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Cat C1 HGV Driver Training

Cat C1 HGV Driver Training

What is Cat C1?

This is the next step up from a car licence and is an entry-level for HGV driving.  A category C1 licence allows drivers to drive vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, but must not exceed 7.5 tonnes. Category C1 licences typically covers vehicles including Ambulances, Medium-sized goods delivery vehicles, Removal vans, Large motorhomes, Horseboxes, Mobile cranes

Towing with a Cat C is restricted to trailers of up to 750kg MAM (maximum authorised mass).

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.

Cat C1 driver training courses are designed for individuals who want to drive vehicles over 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 7.5 tonnes. These courses provide the necessary skills and qualifications for those looking to enter the logistics, transport, or haulage industries, where safe and efficient handling of large vehicles is essential, opening up a wide range of career opportunities within the UK’s transport and logistics sectors

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, apply for the D2 & D4 application pack to add provisional entitlement. You can do this online at Just apply online at https://contact.dvla.gov.uk/order-dvla-forms and scroll down to near the bottom of the page.
  • 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:

  • 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 in small groups – or individually where needed.

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!

The Vehicle

For Cat C1 training, we use a Volkswagen Crafter CR50, rated at 5 tonnes 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.

Flexible Course Options

  • Two-Day Course: For confident manual car drivers, a two-day is generally sufficient.
  • Extended Courses: For those less confident in manual driving, or have little experience since passing their car test, longer training courses are available. Contact us to discuss your needs.

Pass Protection: For just £200, you can add Pass Protection, which includes an additional two hours of training and a re-test if needed.

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

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