HGV / LGV Category CE (Class 1) Driver Training
At Heads of the Valleys, we provide Class 1 (CE) driver training courses suitable for all skill levels.
Whether you are looking to fast-track from car to CE, or upgrade your current C licence to CE, we can help.
With a Pass Rate of over 80%, we are one of the UK’s driver training industry leaders.
What Is A Category CE Licence?
LGV Category CE, also known as Class 1 or Artic, is the largest heavy goods licence you can have. It’s typically used for longer distances and heavy haulage, and it allows you to drive lorry and trailer combinations, generally up to a maximum of 44 tonnes. The most common Class 1 combination is a tractor unit and trailer, although you would also be permitted to drive a lorry and drawbar trailer combination.
What Class 1 Training Courses Do We Offer?
At Heads of the Valleys, we offer two training options that vary in duration, and they include:
1. Car to CE (Fast Track)
In November 2021, the law changed to allow new drivers to take a fast-track route to CE (Class 1) without first passing C (Class 2). This is typically completed as a 6-day course, plus an extra 1 day if you require Driver CPC.
However, before you can begin practical Class 1 training, you will need to have completed your driver medical, applied for the provisional entitlements and passed your LGV theory tests. We can arrange these for you as part of our LGV Starter Pack.
The average lead time from arranging your medical to taking your practical test is around 10 weeks.
2. C to CE (Upgrade)
Those who already hold a Class 2 license, you are eligible to complete a 5 day upgrade course. When upgrading your licence from C to CE, there is no requirement for any additional medical, provisional application or theory tests.
We can usually accommodate your training within just a few weeks.
The Test: What’s Involved?
The Class 1 practical driving test is made up of two parts:
- Module 3A: an ‘S shaped’ reverse exercise into a loading bay, followed by an uncouple and recouple to the trailer. You’ll practice these exercises during your driver training course at our private reversing area. When you feel ready, one of our in-house assessors will sign this off.
- Module 3B: a 60-minute on-the-road drive. This will be conducted by a DVSA driving examiner on the final day of your course.
If you require further information about our Class 1 training or the test in particular, please get in touch.
Our LGV / HGV Class 1 Training Courses
Take the Direct Entry route from Car to C+E
Category CE (Class 1) Fast Track from Car
Upgrade your current C (Class 2) or D (Bus) licence to C+E
Category CE (Class 1) Upgrade from C or D
Residential Courses: Free Accommodation!
Are you travelling more than 70 miles to attend our Class 1 driver training? If so, take advantage of our free residential option.
At no additional cost, we will book you into a local Premier Inn just a 15-minute drive from our training centre that also includes breakfast.
Our Modern Fleet of Artics
We take immense pride in our equipment and currently operate one of the largest and most modern fleets of driver-training vehicles in the UK.
Most of our artic lorries are sourced new, or nearly new, to ensure your driver training is as comfortable as possible, all fitted with equipment such as alloy wheels, vision systems and air conditioning.
Why Choose Heads of the Valleys Training?
There are so many reasons that make our Class 1 training stand out from the rest – a few examples below:
- We are a family-run business that has been providing training services since 1969
- We have one of the highest pass rates in the country – over 80% across 693 driving tests conducted in 2023
- We are a ‘one-stop-shop’ and can arrange everything for you
- We operate a modern and up-to-date fleet of HGV training vehicles, with the majority being ordered brand new
- We have a dedicated training centre with on-site offices, training rooms, classrooms and amenities
- We are a private DVSA test centre with an approved reverse area on-site – take your test where you train!
- We complete all LGV/HGV training; we are not a broker, and we do not sub-contract training to other providers
- We have 16 members of staff who are all employed directly by us
- Free accommodation at a local Premier Inn is offered if you travel more than 70 miles for our Class 1 training
Recent Reviews By Delegates
Category CE Driver Training: Our Most Frequently Asked Questions
To put it simply – there isn’t one!
HGV stands for Heavy Goods Vehicle, whilst LGV stands for Large Goods Vehicle.
The average lead time for Car to Category CE is around 10 weeks.
Those upgrading from C to CE can complete it within around four weeks, as no medical or theory tests are required.
Straight away!
You do not need to have held your category C (Class 2) licence for any minimum duration before you can Upgrade to CE (Class 1).
The average UK salary for a Class 1 driver is £35,000+. This can increase rapidly depending on your line of work, with things such as night-out allowances and bonuses.
There has never been a better time to train!
The easiest way to book your training is to call our bookings team on 01873 832000. We can discuss your requirements and arrange your medical, provisional licence and theory tests if needed.
Alternatively, you can contact us via our website, and someone will get back to you.
