Lorry Driver Training

Lorry Driver Training - Get qualified and On the Road Fast

Get qualified fast with expert lorry driver training.  We cover Category LGV C / HGV Class 2, and LGV CE /  HGV Class 1 and Driver CPC.  And we give guidance on obtaining your Provisional Lorry Driving Licence and Renewal of your Licence.

If you dream of being a lorry driver, delivery driver, or working in logistics, you will need to get your lorry licence.

We have high pass rates, flexible dates and job-ready support.  You can Book TODAY!


What is Lorry Driver Training?

Anyone who wants to drive a lorry over 7.5 tonnes, or other large vehicles, for work needs an LGV driving licence to be authorised to take the Heavy Goods Vehicles on the road.  

What are differences between HGV and LGV licences? 

Check out our blog https://www.wallaceschool.co.uk/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-lgv-training-and-hgv-training which explains that there is no difference between the names.  Put simply HGV stands for Heavy Goods Vehicles and is the old name for the licence.  Since the 1980's the licence name changed and now LGV stands for stands for Large Goods Vehicle and is the new name for the licence.  


Which Lorry Driving Licence do you need?

There are 4 main types of LGV licences, each allowing you to drive different kinds of vehicles. Here’s a quick overview:

•     Category C: This licence allows you to drive vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, but not those with a trailer over 750 kg. It’s the most common type for lorry drivers.
•     Category C1: This is for vehicles between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes. It’s a great option if you want to drive smaller lorries.
•     Category C+E: This licence allows you to drive Category C vehicles with a trailer over 750 kg. It’s perfect for those who want to drive articulated lorries.
•     Category C1+E: This is similar to C1 but allows you to tow a trailer over 750 kg.


What are differences between HGV and LGV licences? 

Check out our blog https://www.wallaceschool.co.uk/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-lgv-training-and-hgv-training which explains that there is no difference between the names.  Put simply HGV stands for Heavy Goods Vehicles and is the old name for the licence.  Since the 1980's the licence name changed and now LGV stands for stands for Large Goods Vehicle and is the new name for the licence.  

The old names of the licences were HGV Class 1 for LGV CE, and HGV Class 2 for LGV C.
Some people still call the licences by the old names.


Which Lorry Licence do you need?

It’s important to choose the one that fits your career goals.  

You can drive LGV C vehicles if you hold a LGVCE licence.  And some people, even though they plan to work with Rigid Vehicles, do complete training and test for the top licence (sometimes known as HGV Class 1), so they get all the HGV licence entitlements at the same time.

But you don’t have to.

And indeed, due to the time and cost, some people choose to take LGV C because it is easier and quicker to get that licence first.  And they can always come back to do CE later.   Or, maybe their employer will help them get a CE licence in the future.

There are more LGV C type vehicles on the road than LGV CE.  And you can get a perfectly good and well-paid job with a LGV C licence (especially, if you a newbie without experience in the logistics industry).


Our Lorry Driver Training Courses

We have 7 locations where we deliver lorry training - Croydon, Dartford, Enfield, Luton, Watford, Slough and London (Park Royal, near Wembley).  All our training locations are close to the DVSA Driving Test Centres, so you can get familiar with the roads where the examiner might take you when you on your DVSA LGV Driving Test.  https://www.wallaceschool.co.uk/hgv-training-locations

We can deliver training between 6am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday, and occasional Saturday's too.

Our Driver Training is arranged One - to - One, and is normally 4 hours each day with a 2 hour warm-up session on the day of your driving test.

Our office, and where all booking administration is undertaken for all our training venues, is in Park Royal.  You are welcome to visit us anytime Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.


Category C ( HGV Class 2) Lorry Driver Training

If you are interested in LGV C training click on the following link to see our courses and prices: https://www.wallaceschool.co.uk/driver-training/hgv-driver-training


Category CE (HGV Class 1) Lorry Driver Training

If you are interested in LGV CE training click on the following link to see our courses and prices: https://www.wallaceschool.co.uk/driver-training/hgv-class-1-lgv-c-e-training

And you can consider adding extra skills and qualifications on top of getting your lorry driving licence to further progress your career in logistics.  Check our Home Page which shows the range of training options, as well as our lorry driving training, which we have available.

