Best HGV Training in Cobham — GS Driver Training
If you live in Cobham and want a fast, reliable route to your HGV licence, you’re in the right place. GS Driver Training delivers structured, confidence-building HGV courses a short hop from Cobham at Dunsfold Aerodrome, Stovolds Hill, Cranleigh, GU6 8TB. We blend smart theory prep with focused, hands-on driving time so you pass sooner, drive safer, and step into better-paid work across logistics, construction, emergency services, utilities and more.
Below, you’ll find everything you need to know to choose the best HGV training near Cobham—from course options and timelines to travel directions and what the test day feels like.
Courses we run
- Cat C (Class 2) — rigid lorries
- Cat C+E (Class 1) — articulated lorries
- Cat C1 / C1+E — 3.5–7.5t & trailer (ideal for ambulances/horseboxes)
- D1 (Minibus)
- B+E (Car & Trailer)
- Driver CPC — Initial (Modules 2 & 4) + 35-hour Periodic
- Shunter, Banksman & Forklift (business clients)
Why drivers from Cobham choose GS Driver Training
Results you can feel, not just read. We teach you the exact techniques examiners want to see, and we practise them until they’re second nature. You get clear targets each lesson, immediate feedback, and a plan for your next session. The outcome? Calm test days and cleaner passes.
Modern vehicles and realistic routes. Train in well-maintained trucks with excellent visibility. We use the same kinds of roads—and the same reversing layout—as you’ll face in your Module 3a (off-road) and Module 3b (on-road) tests, so nothing on the day comes as a surprise.
Flexible packages that fit real lives. Choose 16 / 20 / 24 hours of practical training (or ask for a custom plan). We run weekday, weekend and intensive options, so you can keep earning while you upgrade your licence.
Start-to-finish support. From medical and provisional paperwork to theory prep, CPC modules, and booking your tests—we’ll guide you through every step.
Location made easy. Dunsfold Aerodrome sits south of Guildford; from Cobham you can be on site in about 35–45 minutes by car (traffic-dependent). Trains and buses work too (details below).
Which HGV/LGV licence do you need?
Not sure where to start? Use this quick guide:
- Category C (Class 2) — Rigid lorries over 7.5t.Best first step for new HGV drivers; huge range of local and regional jobs.
- Category C+E (Class 1) — Articulated lorries with trailer over 750 kg.Top earnings and national/continental work; add this after Cat C or go direct if eligible.
- Category C1 — Vehicles 3.5–7.5t (ambulances, small trucks, horseboxes).Great for NHS, patient transport, utilities and specialist roles.
- Category C1+E — C1 vehicle plus trailer over 750 kg.Ideal for heavier horseboxes and specialist towing.
- D1 (Minibus) — 9–16 seats.For schools, community transport, private hire and charities.
- B+E (Car & Trailer) — For heavier towing combinations.Perfect for caravans, plant trailers and commercial towing.
If you’re unsure which path suits your goals, call us and we’ll map a route that matches your target role, timescale, and budget.
The GS training flow — simple, structured, and stress-free
1) Medical & provisional
Book your HGV medical, complete the DVLA forms (D2, D4), and add the right provisional entitlement to your licence. We’ll point you to reputable clinics and help you avoid common form errors.
2) Theory & Hazard Perception (and Module 2 if you need Initial CPC)
We’ll set you up with mock tests, hazard clips, and a smart revision plan. If you’re new to professional driving, you’ll also complete Module 2 (Case Studies) for Initial CPC.
3) Practical training (your package: 16 / 20 / 24 hours)
You’ll learn:
- Vehicle checks and examiner-style safety questions
- Smooth control (gearing, observation links, mirrors-signal-manoeuvre)
- Urban, rural and motorway driving with real-time commentary coaching
- Reverse to the box and uncouple/recouple (for C+E, Module 3a)
- Independent driving and route planning under test conditions
4) Testing
- Module 3a (off-road reverse + uncouple/recouple for C+E)
- Module 3b (on-road driving assessment)
- Module 4 (practical demonstration) if you’re completing Initial CPC
We schedule your training so you hit your peak on test day—no long gaps, no last-minute panics.
Driver CPC — what you need and when
- Initial CPC (Modules 2 & 4) is required if you plan to drive for hire or reward and you don’t already hold acquired rights. We’ll build Modules 2 & 4 into your package and train you for the load security, legal compliance, and safety demonstrations examiners expect.
- Periodic CPC (35 hours every 5 years) keeps your Driver Qualification Card (DQC) current if you already work professionally. Choose weekday or weekend modules; we’ll help you plan your hours well before expiry.
HGV Training in Cobham Course packages and what’s included
We’ll recommend 16 / 20 / 24 hours based on an assessment drive or a quick phone consultation.
