LGV and PCV driver training, for schools and individual drivers
I work alongside driving schools across Devon and Cornwall to get lorry (LGV) and bus (PCV) candidates test-ready across categories C1, C, C+E, D1, D and D+E, bringing three years' experience as a DVSA Vocational Examiner to every training day. I also train individual C1 drivers, including trainee paramedics, and D1 minibus drivers.
- Pricing
- Tailored quote on request
- LGV (lorry)
- C1 · C · C+E
- PCV (bus & minibus)
- D1 · D · D+E
- Background
- Former DVSA Vocational Examiner
- Examiner experience
- 3 years
- Works with
- Training schools, plus individual C1 & D1 drivers
An examiner's eye, on your candidates' side
I provide LGV and PCV practical driving training on behalf of driving schools across Devon and Cornwall — bringing candidates on as a school, and I do the training days that get them ready for their test.
LGV means large goods vehicles (lorries). PCV means passenger-carrying vehicles (buses, coaches and minibuses).
Driving a minibus for a school, charity or business? Take the free 2-minute D1 minibus licence check.
Preparing for test? Read what happens on the lorry and bus driving test.
Trained by a former examiner
Having sat on the other side of the test as a DVSA Vocational Examiner for three years, I know exactly what's being assessed and where candidates typically lose marks. That goes straight into how I coach — direct, focused on what the test requires, and built to make the exam feel familiar rather than intimidating.
Built for training schools
I work as an extra pair of hands for schools that need an experienced LGV or PCV trainer for candidate training days, rather than taking on more than they can resource in-house. You keep the relationship with your candidate; I deliver the training day.
Devon & Cornwall coverage
Based in Devon and available to travel across Devon and Cornwall to wherever your training vehicle and candidate are based.
Training to be a paramedic or ambulance technician?
Many ambulance trusts ask for C1, or provisional C1, on your licence because frontline ambulances can weigh more than 3.5 tonnes. Requirements vary between trusts, so check the person specification for the role you're applying for. NHS Health Careers explains more.
I'll train you for C1 from provisional licence to test day, in a hired vehicle that meets DVSA's test rules, so you don't need a lorry of your own.
What you need to know
- Passed your car test before 1 January 1997? Your licence probably already covers C1, up to 7.5 tonnes. Check the categories on your photocard first.
- If not, you'll need a D4 medical and a D2 application for provisional entitlement, then the theory and hazard perception tests before your practical test.
- The vehicle: training and your test take place in a hired C1 vehicle that meets DVSA's test rules, including a closed box body at least as wide and high as the cab. Hire cost is extra.
- Got access to a suitable vehicle already? We can use it, as long as it meets the test rules, has L-plates and is insured for a learner driver.
Need to drive a minibus instead? See D1 minibus training.
Read the step-by-step guide: C1 for trainee paramedics.
Training priced around your needs
Every booking is quoted individually, based on the vehicle category, the candidate's experience and the amount of training needed. Get in touch with your candidate's test date, vehicle category and preferred training dates, and I'll confirm availability and send you a quote.
- Trading as
- Abbott's Vocational Driver Training
- LGV (lorry)
- C1 · C · C+E
- PCV (bus & minibus)
- D1 · D · D+E
- Client type
- Driving & training schools
- Coverage
- Devon & Cornwall
- ICO registration
- ZC212008
Common questions
Which categories do you train?
C1, D1, C, D, C+E and D+E. Tell me the category your candidate is training for when you get in touch.
How much does training cost?
Every booking is quoted individually. Driving schools, tell me the category, test date and number of training days you need. Individual C1 and D1 drivers, tell me what you drive now and what you need to drive. I'll come back to you with a clear quote.
Do I need C1 to become a paramedic?
Often, but not always. Many ambulance trusts ask for C1 or provisional C1, while others provide driver training after you join. Check the person specification for the role, and NHS Health Careers has more detail. If you need C1, I can train you in a hired test vehicle. More about C1 for ambulance crews.
Can I book C1 or D1 training myself?
Yes. I train individual drivers for C1, including trainee paramedics, in a hired test vehicle, and D1 minibus drivers. Tell me what you drive now and what you need to drive, and I'll explain the steps.
Where do you work?
I'm based in Devon and travel across Devon and Cornwall to wherever your training vehicle and candidate are based.
How do we book a training day?
Use the contact form or call 07807 395913 with your candidate's test date, vehicle category and preferred training dates, and I'll confirm availability.
Are you looking to drive a minibus yourself?
If you're an individual driver or an organisation such as a school or charity, see D1 minibus training and take the free 2-minute licence check.
Need an experienced LGV or PCV trainer for a candidate?
Send over the test date and vehicle category and I'll let you know availability. I cover Exeter, Plymouth, Torbay, Newton Abbot and the rest of Devon and Cornwall.