/uncoupling, bays, shunters, and site induction routines.

Gross pay snapshot (realistic)

Typical pattern Gross PAYE (often seen) What drives the rate
Day trunking / depot-to-depot ~£17–£19 per hour Start time window, mileage, complexity (drops vs trunk)
Night trunking Often higher than day rates Night start, sleep cycle impact, hub schedules
Weekend shifts Can reach ~£24 per hour Demand, rest-day working, limited driver availability

Note: always confirm whether the rate is PAYE, umbrella, or a salaried package, and whether holiday pay is rolled up or accrued.

Requirements (detailed)

  • English CV (mandatory).
  • Category CE entitlement (Class 1 / artic).
  • Driver CPC valid for professional driving and CPC card carried when required.
  • Digital tachograph compliance (driver card and correct use where applicable).
  • Drivers’ hours discipline: breaks, daily rest, weekly rest, and accurate records.
  • Safety competence: coupling/uncoupling, load security, yard rules, reversing practices.
  • Professional conduct: polite site communication, incident reporting, clean cab and paperwork accuracy.
  • Right to work in the UK and ability to pass employer screening (driving assessment and checks).
Requirement How employers verify it
Category CE entitlement Licence check + driving assessment
Driver CPC CPC status/card check + training record review
Tachograph discipline Scenario questions + infringement history review (role-dependent)
Safe coupling & load security Practical yard assessment + discussion of defect reporting
Right to work Identity and eligibility checks

Expect a short practical assessment: bay approach/reverse, coupling routine, and a “what would you do if…” compliance scenario.

Typical responsibilities (Class 1 reality)

  1. Complete pre-use walkaround checks, report defects, and keep vehicle/trailer documentation tidy.
  2. Drive Class 1 artic vehicles on trunking, RDC runs, containers, fridge or curtainsider work (site-dependent).
  3. Operate within drivers’ hours, breaks and rest rules; use tachograph correctly and consistently.
  4. Ensure load security (straps/seals/curtains/locks) and follow site induction and yard safety procedures.
  5. Manage paperwork: PODs, manifests, trailer numbers, seal logs; communicate delays early.
  6. Represent the operator professionally at gates, bays, and customer sites—no shortcuts, no arguments, no surprises.
Operational truth: the best-paid runs are often the least dramatic—clean trunking with flawless compliance.

UK work conditions (what changes the job)

  • Shift ecosystem: hubs and RDCs run around the clock; nights/weekends are normal.
  • Rest planning: route plans must respect break/rest rules—good drivers plan stops before the day starts.
  • Site standards: inductions, PPE rules, time slots, seals and security procedures are routine.
  • Training upkeep: Driver CPC periodic training is required to remain compliant.

This page is guidance: exact rules can differ by operation type (assimilated/EU rules vs domestic rules) and employer policy.

A realistic “route story” (unique)

A night trunk run looks calm from the outside, but it is all timing and discipline. You arrive early, check trailer number and seal, confirm the bay allocation, and keep the coupling routine identical every time. The drive is steady—your focus is the tachograph clock, safe spacing, and planning the break so you do not get forced into a bad stop. On arrival, you keep the paperwork clean, hand over clearly, and leave the next team a trailer that is correct, sealed, and documented—because that is how operators avoid investigations.

Tip: hiring managers trust drivers who can describe their coupling routine, break planning, and defect reporting without hesitation.

What MaViAl provides

  • Project-based UK opportunities depending on demand and client requirements.
  • Role matching based on your CV, shift preferences, and compliance readiness.
  • Clear application steps and contact support.
Fastest path: submit a clean English CV with your licence/CPC status, experience type (trunking/RDC/container), and your preferred shift window.

What to include in your CV (to pass screening)

  • Licence entitlement: CE, plus any extras (ADR, HIAB, etc. if applicable).
  • CPC status and any recent periodic training.
  • Experience type: trunking, RDC, containers, fridge, curtainsider, tramping.
  • Shift availability: days/nights/weekends; preferred start window.
  • Incident-free discipline: how you handle defects, delays, and site rules.

Build / Upload CV (Required)

Next step: Submit your CV via the CV page, then we can screen your profile against current UK demand and client requirements.
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FAQ (HGV Class 1 / C+E, UK)

Do I need Driver CPC for Class 1 work?
In most professional HGV driving roles, Driver CPC is required and must be kept valid through periodic training.
Do I need a digital tachograph driver card?
Many Class 1 operations use tachographs. Employers expect you to understand the operational requirements and maintain accurate records where applicable.
What kind of Class 1 work pays more?
Night trunking, weekend work, and certain specialised patterns (e.g., time-critical or complex sites) can pay higher gross rates. The rate still depends on region, contract type and assessment outcome.
Is sponsorship common for Class 1 drivers?
It is typically limited. Most employers recruit drivers who already have the right to work in the UK. Always treat “sponsorship” claims cautiously and verify employer policy.
What is the difference between trunking and multi-drop?
Trunking is usually depot-to-depot with fewer stops and more predictable timing. Multi-drop includes multiple delivery points and more on-site constraints.
What do employers look for in a driving assessment?
Safe observation, controlled reversing, correct coupling routine, calm yard behaviour, and clear understanding of compliance basics.
Why do some jobs advertise very different hourly rates?
Differences are often driven by shift premium (nights/weekends), PAYE vs umbrella, trunking vs complex work, and local demand.
What is the fastest way to be shortlisted?
Provide a clean English CV with CE entitlement, CPC status, tachograph readiness, and the exact work patterns you have done (RDC, container, fridge, curtainsider, tramping).

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