Best HGV Training in Eastleigh (Direct-Access C+E, C, C1, D1/D1+E & CPC)
If you’re based in Eastleigh, Chandler’s Ford, Bishopstoke, Hedge End or Southampton, and you want a calm, professional route to your HGV or minibus licence, GS Driver Training is a smart choice. We teach on modern, well-maintained vehicles, follow real test routes, and manage the whole journey—medical, DVLA provisional, theory prep, Module 3a reverse & couple/uncouple, Module 3b on-road, Initial & Periodic CPC—so you can focus on building the consistent driving habits that examiners and employers love.
Train at: GS Driver Training, Dunsfold Aerodrome, Stovolds Hill, Cranleigh, GU6 8TB
Call: 01252 447808
Email: Sales@gsdrivertraining.com
Web: gsdrivertraining.com
Why Eastleigh learners choose GS Driver Training
- Go straight to Class 1 (C+E). You no longer have to pass Cat C first. Our fast-track direct-access C+E puts you in an artic from day one, saves re-training time, and builds trailer skills earlier.
- Course hours that match your starting point. For C+E we offer 24, 28, 32, 36, and 40-hour options. We’ll recommend the shortest block that still gets you comfortably test-ready—no upsell.
- Test-ready, job-ready coaching. We embed the habits examiners reward: mirror rhythm, positioning, speed & space planning, clean couple/uncouple, safe load awareness, and calm, timely decisions.
- Everything under one roof. D4 medicals, DVLA forms, targeted theory support, 3a/3b tests, Initial CPC (Modules 2 & 4) and 35-hour Periodic CPC—sensibly sequenced so you keep momentum.
- Schedules that fit real life. Evenings, weekends, and intensives—ideal if you’re commuting from Eastleigh, Chandler’s Ford, Totton, Romsey, or Southampton.
- Modern training fleet. Smooth gearboxes, predictable braking and excellent visibility help you lock in safe technique and deliver a tidy drive on test day.
Courses We Run (And How We Teach Them)
Category C+E (Class 1 — Articulated) Direct Access
Best for: RDC trunking, supermarket networks, port runs, long-distance work. Built in:
- Module 3a (off-road): reference-point reverse plus a clean, consistent couple/uncouple routine.
- Module 3b (on-road): anticipation, lane discipline, spacing, rural & dual-carriageway polish, and composed hazard response.
- Professional finish: defect control, load awareness, paperwork routine, and a repeatable test-day plan.
- Pick your hours: 24 / 28 / 32 / 36 / 40 — we’ll steer you to the right block.
Category C (Class 2 — Rigid)
Best for: supermarket delivery, construction, council fleets, multi-drop.
Focus: roundabout strategy, urban hazard planning, lane discipline, stress-free manoeuvres, and dual-carriageway confidence.
Category C1 (3.5–7.5t)
Best for: ambulance/blue-light pathways, utilities, removals, horseboxes.
Focus: daily defect checks, tight-space control, smooth braking, safe loading, confident town/rural driving.
D1 (Minibus, 9–16 seats)
Best for: schools, care providers, charities, community transport.
Focus: passenger safety and accessibility, low-speed finesse, route planning, and legal compliance.
D1+E (Minibus + trailer)
Hour options: 8, 12, or 16 (based on experience).
You’ll master: legal limits, nose-weight and balance, trailer checks, coupling/uncoupling, bay reverse, and “train-length” awareness on the road.
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 5 years. Popular modules include drivers’ hours & WTD, city restrictions & low bridges, safe loading, fuel-efficient driving, road risk, and driver wellbeing.
Note: If you’ll drive for hire or reward, CPC is required. Not driving commercially? You may not need CPC—ask and we’ll confirm based on your plans.
Fast-Track to Class 1 (C+E) from Eastleigh
For many Hampshire learners, direct-access C+E is the efficient route:
- You skip the interim Cat C test.
- You build artic & trailer skills earlier.
- You train directly for the roles local fleets are hiring for (port & trunking/linehaul work).
Choose 24, 28, 32, 36, or 40 hours to match your experience, confidence, and desired pace. We keep things efficient—never bloated.
