HGV Class 2 Driver Job Description
Use this template to create a clear, compliant job advert for an HGV Class 2 driver. It highlights required licences, core duties and common shift patterns so you attract suitably qualified professional drivers.
What does a HGV Class 2 Driver professional do?
Hires a qualified HGV Class 2 driver to operate rigid lorries for local and regional deliveries, performing vehicle checks, securing loads, completing documentation and complying with tachograph and Driver CPC rules.
HGV Class 2 Driver job description template
Use this employer-ready example as a starting point, then replace the placeholders and adjust the content so it accurately reflects your vacancy.
HGV Class 2 (Category C) Driver
About the role
[Company name] is recruiting an HGV Class 2 Driver to operate rigid vehicles for local and regional deliveries from our [Insert location] depot. You will carry out pre- and post-trip inspections, safely load and secure freight, complete delivery paperwork and electronic proof of delivery, and follow tachograph and company safety procedures. Shift patterns include [Insert shifts]. Candidates must hold a valid HGV Class 2 licence and Driver CPC.
Key responsibilities
- Operate HGV Class 2 (rigid) vehicles safely on assigned local and regional routes
- Perform daily pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections and report defects promptly
- Load, secure and unload goods using appropriate equipment (tail lift, pallet truck) and follow safe manual handling practices
- Complete and submit delivery paperwork and electronic proof of delivery accurately
- Comply with driving hours, tachograph and Driver CPC regulations at all times
- Communicate with the transport office and customers to confirm delivery times and resolve issues
- Maintain vehicle cleanliness and report maintenance needs
- Adhere to company health & safety policies and site rules when collecting or delivering goods
Essential skills and experience
- Valid HGV Class 2 licence (Category C)
- Current Driver Qualification Card (Driver CPC) for professional driving
- Digital tachograph driver card
- Right to work in the UK
- Good driving record and ability to pass employer licence checks
- Basic ability to use GPS/navigation and common mobile apps used for delivery proof
- Physically able to load/unload and handle freight safely
Desirable
- Experience operating tail lifts and pallet trucks
- Experience with multi-drop routes and time-sensitive deliveries
- Familiarity with delivery management apps or handheld devices
- Previous work with refrigerated (reefer) or curtain-sided vehicles
- Basic vehicle maintenance knowledge (daily checks)
- ADR or other specialist certificates where relevant to the load type
What we offer
- [Insert holiday entitlement]
- [Insert pension scheme details]
- [Overtime and weekend rates if applicable]
- [Provision of uniform and PPE]
- [Training and licence-cost support where offered]
- [Access to company employee assistance or wellbeing schemes]
How to apply
Apply with your CV and any additional information requested. Make the interview process, closing date and any assessment stages clear where known.
Use this as a starting point rather than a final advert. The strongest version will reflect the real role, salary, location, systems, responsibilities, benefits and working arrangements.
What is an HGV Class 2 Driver role?
HGV Class 2 drivers operate rigid heavy goods vehicles to transport materials and products on local and regional routes. Their job combines safe vehicle operation, load security, regulatory compliance (tachograph and Driver CPC), customer-facing delivery tasks and basic vehicle checks. Drivers typically work set shift patterns with varying start times and must manage documentation and communications with the transport office.
Vehicle type
Rigid HGVs (Class 2 / Category C) typically used for local and regional deliveries and multi-drop routes.
Typical shifts
Early starts, day shifts and occasional evenings or weekend work depending on route and customer requirements.
Key tasks
Pre/post-trip checks, load securing, delivery paperwork/ePOD, route navigation and customer handovers.
Regulation
Role requires Driver CPC and use of a digital tachograph; drivers must comply with driving hours and transport safety rules.
Typical HGV Class 2 Driver responsibilities
Responsibilities should reflect the real scope of the vacancy rather than every task someone in this profession might ever complete.
Operate HGV Class 2 (rigid)
Operate HGV Class 2 (rigid) vehicles safely on assigned local and regional routes
Perform daily pre-trip
Perform daily pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections and report defects promptly
Load, secure
Load, secure and unload goods using appropriate equipment (tail lift, pallet truck) and follow safe manual handling practices
Complete
Complete and submit delivery paperwork and electronic proof of delivery accurately
Comply with driving hours
Comply with driving hours, tachograph and Driver CPC regulations at all times
Communicate with the transport office
Communicate with the transport office and customers to confirm delivery times and resolve issues
Maintain vehicle cleanliness
Maintain vehicle cleanliness and report maintenance needs
Adhere
Adhere to company health & safety policies and site rules when collecting or delivering goods
HGV Class 2 Driver skills and experience to look for
Keep the essential list focused on what the person really needs to perform the role. Move useful-but-trainable experience into desirable criteria.
