Published by Go Big Driving School | Sheffield & Rotherham | Updated June 2026
Class 1 HGV training — the articulated lorry (Cat CE) licence — is the highest HGV qualification available. It opens up the full range of lorry driving work, including long-haul, trunking, tramping, and specialist haulage. The training costs more than Class 2, and there are two routes to it: direct access from a car licence, or an upgrade from an existing Class 2 licence. This article gives you a complete breakdown of both.
Route 1: Direct Access (Car Licence to Class 1)
Direct access means going straight from a standard car licence to a Class 1 (Cat CE) licence without getting Class 2 first. You complete all the pre-training steps — D4 medical, provisional licence, theory test, CPC Module 2 — and go into training on an articulated lorry from day one.
Direct Access Cost Breakdown
| Element | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| D4 medical | £50 to £120 |
| Provisional licence | £43 |
| Theory test + CPC Module 2 | £49 |
| Practical training (5 to 7 days) | £1,800 to £2,500 |
| CPC Module 4 | Included at Go Big |
| DVSA practical test | £155 |
| Typical total | £2,500 to £3,500 |
Route 2: Upgrade from Class 2
If you already hold a Class 2 (Cat C) licence, you have already completed the D4 medical, provisional licence application, and theory test. The upgrade to Class 1 adds the articulated trailer element only — typically three to four days of training, a short test, and you are done.
Upgrade Cost Breakdown
| Element | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| D4 medical | Not required (already held) |
| Provisional licence upgrade | Not required |
| Theory test | Not required (already passed) |
| Practical training (3 to 4 days) | £900 to £1,500 |
| CPC Module 4 | Included at Go Big |
| DVSA practical test | £155 |
| Typical total | £1,200 to £2,000 |
The upgrade route is the most cost-efficient path to Class 1 — you save £500 to £1,500 compared to direct access because you are only paying for the additional training you need.
Why Is Class 1 Training More Expensive Than Class 2?
- The vehicle is more complex: articulated lorries require additional skills — coupling and uncoupling, reversing a trailer, managing the overhang on corners
- More training days are needed: particularly for direct access candidates who have never driven a large vehicle before
- DVSA test complexity: the Class 1 test includes a coupling/uncoupling demonstration alongside the standard manoeuvre and road drive
Is Class 1 Worth the Extra Cost?
In most cases, yes. Class 1 drivers typically earn £5,000 to £15,000 more per year than Class 2 drivers in comparable roles. For a direct access candidate spending an extra £500 to £1,000 on training versus going Class 2 first, the salary difference is recovered within weeks of starting work.
Finance Options
Go Big offers finance on both direct access and upgrade Class 1 courses. Ask us about spreading the cost when you call.
Ready to Find Out More?
Call Dan on 0114 357 0000 for a clear conversation about which route suits your situation, what the training involves, and when you can start.
Visit our Class 1 HGV training page for full details. Also worth reading: how much Class 2 training costs, can you go straight to Class 1 without Class 2, and our step-by-step guide to getting your HGV licence.