Choosing your first lorry course starts with two questions: what do you want to drive, and what does your licence already allow? If you are based in Addlestone, use this guide to compare GS Driver Training routes before planning practical training at Dunsfold Airport near Cranleigh.
You do not need to choose a package simply because it is called “Class 1” or “Class 2”. Start with the vehicle, its weight and any trailer, then check the entitlement and professional qualification you need. Ask about your training route, or call 01252 447808, with the categories you hold and the vehicle you want to drive.
Which course should you compare first?
Car licence to a rigid lorry
Compare Category C / Class 2 training. Category C covers vehicles over 3,500kg with a trailer up to 750kg MAM.
Car licence to C+E
Compare direct car-to-C+E / Fast Track training rather than assuming you must buy a separate Category C course first.
Existing full Category C
For a Category C vehicle with a trailer over 750kg, compare the Category C-to-C+E upgrade.
A 3.5–7.5-tonne vehicle
Compare Category C1 training. C1 covers vehicles over 3,500kg and up to 7,500kg MAM, with a trailer up to 750kg. For a heavier trailer, explore C1+E training instead.
MAM means maximum authorised mass. Check plated weights and licence restrictions against the official category definitions. GOV.UK confirms that a lower-category test is not always required first, although the appropriate provisional entitlement and relevant requirements still apply. For a different vehicle, explore D1 minibus training or the full training course directory.
Still comparing? Use the Course Finder to find a starting course route.
Course hours, prices and package choices
The published course tables provide the practical-training options below. Each displayed price includes VAT and the listed DVSA practical tests 3a and 3b. These are the shortest-package prices; longer packages have different prices, so use the linked course page to compare every option.
Category C
16, 20 or 24 practical-training hours
- Driving only, 16 hours
- £1,691
- Medical, theory, hazard perception & online revision
- £1,856
- With initial Driver CPC
- £2,206
All packages include VAT and DVSA tests 3a and 3b.
Direct car-to-C+E
24, 28, 32, 36 or 40 practical-training hours
- Driving only, 24 hours
- £2,459
- Medical, theory, hazard perception & online revision
- £2,624
- With initial Driver CPC
- £2,974
All packages include VAT and DVSA tests 3a and 3b.
Category C-to-C+E upgrade
16, 20 or 24 practical-training hours; for existing full Category C holders
- Driving only, 16 hours
- £1,691
- With initial Driver CPC, 16 hours
- £2,041
All packages include VAT and DVSA tests 3a and 3b. No separate medical-and-theory tier is listed for this route.
C1
8, 12 or 16 practical-training hours
- Driving only, 8 hours
- £875
- Medical, theory, hazard perception & online revision
- £1,040
- With initial Driver CPC
- £1,390
All packages include VAT and DVSA tests 3a and 3b.
What changes between package levels?
Driving only covers professional driving instruction, the training vehicle, an instructor and the listed 3a/3b driving tests. Medical, theory and initial Driver CPC are not part of that tier. For Category C, C1 and direct car-to-C+E, the next tier adds the medical, theory test, hazard-perception test and online revision. Their With initial Driver CPC tier adds Modules 2 and 4 on top of those medical-and-theory inclusions. The Category C-to-C+E upgrade has its own driving-plus-initial-CPC option. Choose the modules through the initial Driver CPC chooser when needed; the Category C and C1 package wording explicitly includes a D4 medical appointment and Module 2 case-studies and Module 4 practical-demonstration test fees.
Choose the qualification stages that fit your history, rather than simply the highest package level. For a broader breakdown of typical licence-cost components beyond one course table, the national HGV licence cost guide may be useful.
Optional Pass Protection costs £550.00 including VAT and must be bought with an eligible original Category C, C+E, C1, C1+E, D1 or D1+E practical licence-driving course before training starts. Two additional Module 3a and/or Module 3b attempts in total; each includes up to two hours of training plus the test. There is no time limit for using the two protected attempts. Pass Protection does not guarantee a test pass or any particular saving. No refund is due if the learner passes without using the protection. A missed or cancelled protected training or test appointment uses one protected attempt. It cannot be added to standalone retests, theory, Driver CPC, ADR, B+E or the HGV Driving Experience. Standalone HGV retest options are a different product; read the full terms before buying.
Before your first practical course
For a first provisional HGV application, GOV.UK explains the D2 application and D4 medical-report process. Check the entitlement you need before applying.
For a first professional qualification, use the GOV.UK HGV-driver guide to check relevant tests and Driver CPC requirements. Driving an HGV as the main part of your job normally requires the full Driver CPC unless an exemption applies; a training booking does not itself grant a licence or professional qualification.
If you already hold the relevant professional qualification and are maintaining it, compare periodic Driver CPC training separately from the initial-CPC package options.
Travelling from Addlestone to Dunsfold
Plan the journey to the training entrance, not simply to the town of Dunsfold or an airport postcode. The practical-training address is Unit 508, Dunsfold Airport, Stovolds Hill, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 8TB.
From Addlestone, you can compare an A3/Guildford approach in a live route planner, then check the onward route to the A281 entrance. Dunsfold Park’s location guidance confirms A281 access and links with the A3; it does not establish one preferred route from every Addlestone address.
For practical-training arrival, enter from the A281 Alfold Bypass via Canada Avenue, using ///progress.vote.mistaking for the entrance. After entering: turn right at the roundabout, take the first left, follow the cones around, then turn left for Unit 508. Check live directions from your own starting point and follow your booking instructions for every medical, training or test appointment.
Category C1, Category C, D1 and CPC Module 4 training area: ///yacht.with.prom
Category C+E and HGV Driving Experience training area: ///dine.knees.nurtures
Questions from Addlestone learners
Does “HGV training for Addlestone” mean lessons start in Addlestone?
This page helps people based in Addlestone compare their options. The practical training location described here is Dunsfold Airport near Cranleigh. Confirm the venue and meeting point for your particular booking; do not assume a local pickup.
Should I book Class 2 before Class 1?
Not automatically. If you hold a car licence and want C+E, compare the direct route. If you already hold Category C, compare the upgrade course. The official entitlement guidance explains why a separate lower-category test is not always necessary.
Is the lowest advertised price the complete professional-driver package?
No. The starting prices above are driving-only packages, with tests 3a and 3b included. Packages adding medical and theory, and packages also adding initial Driver CPC Modules 2 and 4, cost more. Follow the course link to compare the prices for your chosen hours and the stages you need.
Take the next step from Addlestone
Tell us your current licence categories, the vehicle you intend to drive, whether the driving will be for work and which medical or theory stages you have already completed. Ask for the appropriate course, itemised inclusions and current dates before committing to travel.
Enquire about an Addlestone training route · Call 01252 447808 · Email sales@gsdrivertraining.com