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If you’re in the transportation industry or you frequently move cargo in large vehicles, odds are you’ve heard the terms LGV and HGV at some point. In fact, you may find that people use these terms interchangeably when referring to categories of vehicles. So, what’s the deal: LGV vs HGV? What do these acronyms mean, and is there any difference between them?
Beginner drivers looking to hire and drive large good vehicles must understand these confusing terminologies. Thankfully, that’s what we’re here for. Join us as we dispel the confusion surrounding HGV and LGV as well as discuss the differences between them.
Table Of Contents
LGV Vs HGV: Meanings
LGV stands for Large Goods Vehicle, while HGV stands for Heavy Goods Vehicle. You’re probably thinking these two terms mean the same thing, and they do. Under UK and European vehicle laws, both LGV and HGV refer to commercial vehicles with a gross weight above 3,500 kg (3.5 tonnes).
These terms cover everything from fridge trucks and flatbeds to tipper trucks, dropside lorries and many other vehicles. While these terminologies may be used in the same way, there is a slight difference between HGV and LGV licences.
Drivers need to register for HGV training before sitting for the licence test.
LGV And HGV History
In the United Kingdom, vehicle taxes are based on factors such as their use, weight, engines, construction and fuel type. The term HGV was coined as a way to categorise vehicles for tax purposes. Many years ago, vehicles with a gross weight below 3,500 kg were referred to as ‘Light Goods Vehicles’, while those weighing above 3,500 kg were ‘Heavy Goods Vehicles’.
However, everything changed when the UK’s laws became aligned with European licence categories in 1992. Vehicles over 3,500 kg gross vehicle weight were designated as lorries or trucks, and therefore, the acronym ‘LGV’ changed from being light goods vehicles to large goods vehicles.
So, while the UK used the term HGV to refer to vehicles that weighed over 3,500 kg earlier, it has since adopted the general EU term, LGV (Large Goods Vehicle).
LGV drivers are limited to 56 hours of driving per week.
What Is An LGV Licence?
An LGV licence is a licence that qualifies you to drive a commercial goods vehicle that weighs over 3,500 kg. The licence comes in four categories, each corresponding to a specific type. Below are the four licence categories:
- C1 Licence: This is the lowest of the LGV licence classes. You can drive vehicles with a gross weight between 3,500 kg and 7,500 kg if you hold this licence.
- C1+E Licence: This licence covers vehicles between 3,500 and 7,500 kg with trailers of 750 kg or above.
- C Licence: The Category C licence is held by most LGV drivers in the UK. It permits you to drive vehicles weighing over 3,500 kg, with trailers up to 750 kg.
- C+E Licence: This is the highest of the LGV licence classes. Once obtained, you’re free to drive any articulated and rigid vehicle up to 44,000 kg.
What Is An HGV Licence?
An HGV licence is a licence that allows you to drive a commercial vehicle weighing more than 3,500 kg. However, the UK adopted the European licence categories, and the HGV licence has been rebranded as an LGV licence. What was formerly known as HGV Class 1 is now officially known as LGV C+E, HGV Class 2 is now known as LGV C and HGV Class 3 is now LGV C1.
The Changes: Why And When?
The change from HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) to LGV (Large Goods Vehicle) terminology happened in 1992. The UK government made this change to align with European law and terminology. Despite the change, you’ll find that, until today, many people in the UK still use HGV and LGV interchangeably when referring to vehicles with a gross vehicle weight over 3,500 kg.
SDVH offers 7.5-tonne trucks for hire for anyone seeking large cargo transport vehicles. You can also check out our 18-tonne fleet to move even more bulky loads.
Confusion: Light Goods Vehicle
Large Goods Vehicle shares the same acronym (LGV) with Light Goods Vehicle, another category of vehicles. However, unlike Large Goods Vehicles, Light Goods Vehicles have a total weight of 3,500 kg or less. This category covers vehicles such as small box vans, pick-up trucks, and three-wheelers used to transport cargo.
Following the change from HGV to LGV, the Light Goods Vehicle terminology also changed to Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV). Therefore, commercial cargo vehicles that weigh 3,500 kg or less are referred to as LCVs rather than LGVs.
You can drive LCVs on a standard car driving licence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Highest HGV Licence?
The highest HGV licence is the HGV C+E licence. Once acquired, this licence allows you to drive articulated and rigid vehicles weighing over 3,500 kg (3.5 tonnes), along with trailers weighing over 750 kg (0.75 tonnes). This lorry licence is perfect for aspiring truck drivers, as it allows them to drive tractors and other mammoth commercial trucks.
What Defines An LGV?
An LGV is defined by a gross weight rating that exceeds 3,500 kg (3.5 tonnes). LGVs (Large Goods Vehicles) are popular in the transport and logistics industry for transporting large loads. LGVs include various types of trucks, lorries and articulated vehicles used to transport goods over long distances.
Is LGV The Same As C1?
No, LGV is not the same as C1. C1 is a licence class under LGV. It is the lowest licence class, reserved for drivers who operate vehicles like transit vans and small box vans. Anyone with a C1 licence can drive vehicles that weigh between 3,500 and 7,500 kg, with trailers weighing up to 750 kg.
Is Class 1 HGV Or LGV?
Class 1 is HVG. Class one is an HGV licence category that covers large vehicles and trucks up to 44,000 kg (44 tonnes). Following the switch from the HGV to the LGV system, this licence is now known as the C+E licence. A class 1 or C+E licence is the highest a lorry driver can hold.
Can An LGV Driver Drive A Bus?
No, an LGV driver cannot drive a bus. LGV licences are specific to operating large goods vehicles like trucks and lorries used for goods transportation. To drive a bus, you need a separate category of licence known as a PCV (Passenger Carrying Vehicle) licence. A PCV licence allows you to drive passenger vehicles commercially.
Conclusion
We have come to the end of this LGV vs HGV comparison, and by now you should know everything about both vehicle categories. The reason you find so many HGV drivers using the two terms interchangeably is that they mean the same thing. While HGV was the older term used solely in the United Kingdom, LGV has since been adopted and is now used throughout Europe when referring to commercial goods vehicles weighing more than 3,500 kg.
