London is one of the UK's biggest employment hubs for HGV drivers, with thousands of logistics, construction, and distribution roles requiring qualified Class 1 and Class 2 licence holders. If you live in or around the capital and want to start a career in professional driving, this guide covers everything you need to know about HGV training in the London area — from DVSA test centres and training routes to the specific regulations that apply to lorry drivers operating in Greater London.
Why Train for Your HGV Licence Near London?
London and the South East account for a significant share of the UK's freight and logistics activity. Major distribution centres in Dartford, Purfleet, Enfield, and Croydon serve the capital's supply chain, while construction projects across the city create constant demand for tipper and mixer drivers. Training close to London means you can practise on the same roads you will eventually drive professionally, giving you a head start when it comes to navigating busy urban environments, multi-lane roundabouts, and tight delivery yards.
The South East also has some of the highest HGV driver salaries in the country. In 2026, newly qualified Class 2 drivers can expect to earn between £28,000–£35,000, while experienced Class 1 drivers can command salaries of £40,000–£55,000. Investing in HGV training near London puts you within easy reach of these higher-paying opportunities from day one. Furthermore, despite a recent reduction from a peak of 70,000+ in 2021, there remains a significant HGV driver shortage of approximately 18,000–25,000 in 2026, ensuring strong demand for qualified drivers.
DVSA Practical Test Centres Near London
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) operates several practical test centres in and around London where you can take your HGV driving test. The main centres used for LGV (large goods vehicle) tests include:
| Test Centre | Location | Distance from Central London |
|---|---|---|
| Enfield | Innova Business Park, Enfield EN3 | ~13 miles north |
| Croydon (New Addington) | Lodge Lane, New Addington CR0 | ~14 miles south |
| Park Royal | Western Avenue, Park Royal NW10 | ~7 miles west |
| Erith | Manor Road, Erith DA8 | ~15 miles south-east |
| Guildford | Merrow Lane, Guildford GU4 | ~30 miles south-west |
GS Driver Training is based at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey, which offers an ideal off-road training environment before you move onto public roads. Our location is approximately 40 miles south-west of central London, with excellent access via the A3 and M25. Many of our students travel from south and west London boroughs including Croydon, Kingston, Sutton, Richmond, and Wandsworth.
HGV Licence Categories Explained
Before booking training, it helps to understand which licence category you need. The two main HGV categories are:
| Category | Also Known As | What It Covers | Typical Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category C | Class 2, Rigid | Vehicles over 3,500 kg up to any weight (rigid body only) | 18-tonne rigid, 26-tonne tipper, 32-tonne rigid |
| Category C+E | Class 1, Artic | Category C vehicle plus a trailer over 750 kg | Articulated lorry, drawbar combination |
Most training providers recommend starting with Category C (Class 2) and then upgrading to C+E (Class 1) once you have some driving experience. However, it is possible to train for both categories back-to-back in an intensive course lasting around two weeks.
How to Get Your HGV Licence: Step-by-Step
The process for obtaining an HGV licence is the same whether you train in London or anywhere else in the UK. Here is the standard pathway for 2026:
- D4 Medical Examination — Visit your GP or an approved medical practitioner to complete the D4 medical form. This checks your eyesight, general health, and fitness to drive large vehicles. Expect to pay £50–£120.
- Provisional Entitlement — Apply to DVLA for provisional Category C entitlement on your driving licence using the D2 form.
- HGV Theory Test — Book and pass the three-part theory test. Our HGV theory test guide has more details. The costs are: Part 1a (multiple choice) £26, Part 1b (hazard perception) £11, and Part 2 (case studies) £23.
- Practical Training — Complete your practical training course with an approved provider like us.
- DVSA Practical Test (Part 3b) — Take and pass the practical driving test. The fee is £115 for a weekday test or £141 for an evening/weekend slot.
- Driver CPC Part 4 — Pass the final practical demonstration test. The fee is £55 for a weekday test or £63 for an evening/weekend. Find out more on our CPC Module 4 page.
HGV Training Costs in the London Area
HGV training costs vary, but at GS Driver Training, our prices are transparent. A Class 2 course starts from just £847 inc. VAT, while a Class 1 course starts from £1,497 inc. VAT. We also offer flexible finance options from as little as £30 per month to help spread the cost.
London-Specific Regulations for HGV Drivers
Driving an HGV in London comes with additional regulations. Be aware of the Direct Vision Standard (DVS), the Low Emission Zone (LEZ), the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), the Congestion Charge, and the London Lorry Control scheme. All these schemes have specific requirements and potential penalties for non-compliance.
GS Driver Training: Your Local HGV Training Provider
GS Driver Training is an award-winning, DVSA-recognised driver training school based at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey. Voted Best HGV Training Company for 7 consecutive years, our high pass rates and excellent reviews speak for themselves. We offer a full range of training courses, including specialist training like ADR and Driver CPC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do my HGV training in central London?
Most HGV training takes place on the outskirts of London. Our Surrey location provides a safe, controlled environment at Dunsfold Aerodrome for initial training, followed by on-road training on routes similar to those you will encounter professionally.
Do I need a special licence to drive an HGV in London?
You need the same HGV licence as anywhere else in the UK. However, your vehicle must have a valid Direct Vision Standard (DVS) safety permit to operate in Greater London.
How much does HGV training cost near London?
Costs vary, but GS Driver Training offers competitive pricing. Our HGV Class 2 training starts from £847 inc. VAT, and Class 1 from £1,497 inc. VAT, with finance options available.
Ready to start your new career as an HGV driver? Contact us today to find out more and book your course.