Class 1 (C+E) drivers earn more than Class 2 — especially on nights, trunking and agency work. Enter your salary or annualised earnings to see your take-home pay after Income Tax, National Insurance, pension and student loan for 2026/27.
Salary · pension · 2026/27
A Class 1 (C+E) artic licence pays a premium over Class 2 (rigid) work. Day rates are the baseline, while nights, trunking, tramping and ADR (hazardous goods) work pay more. Agency drivers can earn a high hourly premium but with less job security and benefits. Overtime and weekend work are common and are taxed at your marginal rate, stacking on top of basic pay.
| Role / level | Typical salary 2026 |
|---|---|
| New Class 1 driver | £30,000 – £36,000 |
| Experienced Class 1 (days) | £36,000 – £44,000 |
| Nights / trunking / tramping | £42,000 – £52,000 |
| ADR / agency premium | £48,000 – £60,000+ |
Most employed HGV drivers are paid through PAYE, which this calculator models. Overtime and weekend driving are taxed at the marginal rate — model extra hours with the overtime calculator. Drivers who spend the night away from home in the cab can often receive an approved overnight subsistence allowance (commonly around £26.20, or about £34.90 with a sleeper cab) tax-free under HMRC rules, on top of taxable pay. Agency drivers paid via an umbrella should check their take-home after umbrella deductions.
A new Class 1 (C+E) driver earns £30,000–£36,000, rising to £36,000–£44,000 on days. Nights/trunking/tramping pay £42,000–£52,000, and ADR or premium agency work can reach £48,000–£60,000+.
Generally yes — a Class 1 (C+E) artic licence commands a premium over Class 2 (rigid) work. The gap depends on the employer, shift pattern and whether you do nights, trunking or ADR.
Drivers sleeping away in the cab can usually receive an approved overnight allowance tax-free (around £26.20, or ~£34.90 with a sleeper cab). It is paid on top of taxable wages and is not included in this salary-only figure.
On £40,000 with a 5% pension and no student loan, a Class 1 driver takes home roughly £30,500 a year, about £2,540 a month. Overtime and night pay are extra — enter your own figures above.
