HGV Licence Cost in Hampshire — 2025 Complete Breakdown
Getting an HGV licence in Hampshire is one of the most direct investments a driver can make in their career. With the Port of Southampton, the Port of Portsmouth, and the M3/M27 logistics corridor all within the county, qualified HGV drivers in Hampshire are in consistent demand — and the salary uplift from holding a Cat C or Cat C+E licence is significant. This guide breaks down every cost involved in obtaining an HGV licence in Hampshire in 2025, including all DVSA fees, training costs, and the funding options available to reduce your outlay.
For a full overview of HGV training locations across the county, visit our Hampshire HGV Training hub page.
Summary of HGV Licence Costs in Hampshire (2025)
| Cost Component | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| DVSA Theory Test (multiple choice) | £26 |
| DVSA Hazard Perception Test | £26 |
| DVSA Practical Test (Cat C or C+E) | £115 |
| DVLA Medical (D4 form) | £50–£100 |
| Provisional Licence Application | £43 |
| CPC Case Studies Test | £23 |
| CPC Practical Demonstration Test | £55 |
| Cat C Training (Class 2) | £1,800–£2,500 |
| Cat C+E Upgrade (Class 1) | £1,200–£1,800 |
| Combined Cat C + C+E | £2,800–£3,800 |
Breaking Down the Costs
DVSA Theory and Hazard Perception Tests
Before you can begin practical training, you must pass the DVSA theory test (multiple choice, £26) and the hazard perception test (£26). These are booked separately through the DVSA website and can be taken at any DVSA theory test centre. The nearest centres to Hampshire candidates are in Southampton, Portsmouth, and Basingstoke.
CPC Tests
New HGV drivers must also pass the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) qualification. This consists of two additional tests: the CPC case studies test (£23) and the CPC practical demonstration test (£55). These are in addition to the standard theory and practical tests and are required for anyone driving professionally for hire or reward.
DVLA Medical (D4 Form)
All HGV licence applicants must undergo a medical examination by a registered GP or occupational health practitioner, who completes the DVLA D4 medical form. The cost varies by provider but is typically £50–£100. Some GP surgeries offer this service; others refer patients to private occupational health clinics.
Training Costs
Training costs vary by provider, course length, and the number of training days included. At GS Driver Training, our Cat C (Class 2) programmes start from £1,800 and our Cat C+E (Class 1) upgrade programmes start from £1,200. Combined Cat C + C+E packages start from £2,800. All programmes include on-site DVSA testing at our Dunsfold Airport centre — no separate test centre journey required.
Funding Options for Hampshire Candidates
Skills Bootcamp for HGV Drivers
The Skills Bootcamp for HGV Drivers is a government-funded programme that can cover up to 100% of training costs for eligible candidates. The programme is available to adults aged 19 and over who are unemployed, employed in a different sector, or returning to work after a career break. Hampshire candidates can apply through the government's Find a Skills Bootcamp website or contact our team directly for guidance on eligibility and the application process.
Employer-Funded Training
Many Hampshire employers — particularly in port logistics, supermarket distribution, and parcel delivery — will fund HGV training for existing employees or new recruits in exchange for a minimum service commitment (typically 12–24 months). If you are already working in a logistics role, it is worth asking your employer whether they offer a training sponsorship scheme.
Career Development Loans and Payment Plans
GS Driver Training offers flexible payment plans that allow you to spread the cost of training over several months. This removes the need for a large upfront payment and makes training accessible to candidates who cannot access government funding.
Return on Investment
The total cost of obtaining a Cat C+E (Class 1) licence from scratch — including all DVSA fees, medical, and training — is typically £3,200–£4,500 for Hampshire candidates. At a starting salary of £35,000–£42,000 per year for Class 1 drivers in Hampshire, the licence typically pays for itself within 6–8 weeks of employment.
Train With GS Driver Training
GS Driver Training has won the Best HGV Training Company award seven consecutive times and holds a 5.0-star rating on Trustpilot from over 377 verified reviews. Our training centre at Dunsfold Airport (GU8 4BS) is approximately 45–70 minutes from most Hampshire locations via the M3 or A3(M).
To book your training or request a free consultation, call 01252 447808 or visit our courses page. For more information about HGV training across Hampshire, visit our Hampshire county hub. You may also find our guides for HGV Training in Southampton and HGV Training Near Portsmouth useful.
