Gs Driver Training

Best HGV Training in Walton-on-Thames

Live in Walton-on-Thames and ready to earn your HGV or minibus licence? You’re in the perfect spot. GS Driver Training runs clear, confidence-building courses on modern vehicles at our Surrey base:

GS Driver Training, Dunsfold Aerodrome, Stovolds Hill, Cranleigh, GU6 8TB

We keep the journey simple: the right course, the right hours, the right coaching—so you pass cleanly and drive professionally from day one. You’ll train with calm, DVSA-registered instructors, practise on routes that feel like the real test, and leave with habits employers actually want.

Why Walton-on-Thames drivers choose GS Driver Training

Direct access to Class 1 (C+E): You do not need to pass Cat C first. Thanks to the current rules, you can book a fast-track C+E course and learn directly on an artic. That saves time, avoids duplication, and keeps your momentum.

Course lengths that match your experience: For C+E you can choose 24, 28, 32, 36, or 40 hours. We’ll recommend the shortest option that still gets you comfortably test-ready.

Practical, exam-ready coaching: We teach a repeatable routine—observation, planning, positioning, speed control, and hazard management—the exact things examiners look for and employers expect.

Everything under one roof: From medical and DVLA forms, to theory prepModule 3a (reverse & couple/uncouple)Module 3b (on-road), plus Initial CPC (Modules 2 & 4) and Periodic CPC—we keep the process tidy and joined up.

Flexible schedules: Evenings, weekends and intensives ensure your training fits family and work. We’ll map dates that actually work for you.

What’s changed: go straight to C+E

A lot of drivers still think you must pass Cat C before C+E. You don’t. If your goal is Class 1 work, start on an artic. You’ll learn the artic reverse from day one, build trailer awareness sooner, and avoid re-learning habits between vehicle types. For many Walton learners this is the quickest—and most cost-effective—route into a Class 1 job.

Fast-Track C+E options:

  • 24 hours – for confident drivers or recent Cat C holders.
  • 28–32 hours – our most booked blend: pad practice + thorough on-road polish.
  • 36–40 hours – best if large vehicles are new to you or you want extra repetition.

Courses popular with Walton-on-Thames learners

Category C1 (3.5–7.5t)

Perfect for ambulance, utilities, removals, small rigids and horseboxes.You’ll cover: daily walk-around checks, tight-space control, safe loading, smooth gear/brake work, town & rural routes, hill starts and eco-driving.

Category C (Class 2 – rigid)

Ideal for supermarket, construction, council and pallet networks.You’ll cover: observation rhythm, lane discipline, junctions & roundabouts, progressive braking, multi-lane work, pedestrian-heavy areas, urban flow and dual-carriageways.

Category C+E (Class 1 – articulated) – DIRECT ACCESS

Built in:

  • Module 3a (off-road): precise reverse into the box + a clean, consistent couple/uncouple routine.
  • Module 3b (on-road): anticipation, speed & space management, lane discipline, dual carriageways, rural sections and urban areas.
  • Professional habits: defect reporting, load awareness, tidy cab routine, and test-day mindset.

D1 (Minibus, 9–16 seats)

For schools, charities, care providers, sports teams and community transport.You’ll cover: passenger safety, accessibility, smooth low-speed driving, route planning, emergency procedures and compliance.

D1+E (Minibus + trailer) – 8 / 12 / 16-hour options

Pick the option that fits your start point.You’ll cover: legal limits & nose-weight, load balance, trailer checks, coupling/uncoupling, bay reverse, and on-road “train-length” awareness.

Driver CPC (Initial & Periodic)

  • Initial CPC: Module 2 Case Studies + Module 4 Practical Demonstration (load security, vulnerable road users, security, emergencies, documentation).
  • Periodic CPC: 35 hours every five years. Popular modules include drivers’ hours & WTD, city restrictions/low bridges, safe loading, fuel-efficient driving, road risk, and driver wellbeing.

Your training journey—step by step

1) Plan your route: Tell us your goal, deadline and experience. We’ll match you to the right licence and the right number of hours. If you’re job-hunting fast, we’ll prioritise the shortest realistic path.

2) Medical & paperwork: Get your D4 medical and provisional entitlements sorted quickly. We’ll help you avoid the admin snags that delay people.

3) Theory prep: Use focused materials and mock tests for multiple-choice and hazard perception. We target the typical pitfalls so you walk in confident.

4) Off-road pad (Module 3a): Train on an exam-style layout. We break the reverse into clear reference points, then build repetition until it’s automatic. You’ll also learn a tidy couple/uncouple sequence the examiners expect.

