HGV Class 1 Training in Derby
HGV Class 1 (Category C+E) - Articulated Truck Training for learners across Derby. One-to-one training in a full-size vehicle, your D4 medical booked near you, and introductions to our employer network once you pass.
Course Overview & local Relevance
Your Class 1 training is one-to-one in a full-size vehicle and planned around your DVSA test. For learners in Derby, we confirm the training centre and test centre before you book, and every DVSA test fee is included in the price.
Derby sits on the A38, A50 and A52: the A52 runs east to M1 junction 25 and Nottingham, and the A50 passes south of the city to M1 junctions 24 and 24A. In the triangle between Derby, Nottingham and Leicester, East Midlands Airport handled 413,664 tonnes of cargo in 2025/26, with DHL, UPS and FedEx as its anchor operators, and the East Midlands Gateway rail freight terminal next to it can handle up to 16 trains a day.
Category C+E (Class 1) is the ultimate HGV qualification. As a Class 1 driver, you'll be operating heavy articulated lorries up to 44 tonnes. This course is perfect for those seeking the highest earning potential in the industry and the freedom of long-haul driving. We specialise in fast-track Class 2 to Class 1 upgrades as well as direct-to-Class 1 pathways.
We support Class 1 learners across Mickleover, Littleover, Allestree, Chaddesden, Spondon, Alvaston and the wider Derbyshire area.
Your Pathway in Derby
Medical & Provisional
We book your D4 medical locally and manage your DVLA paperwork.
Theory & Hazard Perception
Master the exams using our AI-powered Learning Hub and mock tests.
Practical Training
Get behind the wheel with our expert instructors on modern automatic fleets.
The Jobs Hub
Pass your test and instantly unlock roles with our network partners across Kent, the South East and nationally.
Class 1 Training in Derby - FAQs
Q: Where will I train if I live in Derby?
We arrange one-to-one training in a full-size vehicle with an approved partner school near you, so there is no trip down to our Kent centre. We name the school and instructor, and confirm the test centre, your dates and the full all-in price in writing, before you pay anything.
Q: Can I take my lorry test in Derby?
No. Derby's DVSA test centre at Alvaston is for car tests only. The nearest lorry and bus centre is Watnall, in Nottinghamshire, about 17 miles by road, and DVSA's 2025/26 figures show 1,342 lorry tests there. Leicester (Cannock Street), about 34 miles away, also takes lorry and bus tests.
Q: What driving work is there around Derby?
Rolls-Royce and Toyota are Derby's two biggest employers, and Toyota builds the Corolla at Burnaston, south-west of the city. East Midlands Airport, where DHL, UPS and FedEx are the anchor operators, sits beside the East Midlands Gateway rail freight terminal at M1 junction 24. Once you qualify, we offer introductions to our employer network.
Q: Can I go straight from a car licence to a Class 1 (C+E) licence?
Yes. Following the 2021 DVSA rule changes, you no longer need to pass your Class 2 (Rigid) test first. If you hold a valid UK car licence (Category B) and are over 18, you can fast-track straight to your Class 1 (C+E) articulated licence, saving you time and money.
Q: What is the difference between an HGV Class 1 and Class 2 licence?
A Class 1 (Category C+E) licence allows you to drive articulated lorries (drawbar or articulated vehicles) up to 44 tonnes. A Class 2 (Category C) licence restricts you to driving rigid vehicles over 3,500kg. Class 1 is the highest qualification and typically offers higher earning potential and long-haul opportunities.
Q: What is the Driver CPC and is it included?
The Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) is a legal requirement for anyone driving an HGV for commercial use. Your training with the HGV Training Hub includes comprehensive preparation for your Initial CPC (Modules 2 and 4), ensuring you are completely road-legal and ready to be hired the day you pass.
Q: How much can I earn as a newly qualified Class 1 driver?
The logistics industry is facing a severe shortage of qualified drivers, pushing wages up. Newly qualified Class 1 drivers can expect starting salaries between £35,000 and £45,000 depending on the region and shift patterns. Drivers willing to do "tramping" (overnight stays) or weekend shifts can earn upwards of £50,000+.
Q: How difficult is the DVSA HGV medical (D4)?
