Your Practical Training: What to Expect (Cat CE - Direct Access)

Starting your Category C+E (articulated lorry) practical training is an exciting and structured journey toward earning your HGV licence. This guide walks you through what to expect from Day 1 through to your test day, so you know exactly what will happen and can feel confident and prepared.  This is only a guide, we work at a pace that suits the individual and can adapt the schedule to your needs.

Course Overview

• Duration: Typically 9 days for Cat CE.
• Focus: Vehicle familiarisation, manoeuvres, on-road driving, daily vehicle checks, and test preparation.
• Goal: Develop safe, professional driving skills and pass your DVSA practical test.

Day 1 – Introduction and Vehicle Familiarisation

In the Office:

1. Welcome and site induction
2. Licence check and course registration
3. Outline of the programme

Break – 15 minutes

In the Yard:

1. Introduction to the vehicle
2. Understanding vehicle controls
3. Daily Vehicle Checks (DVC) demonstration
4. Slow manoeuvres in the yard – Part 3a test preparation

Focus: Confidence with the vehicle, safety checks, and initial manoeuvres.

Day 2 – Reversing and Basic Driving Skills

In the Yard:

1. Driver Daily Vehicle Check (including ‘Show Me, Tell Me’ questions)
2. Slow manoeuvres in the yard – Part 3a test preparation
3. Part 3a Reversing test

Break – 15 minutes

1. Driver Training Route
2. Driver Debrief

Focus: Reinforce manoeuvres, introduce on-road driving, and build safe reversing skills.

Days 3–7 – On-Road Training and Daily Checks

1. Driver Daily Vehicle Check (including ‘Show Me, Tell Me’ questions)
2. Driver Training Route
3. Driver Debrief

Break – 15 minutes

1. Driver Training Route
2. Driver Debrief

Notes: Lesson and route elements are recorded on the progress sheet and daily report.

Focus: Repetition and progression in real traffic environments to build professional driving confidence.

Day 8 – Mock Test and Refinement

1. Driver Daily Vehicle Check
2. Mock Test – ‘Show Me, Tell Me’ questions
3. Mock Practical Road Drive
4. Debrief from mock test

Break – 15 minutes

1. Address any faults found during the mock test
2. Driver Training Route

Focus: Identify any weak areas, fine-tune manoeuvres and road skills, and build confidence for test day.

Day 9 – Test Day

1. Driver Daily Vehicle Check
2. Final Driver Training Route prior to test
3. DVSA Part 3b Driving Test – 60-minute road drive
4. Examiner/Instructor debrief
5. Course closure and feedback

Focus: Demonstrate your skills under test conditions and complete your HGV journey with a successful pass.

Key Points for Success

• Daily Vehicle Checks: Consistently practicing these ensures safety and confidence.
• Instructor Feedback: Pay close attention during debriefs; it helps target areas for improvement.
• Progress Tracking: Each day builds on the last; stay focused and follow guidance.
• Confidence: Repetition and structured practice will prepare you fully for test day.

How LGV Trainers Supports You

• Structured lesson plans for each day of training
• Experienced instructors guiding every step
• Onsite yard for safe manoeuvre practice
• Mock test to identify and correct weaknesses
• Transparent guidance on progress and readiness for the DVSA test

Next Steps

If you’re ready to start your Cat CE practical training, contact LGV Trainers today to schedule your assessment and begin your structured training journey with confidence.