HGV Training Courses Surrey and Hampshire

Training for

  • Cat C1 (up to 7.5ton) horseboxes, recovery trucks, ambulances, etc

  • Cat C1+E (up to 7.5ton + 4.5ton trailer) as above but the ability to tow over 750kg

  • Cat C (up to 32ton), also known as Class2, full rigid HGVs

  

HGV or LGV – what’s the difference? Nothing! Since 1992 they both mean the same thing – Any goods vehicle rated over 3.5ton! Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) is an older term and Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) is an EU term.

 

You must be 18 or over and have passed your car test.

New laws brought in mean you can go straight for your Cat C1E without having to pass the C1 test first, so for anyone who already has towing experience, or is likely to need to tow in the future, going straight for the C1E will save you time and money.

You can also go straight for your Cat C, futureproofing you in case you need to go bigger in the future. Note, you are able to go straight for Cat C+E, Class1, (arctic/drawbar) but we currently do not offer this.

 

No matter what category you intend on going for the process is the same:

 

  • If you have not done so yet, apply for the D2 & D4 application pack to add provisional entitlement. You can do this via the DVLA Website.
  • Get a medical carried out for the D4 form. Unlike some training companies, we do not offer the medical for the simple reason being is there are lots of companies out there offering just this! Search for “HGV Medical” and you will see for yourself! Going to them directly will save you money as most training schools charge you for this on top of the doctor’s costs! More info about the forms can be found here: D2 & D4 Forms Explained
  • Once you have your provisional licence back, get the theory tests booked and completed – these must be passed before you can apply for the 3A & 3B practical tests.
  • Passed your theory? this is where we come into play!

 

The Practical Test is made up of:

To drive any HGV vehicle, you must pass Module 1 (theory & hazard perception) and Modules 3A & 3B.

If you are going to be driving the HGV vehicle for hire, reward or for commercial purposes (for instance for work), you must also pass Modules 2 and 4 to complete the driver CPC initial qualification. You will be issued with a driver qualification card which must be carried at all times when driving.

If you do not wish to drive the vehicle for hire or reward or your use of the vehicle is exempt from driver CPC you are only required to pass Modules 1 and 3, for instance, you don’t need CPC for NHS Ambulance Service, Motorhome or Private Horse Lorry. More details on this can be found at https://www.gov.uk/become-lorry-bus-driver/when-you-dont-need-driver-cpc

The Training

Our practical training sessions will get you through the two practical tests

  • Module 3A is the reversing exercise.
  • Module 3B is the on-road driving test.

The training consists of initially completing the Module 3a reversing exercise which is reversing the vehicle in an S-shaped pattern into a bay.

This frees up training for the Module 3b on-road test.

It’s worth noting that Matt’s on-road training is ONE-TO-ONE, whereas with all of the other training companies you will be paired up with someone else so effectively you only get half the training time they state!

The standard required for the on-road test is high, but Matt’s training program will give you time to improve your driving skills, lose any bad habits that may have crept in, and also give you vital test route familiarisation along with all the hotspots that have the potential to cause issues to the unsuspecting!

 

During your practical on-road driving, the examiner will be looking at various aspects including:

  • Use the vehicle controls
  • Move away at an angle, uphill and downhill
  • Pull up in various safe locations.
  • Use of mirrors and general observation
  • Give appropriate signals
  • Show awareness and anticipation of other road users’ intentions
  • Manage your progress and control your vehicle speed
  • Deal with hazards

There will also be 10 minutes of independent driving, designed to test your ability to drive safely while making independent decisions.

The overall drive is 1 hour in total – that’s a long time to keep every aspect of your driving spot-on and not lose any concentration!

 

***TESTS ARE SOMETIMES AVAILABLE AT SHORT NOTICE!***

 

 

Our Vehicles

For Cat C1 (7.5ton) training, we use a Volkswagon Crafter CR50, rated at 5ton gross weight. Being a medium-wheel base van it has great manoeuvrability ideal for practising reversing but also drives similar to a car, helping those who do not have any previous experience of driving bigger vehicles.

 

For Cat C Rigid Class 2 training, we use an Iveco Eurocargo 150E18 rated at 15ton. With an automatic gearbox and measuring just 8 meters long, you could not ask for a better training vehicle. This truck will help you negotiate the roads on your test with ease, and of course help with the reversing exercise!

 

Courses Available

Matt’s training packages are:

  • Cat C1 Two-Day Course (for experienced drivers)

  • Cat C1 Three-Day Course (for inexperienced drivers)

  • Cat C1E Two-Day Course (for those who can already reverse)

  • Cat C1E Three-Day Course (for those new to towing)

  • Cat C HGV Three-Day Course

  • Module 4 Initial Driver CPC also available, see here

 

Looking for Cat C+E (Class 1) Arctic training, ADR, HIAB, etc? Please speak to Matt who can refer you to a great company with fantastic prices.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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