Published by Go Big Driving School | Sheffield & Rotherham | Updated June 2026

Yes, you can. Direct access to a Class 1 (Cat CE) licence — going straight from a car licence to an artic without getting Class 2 first — is entirely legal and more common than many people realise. Whether it is the right choice for you depends on your circumstances, your budget, and how quickly you want to start earning.

What Is Direct Access?

Direct access means completing the full HGV licence process — D4 medical, provisional licence, theory test, CPC Module 2, practical training, and CPC Module 4 — on a Class 1 (Cat CE) articulated lorry, without first qualifying on a Class 2 rigid. You hold a car licence at the start and a Class 1 licence at the end.

When you pass your Class 1 test via direct access, Cat C (Class 2) is automatically added to your licence as well. You end up with both licences for the price and time of one process.

What Does the Process Look Like?

Pre-Training Steps (Same as Class 2)

  • D4 medical: Group 2 examination with a registered doctor. Cost: £50 to £120. Same requirement as Class 2.
  • Provisional licence: Form D2 submitted to DVLA with completed D4. Cost: £43. Allow three to four weeks for processing.
  • Theory test + CPC Module 2: Sat at a DVSA test centre. Cost: £49. Same tests as Class 2 — there is no separate “Class 1 theory test”.

Practical Training (Longer Than Class 2)

Direct access Class 1 training typically takes five to seven days, compared to four to five for Class 2. The additional time is needed to build confidence on an articulated lorry — specifically the coupling and uncoupling procedure and the reverse manoeuvre with a trailer.

At Go Big, direct access training is one-to-one. You are on the truck the whole time, not watching a group. The instructor adjusts the pace to you.

CPC Module 4 and DVSA Test

Module 4 is completed on-site at our Sheffield S9 base. The DVSA practical test at Sheffield Handsworth includes a coupling demonstration alongside the standard manoeuvre and road drive.

Is Direct Access Harder Than Going Class 2 First?

It depends on the person. Articulated lorries handle differently to rigid vehicles — the trailer moves independently of the cab and needs to be managed rather than just steered. But the element that most candidates find challenging — reversing — is equally demanding for both new and Class 2-experienced drivers. The reverse requires practice regardless of your prior experience. A good instructor makes a significant difference here.

Many direct access candidates pass on their first attempt. The key factor is quality of training, not whether you did Class 2 first.

When Does Direct Access Make Sense?

  • You want Class 1 specifically — for tramping, trunking, or long-haul — and do not want to pay for Class 2 as a stepping stone
  • You have some experience with large vehicles (even if not HGV-licensed)
  • You are comfortable with the higher upfront training cost or have access to finance
  • Time matters: you want the highest licence as quickly as possible

When Does the Two-Step Route Make More Sense?

  • Budget is a significant constraint — Class 2 first, then upgrade, is cheaper overall for the Class 1 element
  • Your immediate job offer or employer training scheme covers Class 2 but not Class 1
  • You want to build confidence on rigid vehicles before moving to an artic
  • You are not yet sure whether you want Class 1 work

What Does Go Big Recommend?

We do not have a default recommendation. When you call, Dan will ask about your background, your goals, and your budget — and he will tell you honestly which route makes most sense. Some people walk away booked for direct access Class 1; others book Class 2 with a clear plan to upgrade. We want you to make the right call for your situation.

Ready to Find Out More?

Call Dan on 0114 357 0000 for an honest conversation about which route suits you.

Visit our Class 1 HGV training page or our Class 2 HGV training page. Also worth reading: how much Class 1 costs, how much Class 2 costs, and Class 1 vs Class 2 — which should you get.