HGV Class 2 (Category C)
Entry-level HGV licence
Category C practical training for rigid goods vehicles. Check the course page for entry requirements and package inclusions.
Duration: 5–7 days
Price: From £1,691 including VAT
HGV Training Across the UK
Best HGV Training Company — 7 Consecutive Awards
HGV and LGV driver training from our Surrey base. Compare Class 1, Class 2, Driver CPC and specialist course routes, requirements and current package prices.
HGV Training From Our Surrey Base
GS Driver Training began trading in 2018 and delivers practical HGV and LGV driver training from Dunsfold Airport near Cranleigh. Use the current course pages to compare licence routes, requirements, practical hours and package prices before booking.
Why drivers across the UK choose GS
The right licence route depends on the vehicle you need to drive, the entitlement already on your licence and whether you will drive professionally. Our course pages separate those starting points so you can compare them accurately.
GS Driver Training offers practical course options from its Dunsfold Airport base. Check the stated requirements and package inclusions, or use the free Readiness Check before deciding.
- Dunsfold Airport training base near Cranleigh
- Modern fleet including DAF, Mercedes, and Volvo vehicles
- Male and female instructors available
- Theory test support included
- Flexible scheduling — weekday and weekend courses
HGV Training Courses Available Across the UK
Compare the current course routes, entry requirements, training hours and package prices before choosing your next step.
HGV Class 1 (Category C+E)
Full articulated lorry licence
Category C+E practical training for articulated and other Category C vehicle-and-trailer combinations.
Duration: 5–7 days
Price: From £1,691 including VAT
Driver CPC Training
Mandatory periodic training
All professional HGV drivers in the UK must complete 35 hours of CPC periodic training every 5 years. Flexible scheduling available.
Duration: 1–5 days
Price: From £65 including VAT
C1 Ambulance & 7.5 Tonne
Category C1 licence
For vehicles between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes, including ambulances, horseboxes and specialist vehicles.
Duration: 3–5 days
Price: From £875 including VAT
Why Choose GS Driver Training for Your HGV Licence?
- Award-winning school: Voted Best HGV Training Company seven years running. The only school in the UK to hold this distinction consecutively.
- Clear course requirements: Each course page explains the relevant licence route, practical options and current package prices.
- Male and female instructors: One of the few UK schools to offer both male and female instructors. You choose who you train with — no compromise.
- Surrey training base: Practical training is delivered from Dunsfold Airport near Cranleigh, with route and location details published before booking.
- Transparent pricing: The current package price and stated inclusions are published in each canonical course table.
- Structured preparation: Course options are organised by licence route and practical training hours so candidates can compare the relevant starting point.
The UK HGV Driver Shortage — and Your Opportunity
The UK logistics sector is short of an estimated 60,000–100,000 qualified HGV drivers. This shortage has driven HGV driver salaries to record highs, with many experienced Class 1 drivers earning over £45,000 per year and agency drivers commanding rates of £20–£25 per hour.
For anyone considering a career change or entering the workforce, an HGV licence is one of the most reliable routes to stable, well-paid employment in the UK. Demand is consistent across all regions and sectors — from supermarket distribution to construction, oil and gas, and specialist haulage.
- Driver shortage in UK
- 60,000+
- Average Class 1 salary
- £45k+
- Agency driver rates
- £20–25/hr
- Nationwide demand
- All regions
HGV Training Locations Across the UK
Based in Surrey, we train drivers from across the UK. Our location in the South East provides easy access from London, Hampshire, Sussex, Kent, and beyond.
Surrey & South East
- Guildford
- Woking
- Farnham
- Camberley
- Aldershot
- Farnborough
Hampshire & Berkshire
- Fleet
- Basingstoke
- Reading
- Andover
- Winchester
- Alton
London & Home Counties
- Kingston
- Richmond
- Croydon
- Slough
- Staines
- Epsom
HGV Training UK — Frequently Asked Questions
What is HGV training in the UK?
HGV training is the process of gaining the relevant provisional entitlement and completing the required theory and practical tests for Category C or C+E. The exact route depends on the licence already held and whether the driving will be professional.
How long does HGV training take in the UK?
Most HGV training courses in the UK take between 5 and 7 days for the practical element, plus preparation time for the theory and hazard perception tests. The full process from start to licence typically takes 4–8 weeks depending on test availability.
How much does HGV training cost in the UK?
GS Driver Training's current Class 2 and Class 1 practical packages each start from £1,691 including VAT. Use the course pricing tables to compare the included hours and optional additions.
Do I need a medical to get an HGV licence in the UK?
Yes. All HGV licence applicants in the UK must pass a DVLA Group 2 medical examination (D4 form) completed by a registered doctor. This checks eyesight, blood pressure, and general fitness to drive large vehicles.
Is GS Driver Training available to students from outside Surrey?
Yes. Practical training is based at Dunsfold Airport near Cranleigh in Surrey. Check the travel and course arrangements before booking if you are coming from farther away.
What is the difference between Class 1 and Class 2 HGV?
Class 2 (Category C) covers rigid goods vehicles. Class 1 (Category C+E) covers articulated and other Category C vehicle-and-trailer combinations. GS offers both an existing-Category-C upgrade and a direct Category B to C+E route.
Can I get funding for HGV training in the UK?
Yes. Several funding routes are available including the DfT HGV skills bootcamp scheme, employer-funded training, and some local authority grants. Contact us to discuss which options may apply to your situation.
Start Your HGV Training Today
Join over 1,000 drivers trained every year by the UK's most awarded HGV school. Call us or view our courses to get started.