--- title: "Your Practical Training: What to Expect (Cat CE - Direct Access)" description: Begin Category C+E practical training with LGV Trainers. Master vehicle control, daily checks, and on-road driving to pass your DVSA test in 9 days. image: https://www.lgvtrainers.co.uk/hubfs/LGV%20Trainers.webp --- [Sheaf Close, Northampton, NN5 7UL](https://maps.app.goo.gl/EgGE8enWmyTRnPEA8) [01604 250045](tel:+01604%20250045) [help@lgvtrainers.co.uk](mailto:help@lgvtrainers.co.uk) [Sheaf Close, Northampton, NN5 7UL](https://maps.app.goo.gl/EgGE8enWmyTRnPEA8) [01604 250045](tel:+01604%20250045) [help@lgvtrainers.co.uk](mailto:help@lgvtrainers.co.uk) [![LGV-Trainers-Logo](https://www.lgvtrainers.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/LGV-Trainers-Logo.webp?width=400&height=50&name=LGV-Trainers-Logo.webp "LGV-Trainers-Logo")](https://www.lgvtrainers.co.uk/) [![LGV-Trainers-Logo](https://www.lgvtrainers.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/LGV-Trainers-Logo.webp?width=400&height=50&name=LGV-Trainers-Logo.webp "LGV-Trainers-Logo")](https://www.lgvtrainers.co.uk/) - [About](https://www.lgvtrainers.co.uk/about-lgv) - [Our Test Centre](https://www.lgvtrainers.co.uk/our-test-centre) - [Practical Training](https://www.lgvtrainers.co.uk/practical-training) - 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Direct Access) by [LGV Trainers](https://www.lgvtrainers.co.uk/blog/author/lgv-trainers) 2 min read Jan 20, 2026, 10:00:00 AM 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. - Recent - Topics - Archive Recent Topics Archive - [January 2026 (3)](https://www.lgvtrainers.co.uk/blog/archive/2026/01) ### Subscribe by email Share this [Share on X](https://x.com/intent/post?url=https://www.lgvtrainers.co.uk/blog/your-practical-training&text=Your+Practical+Training%3A+What+to+Expect+%28Cat+CE+-+Direct+Access%29) [Share on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.lgvtrainers.co.uk/blog/your-practical-training&t=Your+Practical+Training%3A+What+to+Expect+%28Cat+CE+-+Direct+Access%29) [Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.lgvtrainers.co.uk/blog/your-practical-training&t=Your+Practical+Training%3A+What+to+Expect+%28Cat+CE+-+Direct+Access%29) Next story [HGV Theory Test Survival Guide: How to Prepare and Pass with Confidence →](https://www.lgvtrainers.co.uk/blog/hgv-theory-test-survival-guide) ## You May Also Like These Related Stories [How to Choose the Right HGV Training Provider (And Avoid Costly Mistakes)](https://www.lgvtrainers.co.uk/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-hgv-training-provider) ![How to Choose the Right HGV Training Provider (And Avoid Costly Mistakes)](https://www.lgvtrainers.co.uk/hubfs/Images/LGV-Trainers-banner-40-1024x640.webp) ### How to Choose the Right HGV Training Provider (And Avoid Costly Mistakes) Jan 22, 2026, 11:30:01 AM 3 min read [HGV Theory Test Survival Guide: How to Prepare and Pass with Confidence](https://www.lgvtrainers.co.uk/blog/hgv-theory-test-survival-guide) ![HGV Theory Test Survival Guide: How to Prepare and Pass with Confidence](https://www.lgvtrainers.co.uk/hubfs/Images/cpc-periodic-banner-1024x640-2.webp) ### HGV Theory Test Survival Guide: How to Prepare and Pass with Confidence Jan 21, 2026, 2:09:12 AM 2 min read ### No Comments Yet Let us know what you think [![LGV-Trainers-Logo](https://www.lgvtrainers.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/LGV-Trainers-Logo.webp?width=400&height=50&name=LGV-Trainers-Logo.webp "LGV-Trainers-Logo")](https://www.lgvtrainers.co.uk/) Sheaf Close, Lodge Farm Ind Est, Northampton,  NN5 7UL **Tel:** [01604 250045](tel:01604%20250045) **Email:** [help@lgvtrainers.co.uk](mailto:help@lgvtrainers.co.uk) About - [About LGV](https://www.lgvtrainers.co.uk/about-lgv) - [Our Test Centre](https://www.lgvtrainers.co.uk/our-test-centre) LGV Training - [Practical Training](https://www.lgvtrainers.co.uk/practical-training) - [Additional Training](https://www.lgvtrainers.co.uk/additional-training) - [CPC](https://www.lgvtrainers.co.uk/cpc) Resources - [News](https://www.lgvtrainers.co.uk/blog) - [FAQs](https://www.lgvtrainers.co.uk/faqs) - [Recently Qualified](https://www.lgvtrainers.co.uk/recently-qualified) Copyright © 2026 LGV Trainers. 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