If you’re thinking about HGV training, it’s smart to check what you could earn as a driver in 2026 so you can decide if it’s right for you. HGV training courses typically cost between £1,500 and £3,000, depending on the type of licence you pursue. Consider this investment alongside potential earnings when weighing up the decision.
In the UK, drivers with a Cat C (Class 2) licence usually earn:
If you have a Cat C+E (Class 1) licence, your earnings usually increase to:
How your job is set up can also have a big effect on your pay:
Compared to 2024 and 2025, HGV driver salaries have generally gone up. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows steady yearly increases. This is mostly because there aren’t enough drivers, costs are rising, and there’s strong demand from supermarkets, construction, and online shopping. (United Kingdom Food Security Report 2024: Theme 3: Food Supply Chain Resilience, n.d.)
Once people learn that HGV work pays well, they often want to know what drivers earn per hour.
As a rough guide across the UK:
How much you earn also depends on when and where you drive:
Big supermarkets and logistics companies often pay:
Here’s a simple example:
To earn these pay rates, you’ll need your Driver CPC, which stands for Driver Certificate of Professional Competence. It is a qualification required by law for all professional bus, coach, and lorry drivers to enhance road safety and ensure high standards of driving. Our CPC Training guide explains the steps you need to take.
Not all HGV jobs pay the same. The employer you choose can make a big difference in whether HGV training is worth it for you.
Big supermarket companies like Tesco usually offer:
Example: Sarah is a Cat C+E driver at a Tesco depot in the Midlands with two years of experience. She might earn £18 per hour as a base rate. With extra pay for weekend shifts, her yearly income could be about £42,000 to £45,000.
Example: Mo is a Class 1 trunk driver working for Amazon through an agency. He does regular night runs at about £18 to £20 per hour and can earn over £900 a week during busy times.
If you’re aiming for these higher-earning Class 1 and 2 roles, have a look at:
If you’re wondering whether HGV training is worth the cost, it helps to see how your licence, experience, and location affect your pay.
In simple terms:
Typical 2026 salary ranges (illustrative):
| Licence Type | Experience | Region | Typical Salary Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 | New (0–1 year) | UK average | £26,000–£30,000 |
| Cat C (Class 2) | 1–3 years | UK average | £30,000–£36,000 |
| Cat C+E (Class 1) | 2–5 years | UK average | £38,000–£46,000 |
| Cat C+E (Long haul/tramping) | 3+ years | UK average | £45,000–£55,000+ |
Region also plays a part:
Before you start, you’ll need to pass a medical exam. Our HGV medical and assessment guide explains what’s involved.
After seeing the earning potential, most people ask, “Are there jobs available?” and “How do I get started?”
The job outlook for HGV drivers in 2026 is still strong. The main sectors driving demand are:
As long as e-commerce and construction keep growing, trained drivers will be needed. The job market for HGV drivers is expected to remain stable over the coming years, supported by steady demand. However, like any profession, it is not without risks. Economic downturns or shifts in industry regulations could impact job security, but for now, the outlook is positive. This reassurance about long-term prospects makes HGV driving a viable career option for many.
Most employers follow a similar process:
You’ll normally need:
Here’s a typical path from starting out to being ready for work:
Once you have your cards and certificates, you can start applying for jobs.
You can learn more in:
These pages can help you compare the cost of training with your potential long-term earnings.
Example: Consider John, who decided to invest £2,500 in his Cat C+E training course. In his first year as a self-employed HGV driver, after gaining the necessary experience, he managed to earn around £45,000. By taking on night shifts and weekend jobs with premium rates, John’s investment in training quickly paid off, demonstrating the potential financial rewards of embarking on this career path.
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