Class 1 and Class 2 Licence Training, from Your D4 Medical to Your First Job
Ever dreamed of hitting the open road in a big rig? Now's your chance! Submatter Ltd is your one-stop shop for getting your HGV licence, no matter what category you need (from Cat C to C+E). We'll get you behind the wheel and ready to roll in no time.
Why Choose Submatter?
Top-Notch Instructors: Our instructors are the best in the business. They've got years of experience and know how to make learning fun and easy. Plus, they're DVSA-approved, so you know you're getting the real deal.
Learn at Your Own Pace: We get it; everyone learns differently. That's why we offer flexible schedules and tailor our training to fit your needs. No pressure, just top-quality instruction.
Safety First! We'll teach you how to drive safely and efficiently so you can be a pro on the road. Think of us as your driving buddies, here to help you every step of the way.
Ace Your Test: We've got a killer track record of helping students pass their HGV tests. With our help, you'll be saying "see you later" to that test anxiety.
More Than Just Driving: We're not just about getting you your licence. We'll also help you with job hunting, sprucing up your CV, and even nailing those interviews. Consider us your career cheerleaders!
Ready to Get Started?
What are you waiting for? Give us a shout at Submatter Ltd and let's get this show on the road!
Don't miss out - contact us today!
Our Roadmap to HGV download walks through the route from a full car licence to a Category C or C+E entitlement.
The Simplified Guidance on Drivers’ Hours and Working Time sets out the daily and weekly limits and the records you have to keep.
HGV Licence Categories, Medicals and Getting Started
HGV is the term most of the industry still uses, though the licence categories themselves are officially C1, C and C+E. Which one you need depends on the vehicle you want to drive.
Category C1: goods vehicles between 3,500kg and 7,500kg.
Category C: rigid goods vehicles over 3,500kg, often called a Class 2 licence.
Category C+E: Category C plus a trailer, which covers articulated and drawbar combinations and is often called a Class 1 licence.
Your HGV medical: before your provisional entitlement is granted you need to pass an HGV medical, recorded on form D4. We arrange D4 medicals through a partner provider, where we receive preferential rates for our candidates.
What you need before you start: a full car licence, a passed D4 medical, and your provisional HGV entitlement from DVLA. If you intend to drive professionally you will also need Driver CPC, which is Module 2 and Module 4 initially, then 35 hours of periodic training every five years. If the work will involve carrying hazardous loads you will also need ADR dangerous goods training on top of the licence itself. Drivers who later move into running a fleet rather than driving for one need the Transport Manager CPC, which is a separate qualification with its own exams.
The right route depends on the vehicle you want to drive and what entitlement you already hold, so the quickest way to get a clear answer is to talk it through. Call us on 07513 683932 or use the bespoke enquiries link above. Training centre: 11 Beecham Court, Goose Green, Wigan, WN3 6PR.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Category C1, C and C+E?
C1 covers goods vehicles between 3,500kg and 7,500kg. C covers rigid goods vehicles over 3,500kg, which the industry usually calls a Class 2. C+E adds a trailer to Category C and covers articulated and drawbar combinations, usually called a Class 1. Which one you need depends on the vehicle you intend to drive, not on how far you want to go in the job.
What is a Class 1 and a Class 2 licence?
Class 1 and Class 2 are the informal names the industry still uses. Class 2 means Category C. Class 1 means Category C+E. Neither term appears on the licence itself, which will show the categories as C and C+E.
What do I need before I can start HGV training?
A full car licence, a passed D4 medical, and provisional HGV entitlement from DVLA. You apply for the provisional entitlement on DVLA form D2 and send the completed D4 medical report in with it. You also need to be over 18, though there are exceptions to that. If you intend to drive professionally rather than privately you will need Driver CPC as well as the licence.
What is a D4 medical and do I have to have one?
The D4 is a medical examination carried out by a doctor and recorded on DVLA form D4, covering eyesight, general fitness and any condition that could affect your ability to drive a heavy vehicle safely. It is required before your provisional HGV entitlement is granted, so it is one of the first steps rather than one of the last. Submatter arranges D4 medicals through a partner provider, where our candidates receive preferential rates.
Is HGV training the same as Driver CPC?
No. They are two separate things and you need both to work as a professional driver. The licence entitlement lets you drive the vehicle. Driver CPC lets you drive it for hire or reward. New professional drivers complete Driver CPC Module 2 and Module 4 to gain the initial qualification, then 35 hours of periodic training every five years to keep it. Driver CPC training is covered in full on its own page.
Will I need anything else on top of my licence?
It depends on the work. Drivers carrying hazardous loads need ADR dangerous goods training and a valid dangerous goods driver card in addition to the licence and Driver CPC. Drivers who later move into managing a fleet rather than driving for one need the Transport Manager CPC, which is a separate qualification with its own exams.