Every practical course includes:
- One-to-one (or very small group) tuition in our training vehicles
- Reverse area practice and full on-road mock tests
- Test-day hire of the training vehicle
- Feedback after every session and a personal action plan
Add-ons you can bundle:
- Theory & Hazard Perception prep materials and mock exams
- Module 2 & 4 coaching for Initial CPC
- Extra hours if you want more polish before test day
Tip: If you already drive vans or larger rigids for work, a 16-hour package might be enough for Cat C. If you’re newer to big vehicles or progressing to C+E, 20–24 hours often gives you the margin you want to feel calm and precise on test.
How long will it all take?
Timelines vary with DVLA processing and theory test availability, but here’s a realistic range:
- Admin & medical: 2–4 weeks (often faster with quick booking)
- Theory prep & pass: 1–3 weeks, depending on study time
- Practical training & tests: 1–2 weeks per category once theory is passed
If you’re in a hurry, ask about intensive blocks. We’ll prioritise back-to-back training and book the earliest practical dates we can secure.
Getting to us from Cobham (quick, clear directions)
Training Centre:GS Driver Training, Dunsfold Aerodrome, Stovolds Hill, Cranleigh, GU6 8TB
By car (≈35–45 mins, traffic-dependent):
- Take the A3 south towards Guildford.
- Exit for Guildford and continue to the A281 towards Horsham/Cranleigh.
- Turn left onto Stovolds Hill and follow signs for Dunsfold Aerodrome.
- Enter via the main gate and follow the directions we’ll send in your joining email.
By train + taxi:
- Cobham & Stoke d’Abernon → Guildford (South Western Railway), then taxi ~20–25 mins to Dunsfold Aerodrome.
Bus Route (then short taxi):
- Cobham → Guildford bus station, change for Cranleigh, then a short taxi to the aerodrome.
Services change—check live timetables before you travel, especially at weekends.
What your lessons feel like (day by day)
Day 1: Set-piece skills. You master walk-around checks, cabin drills, precise observations, and smooth control. We build early wins to boost confidence.
Day 2: Reverse box and tight-space control. You’ll practise the exact Module 3a layout repeatedly until it’s consistent. We layer in urban hazards and roundabout planning.
Day 3: Higher-speed polish and independent driving. You link mirrors, speed choice, and positioning across rural and dual-carriageway routes, then run a full mock test.
Day 4: Top-up and tactical rehearsal. We tie off weak spots, rehearse show-me/tell-me style questions, and fine-tune for your examiner’s local preferences.
Test day: Your instructor will settle nerves, review key points, and handle the logistics so you can focus on delivering the drive you’ve already practised.
HGV Training in Cobham Common questions from drivers
Can I jump straight to C+E?If you already hold Cat C, yes—you can upgrade to C+E with a targeted course. If you’re brand new, most learners take Cat C first and then add C+E for the best job options and pay.
Do I need CPC to start training? No. You can learn and take your tests without CPC. You only need Driver CPC if you plan to drive professionally (for hire or reward). We can add Initial CPC Modules 2 & 4 to your package.
What if I’ve been driving vans for years?Great—your road sense will help. We’ll focus on observation links, mirror discipline, speed control, and reverseaccuracy at HGV scale.
Do you offer evening or weekend lessons?Yes. We run evening, weekend and intensive schedules. Tell us your availability and we’ll build a plan.
What about car & trailer (B+E)?We run B+E for professional towing and larger caravans. Even though many drivers now have greater towing allowances, training gives you the skill, not just the entitlement.
Career outcomes — why now is a great time to qualify
Logistics keeps Britain moving, and skilled HGV drivers stay in demand. With Cat C you can step into multi-drop, utilities, refuse, and construction roles. Add C+E and you unlock trunking, supermarket RDCs, tanker and container work. C1 opens doors to NHS patient transport and specialist fleets; D1 suits schools and community transport.
The sooner you qualify, the sooner you:
- Increase your earning potential
- Broaden your job choices (local, regional, national)
- Build stability in a sector that needs dependable, well-trained drivers
How to choose the best HGV course (and avoid the common traps)
- Check what’s included. Does the price cover vehicle hire on test day, reverse area practice, and mock tests? Ours does.
- Ask about class sizes. Small groups or one-to-one time accelerate progress.
- Look for realistic timelines. Too-good-to-be-true promises usually are.
- Match the package to your background. An honest provider will recommend 16 / 20 / 24 hours based on an assessment, not upsell you blindly.
- Confirm support for CPC. If you need Initial or Periodic CPC, it’s easier to sort it in one place.
We’re happy to give straight answers—call, tell us your situation, and we’ll map out the most efficient route from Cobham to qualified.
Ready to get started?
Call: 01252 447808Email: sales@gsdrivertraining.com Train at: GS Driver Training, Dunsfold Aerodrome, Stovolds Hill, Cranleigh, GU6 8TB
Tell us:
- Your current licence (and any entitlements)
- The licence you want (C, C+E, C1, D1, B+E)
- When you’d like to train (weekdays/weekends/intensive)
We’ll recommend the right 16 / 20 / 24-hour package (or a custom plan), book your first date, and send joining info with directions from Cobham.
In one line…
Train smart, pass first, and drive better—choose GS DriverTraining for the best HGV training near Cobham.