HGV Class 1 Training in Plymouth
HGV Class 1 (Category C+E) - Articulated Truck Training for learners across Plymouth. 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 Plymouth, we confirm the training centre and test centre before you book, and every DVSA test fee is included in the price.
Plymouth has no motorway. The A38 runs across the north of the city as the Parkway, reaching the M5 near Exeter about 40 miles to the east and crossing into Cornwall over the Tamar Bridge.
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 Plympton, Plymstock, Saltash, Ivybridge, Torpoint, Estover and the wider Devon area.
Your Pathway in Plymouth
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 Plymouth - FAQs
Q: Is there a lorry test centre in Plymouth?
Yes. Plymouth LGV at Agaton Fort tests lorries and buses, and it is about 5 miles by road from the city centre via the A38 Parkway. It is a separate site from the city's car test centre on Ernesettle Lane. DVSA's 2025/26 figures show 254 lorry tests at Plymouth LGV.
Q: Where would I train if I live in Plymouth?
With an approved partner school near you, one-to-one in a full-size vehicle, rather than at our Kent centre. We name the school and instructor before you pay anything, and confirm your test centre, dates and full all-in price in writing at the same time.
Q: What driving work is there in Plymouth?
Devonport Dockyard is the UK's only naval base that refits nuclear submarines, and Brittany Ferries runs sailings from Millbay to France and Spain. On the buses, Plymouth Citybus runs 344 buses and coaches from its Milehouse depot. 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 Plymouth
Class 1 (Artic) in Plymouth: the local picture
With the nearest motorway about 40 miles away near Exeter, Class 1 work from Plymouth starts on the A38 Devon Expressway, with the Tamar Bridge taking you west into Cornwall.
Where you take the test
Plymouth LGV, about 5 miles by road. Plymouth LGV at Agaton Fort tests lorries and buses only, and car tests are at the separate Plymouth centre on Ernesettle Lane. The next lorry and bus option is Exeter LGV, about 44 miles by road along the A38, and your centre is confirmed in writing at booking.
Getting to us from Plymouth
We arrange one-to-one training with an approved partner school near you, so there is no trip to our Kent centre. Plymouth LGV is about 5 miles from the city centre, a short run out along the A38 Parkway.
The roads you will be working
The A38 Parkway across the north of the city, running east as the Devon Expressway to the M5 near Exeter and west over the Tamar Bridge into Cornwall, plus the A374 along the Embankment.
Who is hiring near Plymouth
Devonport Dockyard is the UK's only naval base that refits nuclear submarines, and Brittany Ferries sails from Millbay to Roscoff and Santander. Plymouth Citybus, part of Go-Ahead, runs 344 buses and coaches from its Milehouse depot, and Stagecoach South West also runs services in the city.
What Plymouth learners get
- Test Centre in the City: Plymouth LGV at Agaton Fort tests lorries and buses, about 5 miles by road from the centre.
- Built Around the A38: With no motorway in the city, the A38 Parkway is the main route east to the M5 and west into Cornwall.
- Partner School Near You: One-to-one lessons in a full-size vehicle with an approved partner school near you.
- Confirmed in Writing: School, instructor, test centre, dates and full all-in price, before you pay anything.
How far is the test centre from Plymouth?
Your practical is at Plymouth LGV, about 5 miles by road. We arrange one-to-one training with an approved partner school near you, so there is no trip to our Kent centre. Plymouth LGV is about 5 miles from the city centre, a short run out along the A38 Parkway. We book the test alongside your training dates, so you are not chasing DVSA slots yourself.
Do you cover my part of Devon?
Learners come to us from Plympton, Plymstock, Saltash, Ivybridge, Torpoint, Estover, St Budeaux, Devonport. 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.
Plymouth has no motorway. The A38 runs across the north of the city as the Parkway, reaching the M5 near Exeter about 40 miles to the east and crossing into Cornwall over the Tamar Bridge. Devonport Dockyard is the UK's only naval base that refits nuclear submarines, and Brittany Ferries sails from Millbay to Roscoff and Santander. Plymouth also has its own lorry and bus test centre: Plymouth LGV at Agaton Fort, about 5 miles by road from the city centre. DVSA's 2025/26 figures show 254 lorry tests at Plymouth LGV. Training is arranged one-to-one in a full-size vehicle with an approved partner school near you, so there is no long drive to our Kent centre, and the school, instructor, test centre, dates and full all-in price are all confirmed in writing before you pay.
Towns and villages around Plymouth we train drivers from
Plympton, Plymstock, Saltash, Ivybridge, Torpoint, Estover, St Budeaux, Devonport, Tavistock, Yelverton 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.