Wallace Home Page

Can I arrange a Fast-Track Intensive Course?
Is there a choice of Lorry Driving Courses that I could choose from?

As all drivers are unique and have differing driving experience and skills we offer a range of courses.

From 5 days up to 10 days, depending on your training needs. Our webpages give a lot more details


Entry Requirements for Lorry Driver Training

How do I Apply for an LGV Licence?

Getting your LGV licence can be done a couple of steps, but don’t worry! It’s a straightforward process. And we will help you with all the Steps and Stages mentioned below of you choose our STEP ONE package - https://www.wallaceschool.co.uk/driver-training/hgv-driver-training/step-one

1)    Check Your Eligibility: You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid UK driving licence.

2)    Get a Medical Examination: You’ll need to pass a medical exam to ensure you’re fit to drive large vehicles.

3)    Apply for a Provisional LGV Licence: Through DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). Fill out a form, usually there's no fee pay.

4)    Take the Theory Tests: You need to pass a theory test that covers road safety and vehicle handling before you can sit your practical tests.

5)    Complete Practical Training and Pass your DVSA tests: This is where you’ll learn how to drive a large vehicle, everything that's involved in HGV/LGV practical training and can we will help you understand the requirements and skills that the examiner is looking to see in your driving.

6)    Beware! It is not a legal requirement for LGV / HGV training to be delivered by an Approved Driving School, with Qualified Instructors. Booking with Wallace School of Transport, who provide DVSA / NRI comprehensive courses, means you can learn all the skills required to pass first time and get your full LGV licence. See our blog which goes into details https://www.wallaceschool.co.uk/blog/choosing-hgv-driving-training-school


What is Driver CPC?

The full name is Driver Certificate of Competence it was introduced 2008 originally from the EU.   And now all working drivers need to hold a valid Driver Qualification Card (DQC) which proves they have completed their Driver CPC.

To get Driver CPC there are two methods.  

Drivers who passed their car test after January 1997 need to complete INITIAL CPC to get their FIRST Driver CPC Card.  
INITIAL CPC means passing two tests - a Case Study Theory Test (Module 2) and a Practical Demonstration Test (Module 4).
Click here more details of Initial CPC

Drivers who have had their LGV Licence for a while need to renew their Driver Qualification Card.  This is done by arranging PERIODIC CPC TRAINING which is 35 hours of training, often on-line, and held in 7 hour sessions, which could be over 1 week.  Sometimes this is organised by the drivers employer.

We can help you with which ever CPC you need and make sure to provide the right CPC Training so you can get our DQC Card.


What is included in my training?

We can help with a Quick Start Package which includes a Medical, your Provisional LGV licence application and the Study Material to prepare for the Theory Tests while you are waiting for your Provisional Licence to be issued.   Theory tests are available through https://www.gov.uk/book-theory-test

And for your Practical On-The-Road Training, we arrange 1 to 1 training -  just you and your instructor in-cab, 4 hours per day AND 2 hours warm-up and vehicle for local weekday DVSA test. Block Intensive Courses - Training may start mid-week and include Saturday (Sunday unavailable unless by special arrangement).  Training Available between 6am to Evening.
No Waiting for Tests - Wallace DVSA Priority Bookings mean Course and Test follow, one after the other.

Our courses are the most efficient method to teach you, and for you to learn, what is required to attain the DVSA Driving Test Standard.

Your instructor will complete a Progress Report to track the subjects they have covered and the hours of training that we has been delivered.  This means you are sure to have all the training you have booked and you can rest assured that you with our knowledgeable instructors and excellent training facilities you will be fully prepare to sit and pass your DVSA tests.


