What Jobs Can You Get with an HGV Class 2 Licence?

 

What is an HGV Class 2 licence?

An HGV Class 2 licence, also known as a Category C licence, allows you to drive rigid vehicles such as box vans and rigid lorries. These are large goods vehicles where the cab and trailer are fixed together, rather than articulated.

For many drivers, this is the first step into professional HGV driving after holding a standard car driving licence. Once you have completed your HGV training, theory test, hazard perception and practical driving test, along with your Driver CPC, you are qualified to drive professionally.

From this point, a wide range of HGV driving roles becomes available across the logistics industry, construction and infrastructure sectors.

What jobs can you get with an HGV Class 2 licence?

With a Class 2 licence, most roles involve driving rigid trucks, but the day-to-day work can vary significantly depending on the type of employer and the industry.

In practice, Class 2 HGV jobs tend to fall into a few broad categories, each offering a different way of working.

Local delivery and multi-drop roles

One of the most common entry points for HGV drivers is multi-drop delivery work.

These roles typically involve:

• Driving rigid vehicles on local routes.

• Delivering goods to multiple locations throughout the day.

• Working to tight schedules and interacting with customers.

This type of work is widely available across logistics companies and the wider supply chain. Although career progression is limited, it suits drivers who prefer a structured day and regular routes, with a clear focus on deliveries.

Waste management and council roles

Class 2 drivers are also widely employed in waste management.

These roles can include:

• Refuse and recycling collection.

• Driving vehicles on set routes within a local area.

• Working as part of a team on collection rounds.

These jobs tend to offer routine and consistency, with a focus on teamwork and regular schedules.

Tanker and infrastructure driving roles

Beyond standard transport roles, there are also opportunities in infrastructure and utilities.

In these roles, HGV drivers operate vehicles such as tankers and work across drainage, wastewater and other essential services.

The work involves:

• Transporting liquids or waste materials.

• Working on site at different locations.

• Supporting ongoing infrastructure and maintenance work.

This is where HGV driving roles develop beyond transport alone and become more varied. At Lanes, for instance, our tanker drivers play a vital role in major infrastructure projects, and resolving drainage issues at business and domestic premesis. As part of a team that keeps the UK's wastewater infrastructure flowing freely, they are involved in essential work that supports communities and keeps services running day to day.

Driver operator roles at Lanes Group

At Lanes Group, many of our Class 2 drivers work as driver operators. This means driving is only one part of the role.

Our drivers:

• Operate rigid lorries fitted with specialist jet vac equipment.

• Work on domestic drainage issues and large-scale infrastructure projects.

• Support emergency and planned works across different locations.

• Work alongside engineers and wider teams to solve problems on site.

Rather than spending the day focused only on transport, drivers are involved in the work once they arrive, which makes this a different type of HGV driving job.

For many drivers, this offers a more engaging and varied career than standard logistics roles. It also provides the chance to develop practical skills and gain experience in a resilient sector that continues to see strong demand across the UK.

What affects the type of job you can get?

While a Class 2 licence opens the door to many opportunities, the type of role you move into often depends on a few key factors:

• Your level of driving experience.

• Your confidence handling large vehicles.

• Your willingness to take on practical, hands-on work.

• Your preferred shift patterns, including night shifts or long hours.

• The type of industry you want to work in.

Some drivers look for routine and local work. Others want variety, problem-solving and the chance to build new skills.

Progression from a Class 2 licence

A Class 2 licence is often the starting point for a long-term driving career.

From here, drivers can:

• Progress to a Class 1 (Category C+E) licence and drive articulated vehicles.

• Move into specialist roles within infrastructure and utilities.

• Take on more responsibility within their team.

Many drivers choose to stay in Class 2 roles and build experience in more specialised work, where responsibilities increase over time and new skills are developed. At Lanes, we offer extensive training opportunities to all our team members. If you have ambitions to progress your career, we will support you all the way.

Working as a Class 2 driver at Lanes

At Lanes Group, we recruit Class 2 HGV drivers across the UK for a range of roles within our drainage and infrastructure operations.

Our roles are open to both newly qualified drivers and experienced HGV drivers. As long as you hold a valid HGV licence, Driver CPC and digital tachograph card, we provide the training you need to build the skills required in the role.

We offer:

• Full-time employment with flexible, family-friendly shift patterns where possible.

• Opportunities for overtime and additional earnings.

• Ongoing training and development.

Because our work supports infrastructure and utilities, our drivers operate in a sector that remains stable regardless of wider changes in the economy. These services are always needed, which creates long-term secure employment. If you’re ready to put your HGV Class 2 licence to use in a role that offers more than standard driving work, explore current vacancies at Lanes Group and apply.