If you’re considering a career as a professional HGV driver, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is where to train. While HGV licences are nationally recognised, the location you choose for your training can have a real impact on your experience, confidence, test success, and future job opportunities.
In 2026, demand for qualified HGV drivers remains high across the UK, but some regions offer clear advantages when it comes to access to training facilities, realistic test routes, and immediate employment prospects. Below, we explore some of the best places to train as an HGV driver in the UK and why location matters more than many new drivers realise.
Why Your HGV Training Location Matters
HGV driver training isn’t just about learning how to pass a test – it’s about preparing for real-world driving. Different locations offer different challenges, from busy urban routes to motorway-heavy test areas and industrial zones.
Training in the right area can help you:
- Gain experience on realistic driving routes you’ll face in employment
- Build confidence handling traffic, roundabouts, and junctions
- Train close to major logistics hubs where jobs are readily available
- Reduce travel time and disruption during your training period
- Transition smoothly from training into paid HGV work
HGV Training in Birmingham
Birmingham sits at the heart of the UK’s motorway network, making it one of the most popular places to train and work as an HGV driver. With direct access to the M5, M6, and M42, drivers gain valuable experience navigating busy routes and distribution corridors.
Choosing HGV driver training in Birmingham is ideal for drivers who want exposure to real-world traffic conditions and strong post-qualification job prospects across the Midlands.
HGV Training in Manchester
Manchester is a major logistics and warehousing hub for the North West, supporting retail, manufacturing, and distribution industries. Training here allows drivers to experience a mix of urban driving, ring roads, and motorway routes.
HGV driver training in Manchester is particularly attractive for those looking to secure consistent work quickly after passing, thanks to the region’s ongoing demand for Class 1 and Class 2 drivers.
HGV Training in Coventry
Coventry’s central location makes it a strategic training base for drivers planning to work nationwide. The area provides access to varied road types without the intensity of larger cities, making it a strong choice for learners who want a balanced training environment.
Opting for HGV driver training in Coventry offers a practical route into the industry, particularly for drivers seeking roles that involve long-distance or regional haulage.
HGV Training in London
London presents a unique training environment, with complex road layouts, high traffic density, and strict driving regulations. While more challenging, it offers excellent preparation for specialist and higher-paid HGV roles.
HGV driver training in London is well suited to drivers aiming to work in urban logistics, construction, waste management, or specialist delivery sectors where confidence and precision are essential.
HGV Training in Leeds
Leeds is a key transport and distribution centre for Yorkshire and the wider North of England. Training in this area provides exposure to industrial estates, regional roads, and motorway driving, making it an excellent all-round training location.
Many drivers choose HGV driver training in Leeds due to the strong regional demand and the opportunity to secure work close to home after qualifying.
HGV Training in Liverpool
Liverpool’s port and surrounding logistics infrastructure make it a valuable place to train as an HGV driver. Drivers here gain experience with freight movement, container transport, and time-sensitive deliveries.
Completing HGV driver training in Liverpool can open doors to port-related haulage roles as well as wider distribution work across Merseyside and the North West.
So, Where Is the Best Place to Train as an HGV Driver?
The best place to train as an HGV driver ultimately depends on your goals. If you want exposure to busy urban routes, cities like London and Birmingham offer excellent preparation. If you prefer a balanced mix of road types with strong job prospects, Manchester, Leeds, and Coventry are all strong choices.
What matters most is choosing a training provider that operates across multiple regions, understands local test routes, and supports you beyond the test itself. With nationwide coverage and training centres across the UK, 123HGV helps new drivers choose the right location and the right licence for their future.
If you’re ready to take the next step, explore our training options and find a location that suits your ambitions.