What do I need to start training? 
Entry Requirements for Lorry Driver Training

Getting your LGV licence can be done a couple of steps, but don’t worry! It’s a straightforward process. And we will help you with all the Steps and Stages mentioned below of you choose our STEP ONE package - https://www.wallaceschool.co.uk/driver-training/hgv-driver-training/step-one

1)    Check Your Eligibility: You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid UK driving licence.

2)    Get a Medical Examination: You’ll need to pass a medical exam to ensure you’re fit to drive large vehicles.

3)    Apply for a Provisional LGV Licence: Through DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). Fill out a form, usually there's no fee pay.

4)    Take the Theory Tests: You need to pass a theory test that covers road safety and vehicle handling before you can sit your practical tests.

5)    Complete Practical Training and Pass your DVSA tests: This is where you’ll learn how to drive a large vehicle, everything that's involved in HGV/LGV practical training and can we will help you understand the requirements and skills that the examiner is looking to see in your driving.

6)    Beware! It is not a legal requirement for LGV / HGV training to be delivered by an Approved Driving School, with Qualified Instructors. Booking with Wallace School of Transport, who provide DVSA / NRI comprehensive courses, means you can learn all the skills required to pass first time and get your full LGV licence. See our blog which goes into details https://www.wallaceschool.co.uk/blog/choosing-hgv-driving-training-school


How Long does it take to get a Lorry Driving Licence?

The DVLA usually take around 2 - 3 weeks to issue the Provisional LGV.
When you've got the Provisional to arrange the theory tests takes about 2 - 3 weeks
And we are usually booking the driver training ahead, say another 2 to 4 weeks
(so around 8 to 10 weeks in total).


After I pass my test, how can I find work as a lorry driver?

Recruitment adverts in newspapers, internet, CV websites, Job Centre, High Street employment agencies and On-Line Job Boards all confirm: Drivers are in high demand.

Employers are continually in need of good, reliable drivers and operators.   And there is a shortage of drivers!

Because Wallace is an established and reputable school, delivering Accredited Driver Training, we often get employers who are looking to recruit people that we have helped to get qualified.  If you are visiting our Office at Park Royal, you can see our display of posters and vacancy letters to see who is recruiting right now.


What Salary can a Lorry Driver expect and What Career Opportunities are there?

Our blog offers an insight to points to consider https://www.wallaceschool.co.uk/blog/Do_you_like_driving_Looking_for_a_new_Career


Do I need to Renew my Lorry Licence?

After you've passed your test and obtained your licence it usually lasts until you are aged 45.  At that point you'll need another medical to renew your licence and repeat this every five years thereafter, until you are 65 when you need to have a medical every year.

Providing you are passing your medical examination you can keep your licence well in to your old age if you want too!


Is there any other information I need to know about lorry driver training?

We have added a lot of Questions and Answers in our Frequently Asked Questions part of our website. This link will take you to the page where you can see all the questions.

https://www.wallaceschool.co.uk/faq

But if there is anything else about the LGV lorry driver training that you'd like to know we are happy to help call us office hours, Monday to Friday on 0208 453 3440.


Why should I choose Wallace School of Transport for my Lorry Driver Training?

With our open and transparent pricing, modern vehicles and qualified instructors you will be giving you the best opportunity to pass first time by booking direct with us.  Our reputation for consistent and quality training with an excellent pass rate is well know as we've been established for over 60 years, and as a long established school you can be assured of:

  • Industry-wide recognised credentials - NRI, NVDIR & DVSA, annually inspected & awarded
  • Year round continuous, consistent high quality training
  • Friendly, experienced qualified instructors
  • High Pass Rates, always above the National Average, and excellent levels of service
  • Fully equipped training facilities and own reversing practice areas
  • Modern, reliable Automatic training vehicles
  • Flexible and Dependable - a trusted provider recognised throughout the Logistic Industry for delivering successful outcomes 
  • Competent booking staff & full management team
  • Contingency Planning Robust, trouble-shooting solutions, resolves issues or problems that are not your (or our) making

We are not a Broker or an Agent  - Arrange training direct with our school and save money.


