HGV Class 1 Training in Southampton
HGV Class 1 (Category C+E) - Articulated Truck Training for learners across Southampton. 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 Southampton, we confirm the training centre and test centre before you book, and every DVSA test fee is included in the price.
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.
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 Eastleigh, Totton, Hedge End, Botley, Chandler's Ford, Woolston and the wider Hampshire area.
Your Pathway in Southampton
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 Southampton - FAQs
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 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 Southampton
Class 1 (Artic) in Southampton: the local picture
Container haulage from DP World's Southampton terminal is articulated work, and the M27 and M3 put Class 1 drivers on the routes to London and the Midlands.
Where you take the 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 you will be working
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.
What Southampton learners get
- Lorry Tests at Botley: Southampton LGV tests lorries and buses, about 8 miles by road from the city centre.
- Vehicle Port of the UK: ABP describes Southampton as the UK's number one vehicle handling port, with 600,000 vehicles a year.
- A School Near You: One-to-one lessons in a full-size vehicle with an approved partner school near you.
- Everything in Writing: School, instructor, test centre, dates and the all-in price, confirmed before you pay anything.
How far is the test centre from Southampton?
Your practical is at Southampton LGV, about 8 miles by road. 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. We book the test alongside your training dates, so you are not chasing DVSA slots yourself.
Do you cover my part of Hampshire?
Learners come to us from Eastleigh, Totton, Hedge End, Botley, Chandler's Ford, Woolston, Bitterne, Netley. 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.
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.
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. If your postcode is not on that list it almost certainly still works: call 01634 907 229 and we will confirm in a minute.