Two Routes to Category C+E/Class 1 – and Why the Cost Differs
Route 1: Direct Access (Car Licence to Class 1)
Direct access means you train for Category C+E/Class 1 from scratch – no Class 2 first. You start immediately on an articulated lorry (a unit and trailer combination) and work towards a Cat C+E licence without any intermediate steps.
This route suits people who know they want Class 1, want to save time, and are comfortable committing to a higher training cost upfront.
Typical total cost: £2,500-£3,500
Route 2: Upgrade from Class 2 (Cat C to Cat C+E)
If you already hold a Class 2 licence, you only need to add the trailer element to your entitlement. You do not repeat the medical, the theory, or the CPC modules – most of that is already done. The practical training is shorter, and the test focuses specifically on coupling, uncoupling, and driving an articulated combination.
Typical total cost: £1,200-£2,000
This is why many people choose to get their Class 2 first – not just because it builds driving confidence on a rigid vehicle, but because the upgrade path to Class 1 is significantly cheaper once you have it.
Full Cost Breakdown – Direct Access RouteD4 Medical – £50 to £120
As with Class 2, you need a D4 medical examination before applying for your provisional HGV entitlement. If you already did this recently for a Class 2 licence, it remains valid and you will not need to repeat it.
Provisional Licence Application – £43
The same DVLA process as Class 2. If you are upgrading from Cat C, this step is already done.
HGV Theory Test – £26
You must pass the LGV theory test before starting practical training. This covers multiple choice (85/100 pass mark) and hazard perception (67/100). The test is the same whether you’re going for Class 1 or Class 2.
If you already passed this for a Class 2 licence, it does not need to be repeated for the Class 1 upgrade.
CPC Module 2 (Case Studies) – £23
As with Class 2, this theory module is required as part of the Driver CPC qualification. Again, if you are upgrading from Class 2 and already hold this pass, it is not repeated.
Practical HGV Driver Training – £1,800 to £2,500 (direct access) or £900 to £1,500 (upgrade)
This is the main cost. Class 1 practical training involves learning to drive an articulated lorry – a unit and trailer that can weigh up to 44 tonnes – plus coupling and uncoupling exercises, reversing, and full road work.
Direct access courses typically run five to seven days for candidates with no prior HGV experience. This is longer than the Class 2 equivalent because articulated vehicles are more complex to handle and the test involves additional exercises.
Upgrade courses (for existing Class 2 holders) typically run three to four days, focusing specifically on the trailer element.
At Go Big Driving School in Sheffield, Class 1 training is delivered one-to-one by DVSA-approved instructors using modern automatic articulated vehicles. Training routes cover the roads around Sheffield S9 and South Yorkshire, including the dual carriageways and roundabouts that form part of the DVSA test.
CPC Module 4 (Practical Safety Demonstration) – included at Go Big
Module 4 is a 30-minute vehicle safety walkaround with a DVSA examiner. For Class 1, this includes coupling and uncoupling checks as well as the standard lights, tyres, brakes, and emergency equipment checks.
Go Big is a DVSA-approved CPC Module 4 test centre, so this assessment takes place on-site at our Sheffield base. No separate venue, no additional travel, no waiting for an external booking. It is part of your training package.
DVSA Practical Test – £155
The Class 1 practical test at Sheffield Handsworth HGV Driving Test Centre consists of:
- Reversing exercise – typically reversing the trailer into a defined space
- Uncoupling and recoupling – demonstrating you can safely separate and reconnect the unit and trailer
- On-road drive – approximately 60 minutes of mixed road driving assessed by a DVSA examiner
Go Big has access to short-notice DVSA test slots, which can cut weeks off a standard waiting time.
Total Cost Summary
| Element | Direct access | Upgrade from Cat C |
|---|---|---|
| D4 medical | £50–£120 | Not required if recent |
| Provisional licence | £43 | Not required |
| Theory test | £26 | Not required |
| CPC Module 2 | £23 | Not required |
| Practical training | £1,800–£2,500 | £900–£1,500 |
| CPC Module 4 | Included at Go Big | Included at Go Big |
| DVSA practical test | £155 | £155 |
| Total | £2,500–£3,500 | £1,200–£2,000 |
What Do Class 1 Drivers Earn in South Yorkshire?
The salary uplift from Class 2 to Class 1 is significant and consistent. In South Yorkshire right now:
- Permanent day roles: £40,000–£45,000
- Nights and weekend premiums: £45,000–£50,000
- Tramping (multi-day runs): £45,000–£55,000
- Specialist roles (ADR, tanker, car transporter): £50,000+
There are currently over 170 Class 1 vacancies within 20 miles of Sheffield. Major employers in the area include Amazon (Rotherham), DHL, Evri, Tesco, ASDA, Wincanton, and dozens of regional haulage companies operating along the M1 and M18.
At a salary of £42,000, the cost of a Class 1 direct access course is recovered in roughly three to four weeks of work.
Should You Go Direct Access or Get Class 2 First?
There is no single right answer. If you want to start earning quickly and are confident behind the wheel, direct access is faster. If budget is a concern, or if your employer needs Class 2 now with Class 1 to follow, the two-step route often makes more sense financially.
Go Big can talk you through which option suits your situation when you call. There is no script, no sales pressure – just a straightforward conversation about what works for you.
Visit our Category C+E/Class 1 HGV training page for full course details, or read our guide to Category C+E/Class 1 vs Category C/Class 2 – which should you go for?
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Go Big Driving School is based at Europa Drive, Sheffield S9. We train students from across South Yorkshire – Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster, Barnsley, and the surrounding areas.
Call Dan on 0114 3570 000 for a no-pressure conversation about cost, timelines, and the right course for you.