Your step-by-step path to a pass
- Plan & paperwork: Tell us your target licence and timeframe. We’ll book the D4 medical, handle provisional upgrades, and build a schedule that fits work and family.
- Theory—done right: Use focused materials and realistic mocks for multiple-choice and hazard perception. We flag the traps that commonly trip people up.
- Off-road pad (Module 3a): Learn a repeatable reverse with clear reference points. Practise couple/uncouple until it’s muscle memory—clean, safe, consistent.
- On-road polish (Module 3b): We refine a professional drive: mirror timing, positioning, planning, and measured decisions through town, rural routes, and dual carriageways.
- Test week—streamlined: We line up 3a, 3b, and CPC (if needed) to keep momentum. Expect a structured warm-up and a calm, predictable routine for nerves.
- Pass & progress: We’ll guide your next steps—CPC completion, employer expectations, and quick routes into work.
Skills that pass tests and impress employers
- Observation & anticipation you can sustain under pressure
- Speed & space management that avoids last-second scrambles
- Positioning discipline in busy towns and on fast roads
- Load awareness & stability to protect cargo and your record
- Defect checks & reporting so vehicles stay legal and safe
- Clear communication with banksmen, yards, customers, and the public
These habits lower test faults and reduce on-the-job incidents.
Getting to us from Eastleigh
By Car (Commuter-Friendly Route)
- From Eastleigh join the M3 north toward Basingstoke.
- Take the A31 (Hogs Back) toward Guildford/Farnham, then the A281 toward Cranleigh/Horsham.
- Turn onto Stovolds Hill for Dunsfold Aerodrome (GU6 8TB).
- Free on-site parking; we’ll share a pin-drop when you book.(Drive times vary with traffic and route; allow ~1h20–1h40.)
Alternative By Car
- Eastleigh → M27 east → M3 north → A31 → A281 → Stovolds Hill.
By Train + Taxi (often the simplest public-transport combo)
- Travel Eastleigh → Woking → Guildford (typical SWR connections).
- From Guildford station, a taxi to Dunsfold Aerodrome takes ~20–25 minutes.
By Bus
- Regular services run into Guildford and Cranleigh from surrounding towns.
- From Cranleigh village, a short taxi completes the trip.
- Weekend timetables can vary—check before you travel.
FAQs (Eastleigh)
Q. Do I need Cat C before C+E?
Ans: No—you can go straight to C+E. Choose 24/28/32/36/40 hours to match your starting point.
Q. How long will it all take?
Ans: That depends on the licence path, your schedule, and test dates. We offer evenings, weekends, and intensives to keep things moving.
Q. Is Driver CPC mandatory?
Ans: If you’ll drive for hire or reward, yes: Initial CPC, then 35 hours every five years. Not commercial? You may not need CPC—ask us.
Q. Can you help with theory?
Ans: Absolutely—structured study plans, mock tests, and instructor tips for a first-time pass.
Q. Reversing worries me—can you fix that?
Ans: Yes. We teach a clear, reference-point method on the 3a pad. Most learners relax after a few drills.
Q. Do you run D1+E?
Ans: Yes—8, 12, and 16-hour options. We’ll recommend the right one after a quick chat.
Q. Do you offer flexible payments?
Ans: Ask our team about current payment options.
Book your HGV training from Eastleigh today
Whether you need C1, Cat C, direct-access C+E (24/28/32/36/40 hrs), D1, D1+E (8/12/16 hrs) or Driver CPC, we’ll build a plan that fits your life and gets you test-ready with confidence.
GS Driver Training Dunsfold Aerodrome, Stovolds Hill, Cranleigh, GU6 8TB
Call: 01252 447808
Most-booked by Eastleigh learners:
- Direct-Access C+E — 24 / 28 / 32 / 36 / 40 hours
- Cat C (Class 2) — Rigid HGV
- Cat C1 — 3.5–7.5t (incl. ambulance)
- D1 (Minibus) & D1+E — 8 / 12 / 16 hours
- Driver CPC — Initial & 35-hour Periodic
Train smart. Pass first time. Drive a better future.