C Rigid lorry

Rigid lorry

LGV Training for a C Licence (Rigid Lorry)

The Academy is the leading driver training provider in Northern Ireland. Our training centre is dedicated to providing comprehensive LGV training programs and supporting candidates throughout their journey to obtaining a C licence.

We equip aspiring drivers with the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to operate rigid-bodied vehicles safely and proficiently. With experienced instructors, modern facilities, and a focus on practical training, The Academy ensures that each student receives high-quality instruction to excel in their pursuit of a Category C licence.

Why choose The Academy for LGV training?

With a commitment to training excellence and industry expertise, The Academy has established itself as a leading provider of professional LGV training solutions in Northern Ireland.

We also have both manual and automatic lorries for practice, ensuring that students can gain experience with different transmission types as required.

With industry expertise, access to resources, and a strong dedication to providing comprehensive and up-to-date instruction, we have earned a reputation for delivering high-quality LGV training programmes that lead to driver success.

LGV training for the public and private sector

The Academy caters to both the public and private sectors, making our LGV training courses a development opportunity for individuals and businesses alike.

For individuals seeking LGV training, The Academy offers comprehensive programs that are designed to equip you with the necessary skills and qualifications to enter the professional driving industry. Whether it’s obtaining a Category C rigid lorry licence or progressing to a C + E Artic Lorry licence, we are able to provide the ideal driver training solution that meets your needs.

The Academy also collaborates with private companies to provide tailored training programs that address specific requirements and industry regulations. This specialised training equips drivers with the skills and knowledge needed to operate LGVs safely, adhere to legal standards, and optimise logistics and transportation operations.

What is the C licence entitlement?

The C licence entitlement, also known as the Class C or HGV Class 2 licence, is a category of driving licence that allows individuals to drive rigid commercial vehicles. The C Rigid Lorry Licence typically applies to vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) exceeding 3,500 kilograms. These vehicles are typically larger trucks, lorries, or other rigid-bodied vehicles used for transporting goods.

With a C Rigid Lorry Licence entitlement, holders are permitted to operate a wide range of rigid vehicles, including those with a single cab and a fixed cargo area. This licence does not permit individuals to drive lorry or truck vehicles with an attached trailer, as opposed to the C + E (Class C+E) licence, which allows for the operation of articulated or combination vehicles.

Why consider obtaining a C licence?

Holding a Category C licence opens up various employment opportunities in industries such as delivery, logistics, construction, and transportation. It allows you to work as a professional driver, transporting goods and materials in a rigid-bodied vehicle.

The Category C rigid licence can also serve as a foundation for further progression within the logistics industry. For those looking to drive larger or more specialised vehicles, such as articulated lorries or combination vehicles, a C licence is the first step towards this goal.

How to obtain a Category C licence?

You must be over the age of 18 and hold a standard driving licence before you can enrol in a Category C Licence, LGV training course. If you meet these initial requirements you can begin the process of applying for a provisional licence.

Applying for a provisional licence

A provisional licence will allow you to enrol in the LGV training course and start learning how to operate a rigid lorry vehicle. There are two parts to this application, check out the details below.
Attend a Medical (GP completes DLM1 form)
A medical needs to be performed by a registered GP, this ensures that you are in fit enough health to drive a rigid lorry. You can choose to complete this with your own GP, or The Academy can arrange one for you, at an additional cost.
Complete a DL2 form
You also need to complete a DL2 form and submit your provisional licence application to the DVA Coleraine. In this application, you should also include both parts of your existing licence, the DLM1 form and the application fee.

Once you receive your provisional Category C licence you can begin working your way through the modules.

CPC Card

In order to drive a rigid lorry for hire or reward, you need to obtain a CPC card, which is sometimes referred to as a DQC (Drivers Qualification Card). If you complete the four modules listed below, you will automatically receive this certification.

Module 1 (Theory Test and Hazard Perception Test)

Module 1 includes 2 parts, a theory test and a hazard perception test. You need to pass both in order to successfully complete the module. If you happen to fail one part, you can retake it without having to redo the other.
Theory Test (Module 1a)
You have 1 hour and 45 minutes in order to complete 100 multiple-choice questions. You need to answer at least 85 of these correctly in order to receive a pass.
Hazard Perception Test (Module 1b)
You need to identify the hazards as they appear on the screen. You will be shown 20 video clips and you need to score at least 67% in order to receive a pass.

Module 2 (CPC Case Study Test)

You will be shown different case studies that are based on real-life scenarios. You will need to answer 6 – 8 questions in each case study and demonstrate your response to these situations.

The Academy has developed an online learning platform that will help you prepare for these tests. This allows you to anticipate the style and format of these questions and practise them until you feel ready to sit the Module 1 and Module 2 examinations.

Module 3 (Practical Driving Test)

The practical driving test will be conducted under the supervision of a DVA examiner. They will assess your ability to drive a rigid lorry and you will be required to demonstrate; reversing manoeuvres, lane discipline, maintaining progress and uphill and downhill starts.

You also need to uphold a high level of safety awareness throughout your journey and a comprehensive understanding of how to operate a rigid lorry. The Practical Driving Test will last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Our team of expert driving instructors will provide you with the necessary skills, knowledge, and practical experience needed to drive a rigid lorry safely and effectively. We can also focus on the areas that you may find more challenging, and ensure that you feel confident to undergo the Practical Driving Test.

Module 4 (CPC Practical Demonstration Test)

examiner will ask you a set of ‘Show Me, Tell Me,’ questions, assessing your knowledge in relation to pre-use checks, passenger safety, vehicle maintenance, etc.

You must achieve at least 80% in order to successfully pass the module. Our team of driving instructors will ensure that you know what questions to expect and how to answer them correctly.

C1 licence training course

Includes: 
  • A medical with our GP (Arranged at our location in Mallusk)
  • Assistance with applying for your provisional licence.
  • Access to our online theory training platform for Modules 1 and 2.
  • 3 Theory tests booked on your behalf (Modules 1 (Theory/Hazard Perception) and 2 (CPC Case Study)
  • 5-Day Practical Driving course and final test on the 5th day.
  • 1-day Module 4 CPC course and test.

The Full Package ( Category C and CPC)

Get in touch with us and book your place for a Counterbalance Forklift Training course. The Academy upholds a commitment to training excellence and industry standards, which has made us the leading provider of forklift training courses across Northern Ireland.

Back-to-Back (Category C, Driver, CPC and C+E)

This is ‘the full Monty’ option and the one you need if you want to progress the whole way to Category C+E (Artic). It includes the above package, and once you have successfully passed Category C, you then return to complete an additional 5 days of training on Category C+E.

Category C Training (5 days practical driving)

If you have done your own medical, applied for your provisional licence and passed your theory tests (For Cat C1 and C only) then you will only need the 5-day driver training course and test in order to pass modules 3 and 4.

If you’re unsure of what package would be best suited to your needs, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us, we can help point you in the right direction and select an LGV training package that’s right for you.

Obtain your Category C licence

The Academy is one of the largest providers of LGV training in Northern Ireland and we tailor our courses with a local focus. Our training and testing can be completed at several locations around Northern Ireland. With us, you can expect industry-leading support from a team of fully qualified and knowledgeable driving instructors, helping you to obtain your Category C licence and progress in LGV driving.

Contact Us

Book Lorry Driver Training

Embark on a journey towards becoming a proficient lorry driver with our C Rigid Lorry Licence training. Our seasoned instructors provide hands-on training ensuring you master the operation and safety protocols essential for rigid lorry driving.

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