HGV Driver Salary UK 2026
HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) driver salaries in the UK have risen significantly since 2020 due to a persistent shortage of licensed drivers. Class 1 (articulated) drivers typically earn £32,000–£48,000; experienced night drivers and owner-operators can earn considerably more.
HGV Driver Salary Pay Scale 2026
| Category / Role | Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Class 2 — Rigid (Cat C) | £28,000 – £36,000 | Up to 32-tonne rigid vehicles |
| Class 1 — Articulated (Cat C+E) | £32,000 – £48,000 | Artic/HGV pulling trailers |
| Night Shift / Long-haul Class 1 | £38,000 – £55,000 | Unsocial hours premium |
| Agency / Temporary Driver | £18 – £28 per hour | Flexible, no guaranteed hours |
| Tanker Driver | £40,000 – £58,000 | ADR hazardous goods licence required |
| Owner-Driver / Haulier | £45,000 – £80,000+ | After vehicle and running costs |
Source: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE), NHS Agenda for Change 2026, sector salary surveys and advertised vacancy data. Figures are estimates; individual salaries vary.
About HGV Driver Salary Pay
HGV driving licences in the UK are categorised: Category C covers rigid vehicles over 3.5 tonnes (Class 2); Category C+E covers articulated combinations, sometimes called Class 1. Training and testing costs are approximately £1,500–£3,000 for a Class 2 licence and £3,000–£5,000 for Class 1. Many employers now fund training in exchange for a minimum period of service.
The UK has faced a significant shortage of qualified HGV drivers since 2020, exacerbated by the departure of European drivers post-Brexit, an ageing driver workforce, and a testing backlog created by the COVID-19 pandemic. This shortage pushed wages up substantially between 2021 and 2023, with Agency Class 1 rates hitting £22–£30/hour in peak periods.
Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) is mandatory for commercial HGV driving. All drivers must complete 35 hours of CPC training every five years to maintain the qualification. Specialist endorsements — ADR (hazardous goods), HIAB (crane lorry operation), and temperature-controlled logistics — each command additional pay premiums of £2,000–£8,000 per year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do HGV drivers earn in the UK?
Class 2 (Cat C) rigid HGV drivers typically earn £28,000–£36,000. Class 1 (Cat C+E) articulated lorry drivers earn £32,000–£48,000. Night shift and long-haul Class 1 drivers can earn £38,000–£55,000. Agency/temporary drivers earn £18–£28 per hour. Owner-drivers after vehicle costs can earn £45,000–£80,000+.
How much does an HGV licence cost in the UK?
A Category C (Class 2, rigid) HGV licence costs approximately £1,500–£3,000 in training, tests and medical fees. Upgrading to Cat C+E (Class 1, articulated) costs a further £1,000–£2,000. Many haulage companies now offer to fund training in exchange for a 12–18 month minimum service commitment.
Is there still an HGV driver shortage in the UK?
Yes, though the acute crisis of 2021–2022 has eased somewhat. The Road Haulage Association (RHA) estimates a structural shortfall of 50,000–70,000 drivers due to an ageing workforce and insufficient new entrants. This keeps wages above pre-2020 levels and makes experienced Class 1 drivers a consistently sought-after group.