5) On-road coaching (Module 3b): Now we polish the professional drive. Expect work on mirror rhythm, positioning, speed planning, junction timing, roundabout strategy, and calm hazard response. Routes mirror the real exam feel.

6) Test week: We coordinate your 3a and 3b dates (and CPC if needed) to keep momentum. You’ll get a structured warm-up, last-minute tidy-ups, and a clear plan for test nerves.

7) Pass and progress: Then we add CPC if required and point you at next steps—CV polish, typical employer checks, and upgrade options later on.

What you’ll master (and why employers care)

  • Observation & anticipation – A mirror/shoulder-check rhythm that prevents critical faults.
  • Space & speed – Measured decision-making that keeps you and the load safe.
  • Positioning – Confident lane choice and stable placement in town, rural and dual-carriageway settings.
  • Load & stability awareness – Fewer incidents, less damage, better reputation.
  • Defect control – Daily checks that catch issues early and keep vehicles roadworthy.
  • Professional communication – Calm teamwork with banksmen, yard crews and the public.

These habits make the test easier—and make day-to-day work smoother.

Getting to us from Walton-on-Thames

By car (about 45–65 minutes, traffic-dependent):Head A244 toward Esher and join the A3 southbound for Guildford. Continue toward the A281 / Cranleigh, then follow signs for Dunsfold Aerodrome (GU6 8TB) via Stovolds Hill. There’s free parking on site.

By Train + Taxi (often the fastest public option):From Walton-on-Thames, connect via Woking or Surbiton to Guildford (South Western Railway). From Guildford station, a taxi to Dunsfold Aerodrome typically takes 20–25 minutes.

By Bus:Frequent services run into Guildford and Cranleigh. From Cranleigh village, a short taxi completes the trip to the aerodrome. Weekend timetables can vary, so check times before you travel.

We send joining instructions and a pin-drop once you’re booked.

FAQs for Walton-on-Thames learners

Q. Do I still need Cat C before C+E?

Ans: No. You can go straight to C+E on our fast-track pathway with 24, 28, 32, 36 or 40 hours of coaching.

Q. How long will the whole process take?

Ans: That depends on your licence category, schedule and test availability. We run evening, weekend and intensive options to keep things moving.

Q. Do I need CPC?

Ans: If you’ll drive for hire or reward, yes. Complete Initial CPC (Modules 2 & 4) and then 35 hours of Periodic CPCevery five years. If you won’t be driving professionally, you may not need CPC—ask us and we’ll confirm for your situation.

Q. Can you help with theory tests?

Ans: Absolutely. You’ll get targeted materials, mocks and instructor tips for both multiple-choice and hazard perception.

Q. How do you decide my course length?

Ans: We look at your experience, confidence, timeline and learning style. Then we recommend the shortest course that still gets you comfortably test-ready.

Q. What if reversing worries me?

Ans: We break the manoeuvre into simple reference points and a repeatable sequence. With a few drills most learners relax—the method does the heavy lifting.

Q. Do you offer D1+E?

Ans: Yes—D1+E (minibus + trailer) with 8, 12, and 16-hour options. We’ll steer you to the best fit after a quick chat.

Q. Can I pay in instalments?

Ans: We understand budgeting matters. Ask about current flexible payment options when you enquire.

A quick look at test content (no surprises)

  • Module 3a (off-road) – Reverse to a marked bay and perform a couple/uncouple under exam conditions. We practise on an exam-style pad and teach a tidy sequence.
  • Module 3b (on-road) – A varied route where examiners score observation, speed control, positioning, planning, mirror use, junctions, roundabouts and general safety. We coach a steady, professional drive—no drama needed.
  • Initial CPC – If you’re turning professional, we’ll schedule Module 2 (Case Studies) and Module 4 (Practical Demonstration) and show you exactly what to bring and how to present it.

What makes our coaching feel different

  • Calm instruction – We explain why not just what, so you fix mistakes faster.
  • Modern vehicles – Smooth gearboxes, predictable brakes and clean cabs help you focus.
  • Planned repetition – We repeat the right tasks in the right order so they stick.
  • Real-world focus – We teach habits that work on test day and on the job.
  • Honest feedback – You always know where you stand and what to polish next.

Ready to start your HGV training near Walton-on-Thames?

Let’s map your route, pick the right course length, and line up your tests. Whether you want C1Cat Cfast-track C+ED1D1+E (8/12/16 hours) or Driver CPC, we’ll build a plan that fits your life and gets you moving.

GS Driver Training Train at: Dunsfold Aerodrome, Stovolds Hill, Cranleigh, GU6 8TB

Call: 01252 447808

Email: Sales@gsdrivertraaining.com

Most-booked by Walton learners:

Train smart. Pass first time. Drive a better future.