The law has now changed to allow candidates to go direct to CE (class 1) rather than doing the traditional route of taking Cat C (Class 2) and then going on to do CE (Class 1)

Diamond Driver Training provide practical test training for LGV Category C, also referred to as HGV class 2 & LGV CE (articulated) also referred to as HGV class 1 covering the Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, Grantham, Newark and surrounding areas.

Courses are offered for those who still only require Cat C (Class 2) as well us upgrades from C to CE and the new Direct Access CE.

We also have full test facilities at our training centre and are authorised to conduct the Module 3a Off Road Manoeuvres test at our training centre at Newark rather than having to us a DVSA LGV Examiner or DVSA test centre.

Training for the LGV test would be conducted from our Training Centre located at Newark-on-Trent, the test itself would also be taken at our Training Centre and is conducted by a DVSA LGV Examiner.

2020 LGV tests – Due to covid-19 the country was in lockdown for a number of weeks resulting in fewer tests being conducted. Thanks to the hard work by our instructors and candidates during this difficult time and despite the extra work involved to keep everyone safe we are proud to say we still achieved an 88.5% first time pass rate during these difficult times.

For 2020 we achieved a first time pass rate of 96% on Category C1 (7.5 ton) , 75.9% on Category C (class 2) and 93.5% on CE (Class 1) for all original courses. The DVSA 0501 report for 2019/2020 for all practical LGV tests conducted at our test centre was 83.0% which is way above the national average of 58.9%. Please note that our pass rates run January to December rather than across years like the DVSA reports do which is why the results will be shown slightly differently.

https://www.gov.uk/become-lorry-bus-driver/driver-cpc-part-2-case-studies-test

In order to be able to take the practical training and test for your LGV Category C (HGV class 2) or Direct Access CE (HGV class 1) licence you must first complete the following elements:

1. Have a Drivers Medical (£50 – £100) to prove you are physically fit to drive a Category C vehicle, form D4 needs to be completed

2. Obtain your provisional entitlement on your licence by sending completed forms D2 and D4 with your licence to the DVLA, the licence will generally be returned within 2-4 weeks with the provisional entitlement added. Both these forms can be ordered online from the DVLA as a pack, you will require the D2 Pack, www.gov.uk/dvlaforms

3. Take and pass BOTH the LGV Theory Test (£26) and the LGV Hazard perception test (£11), known as Module 1. (please note these are conducted as 2 separate tests). There are various publications which are essential reading before attempting the theory test, these are The Highway Code, The Official DVSA guide to Driving Large Vehicles, these can be ordered online from various suppliers.

On completion of these elements you are able to start your practical training.

The Module 3 practical test has now been split into two modules.

Module 3A – LGV Off Road Manoeuvres Test consisting of Reverse exercise for Cat C and reverse, couple/uncoupling exercise for CE. This test is conducted at our Newark training centre by a DVSA authorised assessor.

Module 3B –  LGV On Road Driving Test – show me tell me questions and 60 minutes on road – drivers are only allowed 12 driving faults

LGV – Category C (rigid, class 2)

LGV Category C (HGV class 2) training  is carried out using either a Renault Midlum or Renault D Range with an automatic gearbox.

LGV – Category CE (articulated, class 1) – upgrading from C to CE

Upgrading from Cat C – Having passed the LGV Category C driving test the next step for most people is to take the LGV CE driving test, also know as Class 1. This category allows you to drive either an LGV articulated vehicle ( tractor unit & semi-trailer) or a draw-bar outfit ( rigid LGV with draw-bar trailer)

Diamond Driver Training are able to offer LGV CE (class 1) training and test using either automatic Renault 4×2 tractor unit  and a Corus tandem axle semi-trailer or Volvo FM400 4×2 tractor unit and a Gray and Adams tandem axle semi-trailer with the Module 3a and 3b test conducted at our training centre in Newark..

The rules concerning the types of vehicle used for the LGV driving test have changed, from the 10th April 2014 anyone passing their LGV category C or CE test in an automatic vehicle will also gain manual entitlement for these categories providing that they hold manual entitlement in their car licence or other lorry or bus entitlements.

Please note for those candidates wishing to go direct to CE there will be  a requirement to undertake large vehicle familiarisation in a Cat C vehicle as part of the training course requirements.

Initial Driver CPC  –  for those looking to drive commercially

If you are looking to drive commercially and for a living you will also be required to take and pass the Drivers CPC initial qualification tests which consist of the following:
Module 2 – Driver CPC case studies (computer based and conducted at the DVSA theory test centres)
Module 4 – Driver CPC vehicle safety practical demonstration (practical demonstration with the vehicle and conducted at the DVSA or our Test Centre. www.gov.uk/become-lorry-bus-driver/driver-cpc-part-2-case-studies-test

Any newly qualified driver of C1 or C category licence after the 10th September 2009, who does not already have C1 under “implied rights” will need to do the Initial Driver CPC Qualification tests (modules 2&4) in order to gain their first Driver Qualification Card, and therefore be able to drive for hire and reward.

Any driver with “acquired rights” (category C1 or C) gained prior to 10th September 2009 (e.g passed car test before January 1997), can do either the 35 hours of CPC training, or can now take the Initial Driver CPC Qualification route instead (modules 2 & 4) in order to gain their first Driver Qualification Card (DQC) after this they will require the periodic training, 35 hours over 5 years, in order to renew their DQC card at the end of the 5 year period.

More information on Drivers CPC, both initial qualification and periodic training can be found by following this link: www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/Drivingforaliving/Drivinglorriesbusesandcoaches/DG_171186

For more information regarding our LGV Category C , CE upgrade and CE Direct Access training courses please contact us.

B+E training, CE (Class 1) ,C1-7.5t test training, C1+E test training and LGV Cat C (HGV class 2) covering Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Grantham and Lincoln test training, tests conducted at our training and test  centre in Newark.