Fast-Track HGV Training in Kent: How Quickly Can You Qualify?

The driving part of an HGV licence is quick. Class 2 takes 5 days of training with us, and you can go from a car licence to Class 1 in 8. What decides how fast you qualify is the paperwork that comes first: the medical, the provisional licence and the theory tests. Get those moving early and a fast-track course really is fast.

How long each course takes

All of our training is one-to-one, on consecutive days, and our licence courses are priced all in, with VAT and your DVSA practical tests included.

• Car to Class 1 (C+E): 8 days, 28 hours one-to-one, £2,826
• Class 2 (C): 5 days, 18 hours one-to-one, £1,764
• Class 1 upgrade (C to C+E): 5 days, 18 hours one-to-one, £1,829
• PCV bus and coach (D): 5 days, £1,829
• C1 7.5 tonne: 3 days, £875
• D1 minibus: 5 days, £1,829

Going straight to Class 1 is also the faster and cheaper route if you want artic work. Doing Class 2 and then the upgrade comes to £3,593, so Car to Class 1 saves you £767 and one whole course.

The steps you cannot skip

Every new lorry driver goes through the same steps, whoever they train with:

1. D4 medical. A doctor or medical provider fills in the D4 form. See our D4 medical guide.
2. Provisional entitlement. You send the D2 application to DVLA with your D4. Our D2 form guide covers it.
3. Theory tests. The multiple choice and hazard perception parts, plus the Driver CPC case studies if you will drive for a living. See where to take your theory test in Kent.
4. Practical training and tests. Your one-to-one course, then the off-road exercises and on-road driving test at Gillingham.
5. Driver CPC Module 4. The practical demonstration test, which you need to drive professionally. It is included in our Class 2 and Car to Class 1 prices.

Where the time actually goes

For most people the longest wait is DVLA processing the provisional application, followed by finding theory test dates that suit. The training itself is a single block of days. A few habits make a real difference:

• Book your D4 medical in your first week, and post the D2 as soon as you have the completed D4.
• While DVLA is processing, start revising. Revision does not need to wait for your licence to come back.
• When your entitlement arrives, book both parts of the theory test on the same day, and book Part 2 at the same time if you need it.
• Call us as soon as you have a theory date, so your training and practical test can be lined up behind it.

Our guide to how long it takes to become an HGV driver puts typical timings on each step.

How we keep things moving

• We help with every step. The D4 medical, the provisional licence and the theory tests trip a lot of people up. We explain each one and help you book them in the right order.
• We book your practical test. Your training days are planned to finish with your test at the Gillingham DVSA test centre.
• Consecutive days. Training days usually start at 6am or 10am and run for around four hours of one-to-one driving, so you are not waiting weeks between lessons.
• One learner, one instructor, one truck. You never share the cab or sit in the back waiting your turn. Every hour you pay for is your time at the wheel.

Fast, without cutting corners

Be wary of anyone promising a licence by a fixed date. Test dates, DVLA and your own progress all play a part, and nobody can honestly guarantee them. A good fast-track course is quick because it is organised, not because it skips anything. Ask any school whether the training is one-to-one, whether you train on full-size vehicles, and whether the price includes your tests. Ours ticks all three, and our Price Match Guarantee sits behind every course.

Learners from all over Kent

Everyone trains at our centre at Sittingbourne Logistics Park and takes their test at Gillingham. Learners come to us from Rochester and Strood, Chatham, Maidstone, Sheppey, Faversham, Margate and Thanet, Dover, Tonbridge and further afield. Pick your town for local directions and answers, or see HGV training across Kent.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get an HGV licence in a week?

The practical Class 2 course is 5 days, but the medical, the provisional licence and the theory tests have to come first. Plan on a few weeks overall, and much less if you start the paperwork straight away.

Does fast track cost more?

Not with us. Our courses are priced all in and the days run back to back as standard.

Do I need Driver CPC?

If you will drive a lorry for a living, yes. That means the Part 2 case studies test and the Part 4 practical demonstration. Read what Driver CPC is for the detail.

Can I spread the cost?

Yes. Spread the cost with Snap Finance, subject to status.

Ready to start?

Call 01795 667 008 and we will tell you which licence suits the work you want, give you an all-in price and map out your dates. Lines are open 8am to 10pm, seven days a week.