If you want to get your Category C (Class 2) licence, our 5-day Car licence to Category C licence course is designed to help you develop the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to become an HGV driver.
Over the five training days, learners complete approximately 20 hours of training with one of our experienced HGV driving instructors.
To gain your Category C licence, there are two tests you need to complete: the 3A reverse manoeuvre and the 3B practical driving test. The 3A reverse training and test are not completed on a set day. Your instructor will assess your progress throughout the course and arrange your 3A reverse test when they feel you are ready. You must complete and pass your 3A reverse test before you can take your 3B practical driving test.
Here’s what you can expect during your week.
Day 1 – Getting started
Your first day is all about getting familiar with the vehicle and understanding the basics of HGV driving. Before you begin, your instructor will check your licence and theory certificates to make sure everything is ready to go.
You’ll then be shown around the rigid vehicle and taken through the vehicle walk-around checks. Your instructor will explain what to look for and why these checks are important.
After that, you’ll watch your instructor demonstrate how to drive the HGV before getting behind the wheel yourself. From there, you’ll start driving, with your instructor guiding you along the way.
During the course, your instructor will also complete a Continuous Assessment Report (CAR) at the end of each training day to:
- Record the skills or areas you are progressing well in.
- Identify areas where you need more practice.
- Help your instructor track your development throughout the course.
- Provide an ongoing record of your performance rather than relying only on a final assessment.
Day 2 – Building your skills
Once you’ve had time to get used to the rigid vehicle, you’ll start building your driving skills further.
Your instructor will work with you on areas such as:
- Moving off and stopping
- Mirror work
- Junctions and crossroads
- Roundabouts and box junctions
- Meeting other traffic
- Awareness and planning
This is where you’ll begin to develop the skills needed to work towards your Cat C licence.
Your instructor will provide guidance and feedback throughout the day, helping you build your confidence and improve your driving.
Day 3 – Developing your driving
You’ll continue to develop your driving skills and start putting more of what you’ve learned into practice.
Your training will cover areas including:
- Making progress
- Overtaking
- Motorway driving
- Pedestrian crossings
Your instructor will adapt the training to suit your progress and spend more time on any areas where you may need extra practice.
Day 4 – Practising and preparing
By this stage, you’ll have covered a wide range of HGV driving skills and will be working on bringing everything together.
Your instructor will continue practising the areas you’ve covered during the week and focus on the areas you may need to practice
You’ll also complete a mock test before the real thing. This gives you a chance to practise and get a feel for what test day will be like.
If required, Module 4 training can also be included as part of your course. You only need to complete Module 4 training if you want to drive professionally.
By the end of the day, you should have a clearer understanding of what to expect on test day and the areas you’ll need to focus on.
Day 5 – Test day
After four days of training, it’s time to put the skills and knowledge you’ve developed to the test.
This means that your instructor will work with you throughout the week to prepare you for your practical driving test and help you become more confident behind the wheel.
Before the test, your instructor may offer you a warm-up drive. This is an opportunity to:
- Refresh your driving routine and get comfortable in the vehicle.
- Practise any areas you may still be unsure about.
- Build your confidence before the test.
- Help you feel calm, settled and focused.
- Get you mentally prepared for the practical test.
You’ll complete your 3B practical driving test with the DVSA, which lasts around one hour.
Once you’ve completed your driving test, the DVSA examiner will let you know whether you’ve passed or failed. You’ll then be able to discuss your result with your instructor and find out about the next steps.
Next steps
If you’re looking to gain your Category C or Category CE licence, we offer a variety of HGV driving courses at our driving schools in Liverpool, Tilbury and Bristol, with flexible PayPal payment options available.
Contact us to find out more about our HGV training courses and start working towards your lorry licence.
