HGV training checklist: 12 questions to ask before you pay
Ask every provider the same questions, get the answers in writing, and you can compare quotes like for like. A genuine training school can answer all twelve straight away.
The training
- How many hours will I spend driving, and is it one-to-one? Cab hours are the most important number in any quote. Kent Class 2 courses we've checked give 15 to 24. On a shared course you drive about half of them. Why it matters.
- Where is the truck kept, and which test centre do you use? A school knows its own yard. A broker may not know until it has placed you.
- Who will my instructor be, and what's their experience? Lorry instructors don't have to be qualified or registered, so ask. Some join a voluntary register, such as the National Register of LGV Instructors.
- Can I have an assessment drive before I pay in full? It tells you how many hours you really need, and proves the school has a truck.
The price
- What exactly is included? The medical, theory tests (£37), CPC Module 2 (£23), practical tests (£155) and CPC Module 4 (£55). Anything missing, you'll pay separately.
- Is VAT included? A price "plus VAT" is 20% more on the training part.
- What does a retest cost, all in? The DVSA fee plus the truck and instructor for the day, unless retests are covered. Kent schools that publish one charge £427 to £495.
- How much is the deposit, and when is it refundable? Get the cancellation and refund terms in writing before you pay anything.
The support
- Who books my medical, theory tests and practical tests? Can you show me how? Some packages do it all for you; with others you're on your own. A provider that really runs it can show you the steps and who you'll deal with.
- Is there an app or course for the theory, hazard perception and CPC tests, and can I try it now? Otherwise you'll need to find and pay for study materials yourself. If they won't show it until you've paid, don't count it.
- Do you track my progress and support me between lessons? Ask what that looks like: a tracker you can see, or a phone number.
- Is there any help finding work once I pass? Which employers? Live jobs or named employers mean something. A guaranteed interview isn't a guaranteed job.
Then compare the answers
Put each quote through the quote checker. It adds whatever a quote leaves out, works out the cost per cab hour, and scores it out of 10 for value, so you can see which package gives you the most for your money.