Usually worth prioritising
- Valid HGV Class 2 licence (Category C)
- Current Driver Qualification Card (Driver CPC) for professional driving
- Digital tachograph driver card
- Right to work in the UK
- Good driving record and ability to pass employer licence checks
- Basic ability to use GPS/navigation and common mobile apps used for delivery proof
- Physically able to load/unload and handle freight safely
Useful where relevant
- Experience operating tail lifts and pallet trucks
- Experience with multi-drop routes and time-sensitive deliveries
- Familiarity with delivery management apps or handheld devices
- Previous work with refrigerated (reefer) or curtain-sided vehicles
- Basic vehicle maintenance knowledge (daily checks)
- ADR or other specialist certificates where relevant to the load type
See our guide to what to include in a job advert before publishing.
How to write a HGV Class 2 Driver job advert
Small role-specific details can make the advert much easier for suitable candidates to assess.
Lead with licence and CPC requirements
State clearly that a valid HGV Class 2 licence and Driver CPC are essential to avoid unsuitable applicants.
Be transparent about shift patterns
Specify typical start times, weekend work and expected weekly hours so drivers can assess suitability quickly.
Describe vehicle and load types
Note whether drivers will use tail lifts, handle pallets, or deliver to supermarkets, construction sites or trade customers.
Highlight pay structure and extras
Explain how pay is calculated (basic hourly/daily rate, overtime, bonuses) and any allowances for mileage or nights.
HGV Class 2 Driver salary considerations
Do not quote a single market figure here. Pay for HGV Class 2 drivers varies widely depending on region, shift pattern, the employer’s pay model, and any specialist skills required. Employers should consider base hourly or weekly rates, overtime premiums, shift differentials, and additional allowances when setting a package.
depending on experience
- Use a genuine range
- Separate variable pay
- Avoid “competitive” alone
- Match salary to seniority
What HGV Class 2 Driver candidates will want to know
Practical details can influence whether a suitable candidate applies, even when the title and salary are attractive.
What are the typical start and finish times?
Experienced drivers want to know shift windows, frequency of early starts and whether late finishes are common.
What vehicle types and equipment will I use?
Candidates will ask about tail lifts, pallet trucks, refrigeration units or curtain-siders to assess suitability.
Are routes local, regional or overnight?
Drivers need clarity on distance, duration and whether they will be away from home overnight.
How is pay calculated and are overtime rates available?
Drivers want to understand basic rates, overtime premiums, bonuses and any allowances for meals or parking.
What support is available at the depot?
Information about transport office contact, maintenance support and loading facilities influences candidates’ decisions.
Where to post a HGV Class 2 Driver job
Recruit this role on a mix of broad UK job sites and transport-specific channels. Use haulage and logistics job boards, specialist Facebook and LinkedIn groups for drivers, and local recruitment agencies that supply HGV staff. Tailor distribution to the shift pattern and location — local channels work well for early-start, home-based routes while national boards help fill specialist or higher-paid roles.
HGV Class 2 Driver job description FAQs
Is a Driver CPC mandatory for this role?
Yes, professional HGV drivers must hold a valid Driver Qualification Card (Driver CPC) in addition to the appropriate HGV licence.
How should employers check a driver’s licence?
Ask candidates to share their driving licence number and date of birth so you can check entitlement and endorsements using the DVLA online check service or request a licence check code.
Do I need additional insurance or checks for drivers?
Employers should confirm their motor insurance covers the vehicle and driver for the intended use. Standard pre-employment checks include right to work and licence checks; additional vetting (e.g. DBS) may be needed for certain customer sites.
Can employers require drivers to use a tachograph?
Yes — for vehicles fitted with a digital tachograph drivers must use a driver card to record driving hours and comply with working-time rules and tachograph regulations.
Ready to advertise this role?
Use the advert copy and checklist provided to post this vacancy or export the template to your applicant tracking system. For wider reach, consider combining sector job boards and local recruitment partners to fill shifts quickly.
