Realistic HGV driver pay based on published DVSA/DfT and job-market data - plus how HGV Academy gets you into a driving seat, hassle-free.
Watch: what a London supermarket HGV driver earns
A real-world look at London supermarket HGV work - shift patterns, overtime and what actually lands in your pocket each week.
Typical pay in 2026
- Class 2 (Cat C): £30k–£38k a year for standard shifts.
- Class 1 (Cat C+E): £38k–£50k+ a year - nights and tramping pay more.
- Agency day rates: £150–£220 Class 2, £180–£280 Class 1.
- Overtime, weekends and ADR (dangerous goods) add £5–£10k on top.
Working hours are governed by the gov.uk drivers' hours rules and the Working Time Directive.
How to earn more
- Go Class 1 - bigger vehicles, better rates.
- Add ADR, HIAB or tanker endorsements after your first year.
- Do nights - quieter roads and shift premium.
- Do tramping (nights out) - big weekly bumps.
How HGV Academy sorts it hassle-free
- End-to-end course: medical, theory, tests and training.
- Access to our AI Job Finder - matches you with local roles once qualified.
- 0% in-house finance so you can start earning before paying it all upfront.
Get licensed. Start earning.
Build your Class 1 or Class 2 course - pay 0% in-house as you go.