There’s something electric about the first day of training. New uniform. New lanyard. The smell of diesel faint in the air. If you’re preparing to train at an HGV driver training centre like CTT, you might be feeling a mix of nerves and anticipation. And that’s exactly how it should be.
To ease the pressure and answer a few questions you may not want to ask out loud, here’s a no-nonsense guide to what actually happens on day one.
You’ll Be Welcomed Properly
We don’t throw people into the deep end here. You’ll be greeted by your instructor, shown around the training site, and introduced to your group if you’re not doing one-to-one. Expect friendly faces, a bit of banter and yes, probably a safety briefing or two. First impressions matter. We want you to feel at home.
Paperwork Comes First
Before you even touch a steering wheel, there’ll be a bit of admin. Nothing too taxing. Just confirming your details, checking your licence and medical, and making sure all documents are in order.
If you’re taking your training with CTT, we’ll guide you through anything unclear. We’ve helped hundreds through this bit before their first proper lesson even begins.
Meet Your Vehicle
Depending on your licence category, you’ll be introduced to the truck you’ll be training in. This is usually a big moment for learners. The first time behind the wheel of something that doesn’t feel like a car, van or pickup.
You’ll learn where everything is. The mirrors, gear pattern, tachograph unit, controls, blind spots. It’s not a test. It’s a conversation.
Your First Practical Lesson
Let’s be clear. You won’t be thrown into rush-hour traffic with an 18-tonne lorry before you’re ready.
Your instructor will start slow. Usually in a controlled area like a yard or quiet road. You’ll begin learning the basics of:
- Vehicle checks
- Starting and stopping smoothly
- Using mirrors and observation techniques
- Basic reversing
The Theory Sneaks In Too
Even on day one, there’ll be talk of the rules. Driver hours, tachographs, signage, hazard awareness. You might not be sitting down for a full theory lesson yet, but these conversations are part of the process.
And it helps. Because when you learn something while doing it, it sticks.
The Breakroom is Where the Magic Happens
Every HGV driver training centre has a version of it. The place where the kettle boils, biscuits circulate and drivers swap stories. Don’t underestimate the value of that tea break. It’s where you’ll hear tips, settle your nerves and start building the confidence that will carry you through the course.
What You Won’t Do Yet
Let’s bust a few myths. On day one, you probably won’t:
- Drive on motorways
- Practice coupling or uncoupling
- Do your reversing test
- Sit any official exams
You’ll Finish Tired but Buzzing
By the end of your first day, your brain will feel like it’s done 50 laps around the M25. That’s normal. You’ll be absorbing new skills, unfamiliar terms, spatial awareness, mirror use, road position. It’s a lot.
But you’ll also go home with that rare feeling. The sense that you’ve started something meaningful. That you’re stepping into a profession with real weight and responsibility.
Your Instructor is Your Co-Pilot
At CTT, our instructors are industry veterans. Some have decades behind the wheel. Others came into training because they loved the job so much they wanted to help others get started.
They’ll adapt to your learning style. Fast or slow. Visual or hands-on. Your success is their mission.
The Big Picture
Training to be an HGV driver is more than passing a test. It’s stepping into a new kind of independence. A new career. A new way of life.
And your HGV driver training centre is where it all begins. The first day sets the tone, but the journey is just getting started.
If you would like to start your training journey to become a commercial driver, please see our training courses here. If you have any questions or require any more information about what we can offer here at CTT, please see our information pack, or fill out our online contact form.