The D4 medical is a standard health check to ensure you are fit to drive heavy vehicles. It includes an eye test, blood pressure check, and a review of your medical history. As part of our service, our Concierge team books this locally for you, removing the stress of finding an approved physician.
Q: Are the training vehicles manual or automatic, and how does it affect my licence?
Our entire training fleet uses modern automatic gearboxes, allowing you to focus on road positioning and reversing manoeuvres rather than shifting gears. Under current DVLA rules, passing your HGV test in an automatic still grants you the full entitlement to drive manual HGVs professionally.
Secure Your Slot
Class slots are highly competitive. Request a direct call back to discuss tuition financing, medical slots, and fast-track calendars.
Other Courses in Derby
Class 1 (Artic) in Derby: the local picture
The A50 takes Class 1 drivers from Derby to M1 junctions 24 and 24A, where the East Midlands Gateway rail freight terminal can handle up to 16 trains a day.
Where you take the test
Watnall, about 17 miles by road. Derby's own DVSA centre at Alvaston tests cars only. Watnall, over the county line in Nottinghamshire, takes lorry and bus tests, and DVSA's 2025/26 figures show 1,342 lorry tests there. The next option is Leicester (Cannock Street), about 34 miles by road, and your centre is confirmed in writing at booking.
Getting to us from Derby
We arrange one-to-one training in a full-size vehicle with an approved partner school near you, so there is no trip to our Kent centre. On test day, Watnall is about 17 miles from Derby city centre by road.
The roads you will be working
The A38 south-west to Burton and Birmingham and north to M1 junction 28, the A52 east to M1 junction 25 and Nottingham, the A50 south of the city to M1 junctions 24 and 24A and west towards Stoke and the M6, plus the A6 and A61.
Who is hiring near Derby
Rolls-Royce and Toyota are Derby's two biggest employers, with Toyota's UK headquarters and Corolla production at Burnaston. East Midlands Airport handled 413,664 tonnes of cargo in 2025/26, and the city's buses are run mainly by Arriva, Trentbarton and Notts and Derby.
What Derby learners get
- Lorry Tests at Watnall: Your practical is at Watnall, about 17 miles by road, as Derby's own DVSA centre at Alvaston tests cars only.
- Air and Rail Freight: East Midlands Airport handled 413,664 tonnes of cargo in 2025/26, with a rail freight terminal right beside it.
- Regional Bootcamps: The East Midlands Combined County Authority lists HGV Skills Bootcamps on its 2026 provider list.
- Written Before You Pay: We name the school and instructor, then confirm the test centre, dates and all-in price in writing.
How far is the test centre from Derby?
Your practical is at Watnall, about 17 miles by road. We arrange one-to-one training in a full-size vehicle with an approved partner school near you, so there is no trip to our Kent centre. On test day, Watnall is about 17 miles from Derby city centre by road. We book the test alongside your training dates, so you are not chasing DVSA slots yourself.
Do you cover my part of Derbyshire?
Learners come to us from Mickleover, Littleover, Allestree, Chaddesden, Spondon, Alvaston, Chellaston, Duffield. If you are just outside that list, call 01634 907 229 and we will tell you honestly whether we are the right school for you.
Derby sits on the A38, A50 and A52: the A52 runs east to M1 junction 25 and Nottingham, and the A50 passes south of the city to M1 junctions 24 and 24A. In the triangle between Derby, Nottingham and Leicester, East Midlands Airport handled 413,664 tonnes of cargo in 2025/26, with DHL, UPS and FedEx as its anchor operators, and the East Midlands Gateway rail freight terminal next to it can handle up to 16 trains a day. The city's DVSA centre at Alvaston tests cars only, so your lorry or bus practical is at Watnall in Nottinghamshire, about 17 miles by road. We arrange one-to-one training in a full-size vehicle with an approved partner school near you. We name the school and instructor, and confirm the test centre, dates and full all-in price in writing, before you pay anything.
Towns and villages around Derby we train drivers from
Mickleover, Littleover, Allestree, Chaddesden, Spondon, Alvaston, Chellaston, Duffield, Belper, Long Eaton and the surrounding villages. If your postcode is not on that list it almost certainly still works: call 01634 907 229 and we will confirm in a minute.