Plan My Training

Our 2 minute training planner will outline your steps to becoming a professional driver and offer courses to help you meet your goals.

Step 1 - Eligibility to drive

Eligibility Group

Do you have a provisional entitlement on your driving licence?

If you're not sure, give us a call and we'll help you check.

Great, you can move to the next step without any further action.

The first step to getting your entitlement is taking a medical check to ensure you are fit to drive a HGV or PCV. You can book a medical at any one of our sites with a quick phonecall.

The Doctor will fill in a D4 document for you.

You will also need to complete a D2 document and submit both of these documents to the DVSA.

If your application is successful, the DVSA will add the appropriate provisional entitlements to your licence and you can proceed to the next step.

Step 2 - Choosing the right training course

Licence Group

The type of vehicle you want to drive will affect the course and test you'll have to take.

Which licence are you trying to achieve?

A great choice. Depending on the course you take, you'll be able to drive the following:

Vehicles between 3,500 and 7,500kg with a trailer up to 750kg. This is a Category C1 licence.
Vehicles between 3,500 and 7,500kg with a trailer over 750kg, but not exceeding a combined total of 12,000kg. This is a Category C1+E licence.
Vehicles over 3,500kg with a trailer up to 750kg maximum authorised mass. This is a Category C licence.
Vehicles over 3,500kg with a trailer over 750kg. This is a Category C+E licence.

A great choice. Depending on the course you take, you'll be able to drive the following:

Minibuses with no more than 8 passenger seats, a maximum length of 8 metres, and a trailer up to 750kg. This is a Category D1 licence.
Minibuses with no more than 8 passenger seats, a maximum length of 8 metres, a trailer over 750kg, with a combined total weight not exceeding 12,000kg. This is a Category D1+E licence.
Any bus with more than 8 passenger seats and a trailer up to 750kg. This is a Category D licence.
Any bus with more than 8 passenger seats and a trailer over 750kg. This is a Category D+E licence.

Step 3 - Passing your Theory Test

You can book the part 1 theory test of the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) as soon as you’ve got your provisional licence.

The test is made up of 2 parts - multiple choice and hazard perception. You have to book both parts separately, but you can take them on the same day.

It does not matter which one you take first but you need to pass both within 2 years of each other to get your theory test certificate.

We'll provide you with materials and support to help you pass your HGV theory test.

We'll provide you with materials and support to help you pass your PCV theory test.

Step 4 - Practical Training

The best bit... Let's get you out on the road!

Here we'll also introduce you to your CPC Part 2 and Part 4 by providing classroom learning and suport materials for these essential tests.

Take you out behind the wheel of a vehicle from our modern, clean fleet of HGVs.

We'll get you behind the wheel of a single-decker, full length bus and teach you how to operate it safely.

Step 5 - Passing your Practical Tests

The practical driving test portion of your qualification comes in two parts.

We provide on-site testing at the following locations:

Petrer Smythe Transport Training
Chevron Transport Training
Boston Transport Training
PJE Transport Training

Otherwise, we'll assist you in booking your practical tests at the DVSA centre nearest to you.

CPC Part 3A covers your off-road exercises. The test will last up to 30 minutes, and includes:

an ‘S’ shaped reverse into a bay
showing the uncoupling and recoupling procedure if you’re taking a test with a trailer

CPC Part 3B covers on-road driving ability. You MUST have passed the CPC Part 3A test before booking Part 3B and you must complete Part 3B within 6 months of passing Part 3B. The test includes:

vehicle safety questions
1 hour of practical road driving

Step 6 - Completing Your CPC

Now you've passed your driving tests, all that remains is to finish out your remaining CPC Modules if you haven't already done so. We'll assist you in booking these tests with the DVSA for any parts not yet completed.

CPC Part 2 looks at 7 Case Studies for you to work through that cover common scenarios you might encounter as a HGV driver. The test for this module includes:

a 1 hour and 15 minute maximum allowance to complete the test (you do not have to stay for the full time if you complete the questions more quickly)
5 and 10 multiple-choice questions on each case study from your learning materials

The CPC Part 4 test covers your ability to:

load the vehicle following safety rules and to keep it secure
stop trafficking in illegal immigrants
assess emergency situations
reduce physical risks to yourself or others
do a walkaround vehicle safety check

CPC Part 2 looks at 7 Case Studies for you to work through that cover common scenarios you might encounter as a bus or coach driver. The test for this module includes:

a 1 hour and 15 minute maximum allowance to complete the test (you do not have to stay for the full time if you complete the questions more quickly)
5 and 10 multiple-choice questions on each case study from your learning materials

The CPC Part 4 test covers your ability to:

load the vehicle following safety rules and to keep it secure
stop trafficking in illegal immigrants
assess emergency situations
reduce physical risks to yourself or others
do a walkaround vehicle safety check

Congratulations - you're ready for your new career!

Now you know how everything works, it's time to put things into practice! Based on your choices, here are the courses we offer to start you on your journey: