Class 1 (Cat CE) HGV Licence

Start Your Career as a Class 1 HGV Driver (Cat CE)

Whether you’re upgrading your current HGV qualification or starting fresh, we offer direct access from a car licence. Our expert instructors provide personalised, friendly, and relaxed lessons tailored to your needs. Join the best Class 1 HGV training providers in the area and become the king of the road. Obtaining your LGV Class 1 (Cat CE) licence is just the beginning of your exciting new future. Enrol now and drive your career forward with confidence with Go Big Driving Driver Training!

Read more

Why Choose Go Big Driving for my Class 1 HGV Licence?

We can help you obtain your Class 1 (Cat CE) licence and offer the following benefits:

  • HGV Driver Training Locations Across the Country: Conveniently accessible locations in the North West, North East & Midlands for your training needs.
  • DVSA-Approved 3A Exam Centre: High standards for in-house testing and certification.
  • DVSA-Approved CPC Module 4 Exam Centre: Comprehensive training and certification all under one roof.
  • Modern Articulated Automatic Vehicles: Train with the latest technology and equipment.
  • Drive Up to 44-Tonne Vehicles: Gain experience with heavy-duty vehicles.
  • Short Notice HGV Driving Tests: Access to DVSA short notice tests through our trainer booking facility. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
  • Full Support for Medical, Theory, and Hazard Perception Tests: We arrange everything to ensure a smooth training process.
  • Specialists in HGV and LGV Training: Expert training for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) and Large Goods Vehicles (LGV).
  • Pass Protection Available: Some courses offer added security to ensure you pass.
  • Financing Options: Finance available on selected LGV training Cat CE courses.
  • Top-Quality HGV Class 1 Lessons: Learn from the best with high-quality, effective lessons.

Career Opportunities as a Class 1 HGV Driver

Obtaining your Class 1 HGV (Cat CE) licence opens up a multitude of rewarding career opportunities in the logistics and transportation sectors. As a qualified Class 1 HGV driver, you can embark on a career with a wide range of employers, from major haulage companies to distribution centres and logistics firms. The demand for skilled HGV drivers is consistently high, offering stable employment prospects and competitive salaries. With the ability to operate vehicles up to 44 tonnes, Class 1 drivers are crucial in keeping supply chains running smoothly across the country and beyond. Whether you prefer local routes or long-haul journeys, a career as a Class 1 HGV driver offers diversity, independence, and the chance to make a significant impact in the dynamic field of transportation.

Direct Access Class 1 HGV Training

Our direct access course for Class 1 HGV (Cat CE) training eliminates the need to obtain a Class 2 licence beforehand, streamlining the path to becoming a qualified HGV driver. This accelerated route allows you to start directly with Class 1 training, saving time and expense associated with additional licensing steps. With our expert instructors and modern training facilities, you’ll receive comprehensive instruction in operating articulated vehicles up to 44 tonnes, preparing you thoroughly for the DVSA practical and theoretical tests. Joining our direct access course means embarking on a faster, more efficient journey towards your Class 1 licence, opening doors to diverse career opportunities in the logistics and transport sectors.

The Process of Getting a HGV Class 1 (Cat CE) Licence

Step 1: Medical Examination

A medical examination is required to ensure you are fit to drive a HGV. This is typically done when you apply for your provisional licence and must be repeated every five years once you turn 45, and annually after you turn 65.

Step 2: Obtain a Provisional HGV Licence

The first step towards your HGV Class 1 (Cat CE) licence is to apply for a provisional HGV licence. You must already hold a full car driving licence. You’ll need to complete the D2 application form and the D4 medical form, which must be filled out by a doctor to confirm you are medically fit to drive an HGV.

Step 3: Pass the HGV Theory Test

The theory test consists of two parts: a multiple-choice test and a hazard perception test. You must pass both parts to proceed to the practical training.

Step 4: Begin Your Training

Enroll in our Class 1 HGV (Cat CE) training course. Our expert instructors will provide you with a comprehensive training programme that includes both theoretical and practical instruction. You will learn essential skills such as vehicle safety checks, driving techniques, manoeuvring, and road safety.

Step 5: Pass the Driver CPC Qualification

Before you can start driving professionally, you need to obtain the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC). This involves passing four modules:

  1. Case Studies: Testing your knowledge on real-life scenarios that a driver might face.
  2. Practical Demonstration: Testing your ability to handle specific scenarios such as vehicle safety and loading.

Step 6: Complete the Practical Training

Our practical training will prepare you for the DVSA driving test. You will practice driving an articulated lorry, learning how to handle various road and traffic conditions. Our training includes the use of modern articulated vehicles equipped with the latest technology.

Step 7: Take the DVSA Practical Test

The final step is to pass the DVSA practical test. This includes a reversing exercise and a road driving session where you will be assessed on your driving skills, awareness, and safety.

Step 8: Obtain Your HGV Class 1 (Cat CE) Licence

Once you have successfully completed all the above steps and passed the DVSA practical test, you will be awarded your HGV Class 1 (Cat CE) licence. This licence allows you to drive articulated vehicles up to 44 tonnes, opening up numerous career opportunities in the logistics and transport industries.

Book Your LGV / HGV Class 1 (Cat CE) Driver Training Today!

Don’t wait to start your new career. Contact us now to book your training and take the first step towards becoming a professional Class 1 HGV driver. With Go Big Driving Driver Training, your success on the road is our priority.


Frequently asked questions

How much can I earn as a LGV class 1 (CAT CE) driver?

An experienced Class 1 CE driver has the potential to earn up to £50,000 a year, reflecting the high demand for skilled drivers in the logistics and transportation industry. This competitive salary is often accompanied by additional benefits, such as overtime pay, bonuses, and the opportunity to work for reputable companies that value their workforce.

Moreover, drivers can significantly increase their earnings by engaging in tramping work. Tramping involves driving longer distances and often requires drivers to be away from home for extended periods, typically accommodating multiple deliveries over several days. While this lifestyle may not suit everyone, it can lead to higher pay due to the demanding nature of the job, often including allowances for meals and accommodation.

In addition to tramping, obtaining extra qualifications can further enhance a driver’s earning potential. For instance, gaining an ADR qualification allows drivers to transport hazardous goods, which is a specialised area of the industry. This certification not only opens up more job opportunities but also typically commands higher wages due to the additional training and responsibility involved in handling dangerous materials safely.

Further qualifications, such as those for driving refrigerated lorries, tankers, or oversized loads, can also increase job prospects and salary. Employers often seek drivers with diverse skill sets, as this allows them to fill various roles within their operations.

Overall, pursuing a career as a Class 1 CE driver can be financially rewarding, with numerous avenues for growth and development. With experience and the right qualifications, drivers can enjoy a fulfilling career while enjoying the benefits of competitive pay and varied work opportunities within the transportation sector.

How long will it take to get my class 1 HGV (CAT CE) license?

You can pass your class 1 HGV driving test with us in as little as 1 week if you are upgrading from a Cat C licence, if not you will need to go for a D4 medical first and then apply for your provisional licence, so the direct access courses usually take around 4 -5 weeks to complete.

Why should I choose Go Big Driving for my class 1 CAT CE training course?

We have an excellent reputation with over 400+ 5-star reviews on Google and a further 250+ on Facebook. We are the UK’s leading HGV training specialists We take pride in the job we do. We have a modern fleet of vehicles and we constantly invest in our facilities and staff meaning you get the best service possible, If you would like to book your class 1 HGV driver training course book online today or call our sales team on 01942 741 310.

What are the benefits of Category CE (Class 1) HGV training?

Category CE (Class 1) HGV training provides several benefits:

Job Opportunities: Increases employment prospects with reputable logistics companies.

Career Advancement: Opens doors to higher-paying jobs in logistics and transportation sectors.

Skill Development: Enhances your driving skills, including safe handling of large vehicles.

What is Category CE (Class 1) HGV License?

The Category CE (Class 1) licence allows drivers to operate articulated or combination vehicles, commonly known as Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs). It permits drivers to handle large vehicles with trailers exceeding 7500 kg, essential for transporting goods across long distances efficiently.

Is there a demand for Category CE (Class 1) license holders in the job market?

Yes, there is a significant demand for Category CE (Class 1) licence holders in the job market. Industries such as logistics, distribution, and construction require skilled HGV drivers to transport goods efficiently across the country and internationally.

What does Category CE (Class 1) HGV training involve?

Category CE (Class 1) HGV training at Go Big Driving Training includes:

Test Preparation: Assistance in preparing for theory and practical tests required to obtain the Category CE (Class 1) licence.

Theory Training: Learning about vehicle safety, regulations, and legal requirements.

Practical Training: Hands-on experience with articulated vehicles under the guidance of experienced instructors.

Can I finance my Category CE (Class 1) HGV training?

Yes, Go Big Driving offers flexible payment options and financing solutions to make Category CE (Class 1) HGV training more accessible. Contact us to discuss financing options available to you.

What type of vehicle can I drive with a Class 1 CE license?

A class 1 CE licence will open up many doors allowing you to drive articulated vehicles usually up to 44ton, vehicles such as:

Livestock Transport

Container Trucks

Curtain sided Vehicles

Tankers

Refrigerated Trucks

Heavy Haulage

Car Transporters

Supermarket Deliveries

What is tramping work as a class 1 license holder?

Many drivers choose to engage in tramping work, which involves staying out overnight for extended periods. Tramping can significantly boost earnings, as it often comes with additional allowances and higher rates due to the increased demands of the job. Trampers are typically responsible for long-distance hauls, which require a higher level of dedication and flexibility, but the financial rewards can be considerable.

Is there still a big demand for category CE drivers?

The logistics and transport sectors are essential to the economy, and there is a consistent demand for qualified HGV drivers. This high demand contributes to job security and the potential for wage growth as companies compete to attract and retain skilled drivers.

What is the work life balance like as a HGV class 1 driver?

While the job can involve long hours, many companies offer flexible schedules and various types of driving assignments to suit different lifestyles. Whether you prefer local routes that allow you to return home daily or long-haul trips that involve extended time on the road, there are opportunities to match your personal preferences.