HGV Class 1 Training in Reading
HGV Class 1 (Category C+E) - Articulated Truck Training for learners across Reading. 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 Reading, we confirm the training centre and test centre before you book, and every DVSA test fee is included in the price.
Reading is served by three M4 junctions, 10 to 12, and the A33 relief road links the motorway to the town's inner distribution road. Tesco runs a large distribution centre in Whitley, south Reading, on the site of the old Heineken brewery, and four new warehouse units have gone up at Reading International Logistics Park, by junction 11.
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 Caversham, Tilehurst, Whitley, Earley, Woodley, Calcot and the wider Berkshire area.
Your Pathway in Reading
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 Reading - FAQs
Q: Can I take my lorry test in Reading?
No. Reading's DVSA centre at Pacific House, Imperial Way, is for car tests only. The nearest lorry and bus centre is Greenham, at New Greenham Park near Newbury, about 17 miles by road, and DVSA's 2025/26 figures show 621 lorry tests there. Culham LGV, near Abingdon, is about 21 miles away.
Q: Where will I train if I live in Reading?
We arrange one-to-one training in a full-size vehicle with an approved partner school near you, so you will not need to travel to our Kent centre. We name the school and instructor, and confirm the test centre, dates and full all-in price in writing, before you pay anything.
Q: What driving work is there around Reading?
Tesco runs a 900,000 sq ft distribution centre in Whitley, and four new warehouse units have gone up at Reading International Logistics Park, by M4 junction 11. Reading Buses runs 173 buses, and its sister companies Thames Valley Buses and Newbury & District run more. 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 Reading
Class 1 (Artic) in Reading: the local picture
With three M4 junctions on its edge, Reading puts Class 1 drivers straight onto the motorway between London and the west, and the A33 relief road links it to the town.
Where you take the test
Greenham, about 17 miles by road. Greenham is at New Greenham Park, near Newbury, and takes lorry and bus tests as well as motorcycle tests; Reading's own DVSA centre on Imperial Way tests cars only. The next option is Culham LGV, near Abingdon, about 21 miles by road, and your centre is confirmed in writing at booking.
Getting to us from Reading
Training is one-to-one in a full-size vehicle, arranged with an approved partner school near you rather than at our Kent centre. Greenham, where you test, is about 17 miles from Reading by road.
The roads you will be working
M4 junctions 10, 11 and 12, the A33 relief road linking the M4 to the inner distribution road, the A329(M) towards Winnersh, and the A4, the old Bath Road.
Who is hiring near Reading
Tesco runs a large distribution centre in Whitley, south Reading, and four new warehouse units have gone up at Reading International Logistics Park, by M4 junction 11. Reading Buses, with sister companies Thames Valley Buses and Newbury & District, is owned by Reading Borough Council.
What Reading learners get
- Lorry Tests at Greenham: Practicals are at Greenham, near Newbury, about 17 miles by road, as Reading's DVSA centre tests cars only.
- Council-Owned Buses: Reading Buses is owned by Reading Borough Council and runs a fleet of 173 buses.
- Distribution on the Doorstep: Tesco runs a large distribution centre in Whitley, and new warehouses have gone up by M4 junction 11.
- Written Before You Pay: Your school, instructor, test centre, dates and all-in price, DVSA test fees included, confirmed in writing.
How far is the test centre from Reading?
Your practical is at Greenham, about 17 miles by road. Training is one-to-one in a full-size vehicle, arranged with an approved partner school near you rather than at our Kent centre. Greenham, where you test, is about 17 miles from Reading by road. We book the test alongside your training dates, so you are not chasing DVSA slots yourself.
Do you cover my part of Berkshire?
Learners come to us from Caversham, Tilehurst, Whitley, Earley, Woodley, Calcot, Theale, Shinfield. 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.
Reading is served by three M4 junctions, 10 to 12, and the A33 relief road links the motorway to the town's inner distribution road. Tesco runs a large distribution centre in Whitley, south Reading, on the site of the old Heineken brewery, and four new warehouse units have gone up at Reading International Logistics Park, by junction 11. Reading Buses, owned by Reading Borough Council, runs a fleet of 173 buses. The town's DVSA centre on Imperial Way tests cars only, so your lorry or bus practical is at Greenham, near Newbury, 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 Reading we train drivers from
Caversham, Tilehurst, Whitley, Earley, Woodley, Calcot, Theale, Shinfield, Wokingham, Twyford 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.