Changing LanesLimited

Training academy

HGV training that employers trust

We combine regulated licence preparation with professional driver behaviour: punctuality, safe custody of freight, communication, fatigue management, respectful conduct and incident reporting.

Who the programme is for

An eight-week blended programme for adults who normally hold a full category B (car) licence and are progressing through an approved HGV pathway. It combines licence preparation with the responsibility, freight stewardship and workplace behaviour employers expect.

Entry requirements

  • Normally aged 19 or over
  • Normally hold a full category B (car) driving licence
  • Live in England and meet the local funding authority's residency rules, if applying for a funded place
  • Able to pass the HGV driver medical (we help you arrange it)
  • Willing to commit to attendance, punctuality and professional conduct standards

The official licence route

The statutory route for a first-time professional driver includes a provisional HGV entitlement and the applicable Driver CPC tests. Our programme prepares you for each stage; the tests themselves are booked with and marked by DVSA.

  1. D4 medical and provisional HGV entitlement
  2. Part 1 theory (multiple choice and hazard perception)
  3. Part 2 Driver CPC case studies
  4. Part 3a off-road manoeuvres
  5. Part 3b on-road driving
  6. Part 4 Driver CPC practical demonstration

Which off-road and on-road tests you take depends on your licence pathway, agreed with you before you start:

  • Direct C+E — From a car licence straight to the articulated (C+E) category — our usual pathway for new drivers.
  • Category C — The rigid-lorry category only, for roles that do not need an articulated licence.
  • Staged: C, then C+E — Category C first, then a second off-road and on-road test pair for C+E when you are ready.

Drivers then complete 35 hours of periodic Driver CPC training every five years to remain qualified.

What you will learn — eight modules

Module 1

Professional driver identity

Explain legal duties, employer expectations and the consequences of unsafe or dishonest conduct.

Module 2

Road safety and theory

Apply road rules, hazard awareness and safe planning to HGV scenarios.

Module 3

Vehicle and load

Complete checks, identify defects, secure loads and protect goods in transit.

Module 4

Time and fatigue

Use drivers' hours and tachograph principles; recognise fatigue and escalate risk.

Module 5

Safeguarding and dignity

Recognise concerns involving learners, colleagues, customers or vulnerable people and report them correctly.

Module 6

Communication and etiquette

Communicate calmly at depots, customer sites, roadside checks and incidents.

Module 7

Practical driving

Demonstrate safe control, observation, manoeuvring and road positioning.

Module 8

Employment readiness

Present verified credentials, understand a vacancy and perform in an interview.

How we assess

  • Short lessons with a question check before you move on.
  • Timed mock tests from controlled question banks.
  • An 80% working pass mark for internal checks, followed by support and a fresh attempt when needed.
  • Tutor review when attendance, progress or identity checks raise concern.
  • A final programme assessment and a QR-verifiable completion certificate.
  • Reasonable adjustments, an appeal route and human review of any automated flag.