What Is Direct Access?
In the context of HGV licensing, direct access means applying for a Cat C+E (Class 1) provisional entitlement and training on an articulated lorry from the outset – without obtaining a Cat C (Class 2) licence first.
Before direct access existed, drivers had to progress step by step: car licence, then Class 2, then Class 1. That framework changed, and now the DVSA permits candidates to train directly for the highest licence category they want, as long as they meet the age and medical requirements.
You must still:
- Hold a full UK car driving licence (Category B)
- Be at least 21 years old for a Cat CE licence
- Pass a D4 medical examination
- Obtain a provisional Cat CE entitlement from the DVLA
- Pass both parts of the HGV theory test and CPC Module 2
- Complete practical training and pass CPC Module 4 and the DVSA practical test
The process is identical to getting a Category C/Class 2 licence first – you simply skip the Class 2 stage and begin training on the articulated vehicle.
How the Training Differs
When you train via direct access at Go Big, your course is structured around the articulated lorry from day one. This means:
Coupling and uncoupling – connecting and disconnecting the trailer from the unit. This is a core part of the Class 1 practical test and something Class 2 drivers do not encounter in their training at all. It is learned progressively and, with the right instruction, most candidates get comfortable with it quickly.
Reversing the combination – this is the element that most people worry about before they start. Reversing a 44-tonne articulated lorry is genuinely different from reversing any other vehicle because the trailer pushes in the opposite direction to the steering input. It is a learnable skill, not an innate talent – but it does require more practice time than a Class 2 reverse manoeuvre, which is part of why direct access courses are longer.
Road driving in an articulated lorry – including dual carriageways, roundabouts, junctions, and town driving. The vehicle is physically larger and requires more planning ahead than a rigid lorry, but the road skills carry across from any driving experience.
At Go Big, direct access practical training typically runs over five to seven days, compared to four to five days for a Class 2 course. The extra days account for the trailer work and the longer time needed to reach test-ready standard on the reversing manoeuvre.
CPC Module 4 is assessed on-site at Go Big’s Sheffield S9 training base — including the coupling and uncoupling element specific to Class 1. No separate venue, no additional booking.
The Cost Difference
| Route | Practical training | Typical all-in total |
|---|---|---|
| Class 2 only | 4–5 days | £1,900–£2,400 |
| Class 1 direct access | 5–7 days | £2,500–£3,500 |
| Class 2 then Class 1 upgrade | 4–5 days + 3–4 days | £3,100–£4,400 combined |
On paper, direct access to Class 1 is the most cost-effective route if Class 1 is your end goal – you spend more than Class 2 alone, but less than getting both licences separately.
Finance is available on Go Big’s Class 1 courses, which makes the higher upfront cost more manageable.
Who Direct Access Suits
Candidates with a clear Class 1 goal from the outset. If you know you want articulated lorry work – supermarket trunking, long-haul, iPort Doncaster operations – there is little point spending time and money on Class 2 first.
Confident, motivated learners. Direct access requires getting comfortable with the trailer quickly without the foundation of rigid vehicle experience. This is not insurmountable, but it requires focus.
Those not working to an employer deadline that requires Class 2 specifically. Some employers fund Class 2 first and want those drivers right away, with Class 1 to follow. Follow your employer’s structure if that is your situation.
Candidates who can manage the higher upfront cost, or want to use finance.
When the Two-Step Route Still Makes More Sense
You are not certain you want Class 1 work. Class 1 often involves nights or time away. Getting Class 2 first gives you a working income and time to decide without the larger commitment.
Budget is tight. Class 2 gets you earning. You can save towards Class 1 or wait for an employer to fund it.
You want to build large vehicle confidence progressively. Some candidates find starting on a rigid gives them a foundation that makes the artic step feel more manageable. Legitimate, though not a universal experience.
You are 18-20 years old. Direct access to Cat CE requires you to be at least 21. Class 2 is your only option until you reach that age – at which point upgrading is fast and relatively cheap.
How Go Big Handles Direct Access
We offer both routes. When you call, we ask about your situation – what work you want to do, your budget, any existing experience – and give you an honest recommendation. We do not push people towards the more expensive option if it is not the right fit.
If direct access is right for you, your course will be structured to reach test-ready standard efficiently, with CPC Module 4 on-site and short-notice DVSA test access where possible.
Ready to Have the Conversation?
Call Dan on 0114 3570 000 – a ten-minute call is usually enough to work out which route suits you.
Visit our Class 1 HGV training page for full direct access course details, or read our Class 1 vs Class 2 comparison and how much Class 1 training costs in 2026.