HGV & PCV Training in Southampton
Lorry and bus training for Southampton with an approved partner school near you, and practical tests at Southampton LGV in Botley, about 8 miles by road.
Why Choose HGVTH Southampton?
Southampton is a port city first. ABP describes it as the UK's number one vehicle handling port, processing 600,000 vehicles a year, DP World runs the five-berth Southampton Container Terminal, and the port offers 23 container trains a day. The M27 runs just north of the city, the M271 spur links it to the Western Docks and the M3 links Southampton with London. Lorry and bus practicals are at Southampton LGV, out at Botley, about 8 miles by road, while the Southampton (Maybush) centre tests cars only. 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.
HGV Courses Available in Southampton
Class 1 (Artic)
8 days · 28 hoursFull one-to-one artic training, with your training and test centre confirmed before you book.
Class 2 (Rigid)
5 days · 18 hoursFull one-to-one rigid lorry training, with your training and test centre confirmed before you book.
7.5 Tonne (C1)
3 days · 12 hoursOne-to-one 7.5 tonne training for ambulance, courier and removals work.
PCV (Bus/Coach)
5 days · 18 hoursOne-to-one bus and coach training for Category D.
Frequently Asked Questions in Southampton
Q: Where do Southampton learners take the lorry test?
At Southampton LGV, which is out at Botley, about 8 miles by road from the city centre along the A3024 and A334. It tests lorries and buses only. The Southampton (Maybush) centre is for car tests, and your test centre is confirmed in writing before you pay.
Q: Will I have to travel to Kent to train?
No. We arrange one-to-one training in a full-size vehicle with an approved partner school near you. Before you pay anything, we tell you the school and instructor, and confirm your test centre, dates and full all-in price in writing.
Q: Is there driving work around Southampton's docks?
The port moves a lot of freight: ABP describes Southampton as the UK's number one vehicle handling port, with 600,000 vehicles a year, and DP World runs the container terminal, served by 23 container trains a day. ABP says the port supports 45,600 jobs. Once you qualify, we offer introductions to our employer network.
Q: Can I get funding for HGV training in Southampton?
Possibly, depending on your circumstances. Skills Bootcamps are run by local areas in 2026/27, so what is on offer depends on where you live, and some routes are free for eligible adults. Our funding page sets out each route.
Q: How is training priced for Southampton?
You can see course prices on our pricing page. For the Southampton area we confirm your full all-in price in writing, DVSA test fees included, along with the school, test centre and dates, before you pay anything. The Full Package also covers booking your D4 medical at an approved clinic near your home.
Local Support
Fill in your contact info below. One of our regional driver advisors will get in touch to book your local D4 medical and theory access.
Serving Local Districts
Training, testing and paperwork for Southampton drivers
Where you take the practical test
Southampton LGV, about 8 miles by road. Southampton LGV is at Botley, east of the city, and tests lorries and buses only, while Southampton (Maybush) tests cars. The next lorry and bus option is Poole, about 35 miles by road via the M27 and A31, and your centre is confirmed in writing at booking.
Getting to us from Southampton
Training is arranged one-to-one with an approved partner school near you, so you are not travelling to our Kent centre. Southampton LGV, where you test, is about 8 miles from the city centre, out along the A3024 and A334.
The roads Southampton drivers work
The M27 just north of the city, the M271 spur to the Western Docks, the M3 towards London, and the A3024 and A334 east towards Botley.
Who is hiring near Southampton
ABP describes Southampton as the UK's number one vehicle handling port, processing 600,000 vehicles a year, and DP World runs the five-berth container terminal. Bluestar, part of Go-Ahead's Go South Coast, took over First's Southampton bus services in February 2023 and also runs Unilink for the University of Southampton.
Towns and villages around Southampton we train drivers from
Eastleigh, Totton, Hedge End, Botley, Chandler's Ford, Woolston, Bitterne, Netley, Romsey, Marchwood and the surrounding villages. Call 01634 907 229 and we will confirm your postcode in a minute.