Our Lorry Driver Training Locations

We have our own vehicles and instructors at Croydon, Dartford, Enfield, London - Park Royal (near Wembley), Luton, Slough and Watford. https://www.wallaceschool.co.uk/hgv-training-locations


Frequently Asked Questions about Lorry Driver Training and Licences

a) Is it hard to pass the Lorry Theory Test?
We have partnered with DTS Anytime who have a comprehensive learning package which includes Question and Answers and Explanations, mini-check tests, and full Mock Test (Sample Exams).  And a Glossary of Terms where you can check any learn the meanings of any words or phrases that you are unfamiliar with.
By going through all the learning material and explanations you will easily pass your theory test.

b) What if English is not my first language?
On the theory learning material you can see explanations and with the Glossary of Terms you should be able to understand all you need to pass the theory.  But if you are struggling let us know and we can provide extra help.
On your practical training, because it is arranged 1 to 1, it is easy for the instructor to help assist you with anything you are not understanding.  Just ask!

c) Can I fit training around my shifts / work commitments? Children? Holidays?
Our driver training is available between 6am and 6.30pm Monday to Friday, and occasional Saturdays.  At the time of booking let us know your restrictions so we can try to work around your timetable and commitments.

d) I have an impairment and may need extra support, can Wallace still help me?
Yes, as long as you have obtained your Provisional LGV entitlement and are 'fit' as far as DVLA is concerned, then we will be able to help.  Just let us know at the time of booking what support you need.


Can I pay for the driver training in instalments?

Yes, we usually recommend organising and paying for the Medical and obtaining your provisional, and taking your theory tests 'outside' of any load that you may like to take up.

The medical, provisional, theory learning material is available on our Quick Start Package for £130.  And the DVSA charge £60 in total for the 3 theory tests.  So for under £200 you can get the first steps and stages of getting your licence completed.
(Your theory pass certificates will be valid for 2 years).

Then for your Practical Driver Training (for your in-cab on the road lessons) to spread your payment over short while, say 4 months, or say over 12, 18 or 24 months, you might like to get a quote from SNAP Finance through the following link: https://www.wallaceschool.co.uk/finance
Or choose to take on a 0% credit card.


How long is a lorry licence valid?

Your licence usually lasts until you are aged 45.  At that point you'll need another medical to renew your licence and every five years thereafter, until you are 65 when you need to have a medical every year.

Providing you are passing your medical examination you can keep your licence well in to your old age if you want too!


If I fail a Lorry Driving Test, is it easy to rebook?

We have an excellent pass rate for drivers who follow our ideal training recommendations. Remember there is no substitute for time behind the wheel (on driver training).  We are always ranking higher than the National Average.

However, if you are unfortunate on the day of the test, your instructor will provide a briefing about what, if any training, you may need to address any weakness.  But if it's simply a re-sit that is required, then we would arrange a 2 hour (1 to 1) warm-up session and provide the vehicle for test again (scroll down on our website pages for the cost, we have transparent pricing on our pages).

We must give the DVSA  three clear working notice between your last test and your new appointment, but naturally we will try to obtain a test from DVSA as soon as you and they are available, while your Course of  Driver Training is still fresh in your mind.


Ready to Start Your Lorry Driver Training?

Contact us in office hours - 020 453 3440 

Or send a 'please call me back' by going on our website - https://www.wallaceschool.co.uk/make-an-enquiry

Or visit our office at 8 Steele Road, NW10 7AR,
Or email us at info@wallaceschool.co.uk

We will get back in touch with you to answer any further questions, or to make arrangements for your booking and help you gain the licence of your dreams and start your journey in the transport industry!

Training is available across London and around the M25. Current HGV/LGV venues:

Croydon, Dartford, Enfield, Harlow, Brentwood, Guildford, Slough, Heathrow, London, Wembley, Park Royal, Watford and Luton