Anyone planning a career driving lorries needs to budget for more than driving lessons. The full cost covers a medical, theory tests, practical training, the driving test itself, and the Driver CPC qualification needed to drive professionally. TRS Training, UK, notes that most learners can expect to spend between roughly £1,800 and £3,400 in total, and the licence category is the biggest factor.
Provisional Licence and Medical Costs
Applying for a provisional HGV licence is free. Applicants send a D2 application form to the DVLA with a D4 medical report, which a doctor must complete. GP surgeries and private medical providers set their own fees for this examination, so prices vary. Some training packages include the medical and help with the application forms, which makes budgeting simpler.
Theory Test Fees
Learners must pass the theory tests before they can take the practical test. Booked through the official GOV.UK service, the multiple-choice test (part 1a) costs £26, the hazard perception test (part 1b) costs £11, and the Driver CPC case studies test (part 2) costs £23. That brings the theory stage to £60 before any revision materials. Unofficial booking websites often charge more for the same tests. A theory pass lasts two years, so delaying practical training too long can mean paying for the tests again.
Practical Training Costs by Licence Category
Training is the largest expense, and it depends on the licence. A Category C licence covers rigid lorries up to 32 tonnes. A Category CE licence covers articulated lorries up to 44 tonnes.
Typical published course prices include:
- Car to Category C: around £1,600 for a five-day course
- Category C to CE: around £1,700 for a five-day upgrade
- Car straight to Category CE: around £2,200 for five days, or closer to £2,900 for a nine-day course
Many providers include DVSA test fees in these prices, so check exactly what a quote covers. Longer courses cost more but give learners extra time behind the wheel before test day.
Practical Test Fees
Where test fees are not included, learners pay the DVSA directly. The on-road driving test (part 3b) costs £115 on weekdays and £141 on evenings, weekends and bank holidays. The off-road reversing test (part 3a) can cost up to £40 when taken with an approved test provider rather than the DVSA.
Driver CPC Module 4
Anyone planning to drive professionally must also complete the Driver CPC part 4 practical demonstration. The DVSA fee is £55 on weekdays or £63 at other times. Training for this module usually takes a few hours, and many providers sell it as an add-on to the main licence course.
Costs That Are Easy to Overlook
Several extra costs can push the total up. A failed test means paying for a retest, and often for additional training hours before the next attempt. Revision apps or theory courses add a small cost. Travel and accommodation can mount up over a full week of training if the nearest centre is far from home. Choosing an evening or weekend test slot also raises the fee.
Planning Your Budget Before You Book Training
A realistic budget starts with the licence category. Learners aiming for local delivery work can begin with Category C and upgrade later, spreading the cost over time. Taking C and then CE separately costs around £3,300 in training alone, compared with roughly £2,200 for a direct car to CE course. That makes the direct route better value for anyone already set on long-distance haulage. Instalment plans, employer-funded training and government-backed Skills Bootcamps can also reduce upfront costs. To see what each package includes, the TRS Training website is a useful next step.
TRS Training Ltd
+44 1744 809010
Unit 4 Micklehead Business Village
Sutton
St Helens
Merseyside
WA9 4YU
United Kingdom
