We provide expert Ambulance Driver Training
Achieving your ambulance driver’s licence is easy with HGV Training Network
Many JAUPT & DVSA endorsed training sites throughout Britain
Assistance in getting a job afterwards with Blue Arrow
Available slots in facilities across the UK
Among the highest pass rates
Intuitive online theory resources
Get In Touch Today
Is it time to switch to a more gratifying career? HGV Training Network provides comprehensive ambulance driver training, also known as emergency vehicle operator training. Our course provides you with the essential skills to become a confident driver.
Call 08002 545 007 to start your ambulance driver training today!
Why become an ambulance driver?
From intrinsic gratification to economic benefits, there are many reasons why you should consider becoming an ambulance driver in the UK.
A desire to help
Many individuals enter this profession for the sheer fulfilment of helping those in need during an emergency, offering essential patient care, and making a difference within their local community.
High job satisfaction
Many choose to drive ambulances as each day is different from the next, providing a wide range of challenges, and leading to greater job satisfaction.
Fantastic salaries
Ambulance drivers experience excellent financial rewards – an average ambulance salary can reach £30,000 per year or beyond.
How to become an ambulance driver?
If the prospect of becoming an ambulance driver appeals to you, you’ll need to be a qualified patient transport service driver, paramedic, emergency medical technician, or ambulance care assistant.
You’ll also be required to have excellent driving skills and hold a valid Category C1 licence, which you can find out more about below.
Ambulance Driver Licence (Cat C1)
The Category C1 licence (Cat C1) permits you to drive larger vehicles between 3,500kg and 7,500kg within the UK and Europe – ambulances fall under this category, so you need this licence to drive one.
You’ll need to embark on a practical driving course to earn this qualification. Here at the HGV Training Network, we provide professional ambulance driver training courses at a training centre near you.
Your training will involve both theoretical and practical training, culminating in a selection of theory and subsequent practical tests.
HGV theory tests
The first assessment you’ll need to pass is a theory test, that consists of two sections – a multiple-choice part to test your knowledge and understanding of the rules of the road, and a hazard perception test.
Hazard perception tests are designed to test your awareness and reactions to potential hazards on the road, helping to minimise accidents before they occur. Taking place on a computer, you’ll watch 19 interactive video clips from the driver’s perspective, clicking the screen as soon as a hazard occurs.
The practical test
Just like the standard practical driving test you completed when learning to drive a car, this part of your examination will test your practical driving skills whilst driving a Cat C1 vehicle.
You’ll have to demonstrate abilities such as:
- Hazard perception and awareness
- Emergency response driving
- Defensive driving
- Ambulance controls
- Reversing safely
This exam typically lasts around one hour.
Finally, you’ll also have to earn your Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC qualification) alongside your ambulance driver qualification. This is a legal requirement that can be achieved within 5 days at HGV Training Network.
Requirements to become an ambulance driver
To enrol on an ambulance driver training course with the HGV Training Network, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:
1. Hold a standard driving licence – You must already hold a standard car licence to start your professional driver training.
2. Be 18 years of age or older
3. Be medically sound – To drive a Cat C1 vehicle, you must pass a medical examination conducted by a doctor, which will ensure your driving ability won’t be compromised by underlying medical conditions.
As soon as you receive the green light, you’re ready to enrol on one of our training courses.
Watch the HGV Training Network Video below to see how
easy it is to get started
More questions? Call us on 0800 2545 007
Why learn with HGV Training Network?
Ambulance drivers are in high demand due to the growing ambulance demand in the NHS and private healthcare providers. We can help you earn the driving licence that opens the door to rewarding driver roles, with excellent job security.
Due to our recruitment of qualified instructors with impressive pass rates and years of experience driving larger vehicles, you could complete your training and achieve your qualification in as little as five days! Plus, with 50 HGV training centres across the UK, you’re sure to find a location near you.
The HGV Training Network team will manage your admin throughout, including completing forms, booking medicals, tests, and helping you to find your first ambulance driving job alongside our recruitment partner, Blue Arrow.
Take a look at our testimonials from satisfied students to see how HGV Training Network helped them to enter a new, fruitful driving career.
Fees and finances for ambulance driver training
Don’t panic about training costs and loss of earnings with the HGV Training Network – we’re the only ambulance training provider that offers flexible payment options, meaning you can spread the cost of your driver training.
Our Train Now and Pay Later financing enables flexible payments over 36 months, rather than paying a lump sum upfront.
19.9% APR! Lowest in the industry
Fast and easy application takes 5 minutes
Soft Search that doesn’t affect your credit score
UK Customer service and support throughout
Some of the highest approval rates in the industry
Pay your loan off early without penalty!
Why not contact the HGV Training Network now to begin your new career as an ambulance driver?
We offer expert, fully certified support that will help you to enter the industry as confidently as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skills will I gain on the ambulance driver training course?
During your training, you’ll learn the essential knowledge and driving techniques of ambulance driving.
This includes defensive driving, like steering through traffic, and reacting to road hazards.
You’ll also master navigation and route planning, effective communication and ambulance vehicle maintenance.
Do I need to be a medical professional to drive an ambulance?
Technically, yes – the NHS states that you will need to be an ambulance care assistant, emergency care assistant, emergency medical technician or paramedic.
This is because you’ll need to provide medical support to the paramedic on shift.
However, you can acquire the Cat C1 licence separately before becoming a medical professional, which we’ll help you to quickly gain.
At what age can I earn my Cat C1 licence?
To enrol on our ambulance driving training course and gain your Cat C1 licence, you must be 18 years of age or older.
Unsurprisingly, you’ll need to hold a standard driving licence and be medically fit to drive, which will be approved during your medical assessment.
Will HGV Training Network help me to get my first ambulance driver role?
The HGV Training Network will go above and beyond to find your dream ambulance driver role that is perfectly suited to you.
We’ll work tirelessly with our recruitment partners, considering job location, job type, hours worked and start dates.
What’s included in the ambulance driver training theory test?
To gain your Category C1 licence, you’ll have to pass a driving theory test first.
Your theory will consist of 100 multiple-choice questions and a hazard perception test to ensure your knowledge of the road is sound.
HGVTN will provide you with the training and revision materials to best help you prepare for the theory examination.
Why should you pick the HGV Training Network?
At HGVTN, our whole team offer the best and most expert ambulance driver training in the industry.
Our dedicated customer service department arranges your medical, theory and practical tests as efficiently as possible on a date best for you.
We also have some of the most qualified instructors with real-life experience on the road, so you can start your ambulance driver training with confidence.
