Cat C1 7.5ton Driver Training

The Process

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

• If you have not done so yet, you will need to get a D2 & D4 application pack from the Post Office.
• 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.

The Theory Tests

• Module 1a Multiple Choice: 100 questions covering driving regulations, hazard awareness, safety margins, and vehicle security. (Many are generic HGV questions and so will be irrelevant to you, but still needed to know to pass the test. The pass mark is 85 out of 100.
• Module 1b Hazard Perception: 19 video clips, featuring 20 developing hazards (19 single, 1 double). The pass mark is 67 out of 100. These are the same clips used on the car test – so now that you are a more experienced driver, you might spot the hazards before the scoring starts. So I advise to click when you see the hazard, and click again a second later. It will always use the highest score.

Both the multiple-choice test and the Hazard Perception test must be passed before you can take the practical exams.

Passed your theory? this is where we come into play!

The Practical Test is made up of:

• Module 3A: Reversing exercise in an S-shaped pattern into a bay, completed in-house.
• Module 3B: On-road driving test in the Guildford area, completed on the final day of training.

The Module 3A reversing exercise must be passed before the Module 3B On-Road test. It consists of reversing the vehicle in a S shaped pattern into a bay. The test is carried out in-house, but DVSA regulations state that we are not allowed to train and test the same candidate,  so Matt will work alongside another trainer who will conduct the test. The training is normally carried out on a one-to-one basis to give you maximum driving time.

Module 3B is the on-road driving test. Being a higher category, the standard required for the on-road test is higher than the car test, 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!

The on-road training is carried out on a ONE-TO-ONE basis, whereas with most other training companies you will be paired up with someone else so effectively you only get half the training time they state!

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!

Pass in our auto and gain a manual C1 licence!

DVSA rules state that if you hold a manual car licence, you can take your C1 test in an automatic and gain manual C1 licence!

C1 Course Options & Transparent Pricing

As an independent, local specialist, you deal directly with Matt. This means you pay genuine, direct-to-instructor rates without any agency broker markups or hidden booking fees.

Our packages are fully transparent and include your DVSA practical test fees:

Standard Course — £1100

• Best for: Confident, regular car drivers (e.g., motorhome owners or private horsebox drivers).
• What’s Included: 12 hours of  1-to-1 practical training, usually spread over two days (whenever test slots allow), and DVSA practical test fees.

Extended Course — £1400

• Best for: Drivers who want extra confidence, have limited driving experience since passing their car test, or want additional time behind the wheel.
• What’s Included: Additional practical training hours tailored entirely around your specific needs. Includes DVSA practical test fees.

Pass Protection Add-On — £200 

Available to purchase at the time of booking. If you don’t pass your practical exam first time, Pass Protection covers an additional two hours of 1-to-1 training and a full DVSA re-test.

Ready to secure your C1 training dates? Click here to check current availability with Matt today.

Do I need Driver CPC?

If you are going to be driving the 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. Module 2 is carried out at a theory test centre and Module 4 is carried out in-house.

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 the (Modules 1A & 1B ) and the practical driving tests (Modules 3A & 3B). 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