Lifft Group

Lifft Group: HGV and PCV driver training across England and Wales

Lifft Group is a family-owned group of transport training schools that prepares people for professional driving careers. The organisation states that more than 15,000 learners have moved into transport roles through its programmes. Its training centres are spread across England and Wales, and the group says that accommodation is included for learners travelling over 70 miles.

The company presents itself as a catalyst for change in an industry it describes as facing a shortage of professional drivers, driven by a chronic lack of youth and diversity. Its stated aim is to create, empower and preserve a pipeline of new and diverse talent for the transport sector.

Training centres and locations

Lifft operates through a network of partner training centres. The locations listed on its site are:

• Herefordshire – PJE Transport Training
• Lincolnshire – Boston Transport Training
• North Wales – Chevron Transport Training
• Nottinghamshire – Peter Smythe Transport Training
• Preston – Green Pass Transport Training
• Wolverhampton – The HGV School

The group also indicates that it has other locations and that learners can find their nearest centre through the website. At the majority of its sites, tests can be taken where training takes place, according to the company.

Courses by vehicle and licence category

The course catalogue is organised by vehicle type and by licence category. The most popular courses highlighted are:

• Category C+E (Class 1) – Articulated lorry licence: a one-week course priced between £1,945 and £4,945, with accommodation included under certain conditions. It trains drivers to operate fully articulated HGVs.
• Category C (Class 2) – Rigid lorry licence: priced between £1,725 and £1,945, described as a gateway to the industry, with one-to-one driver training on rigid LGVs.
• ADR – Dangerous goods licence: a one-week course priced at £700 that includes a four-day CPC, presented as a way to increase earning potential.
• LGV / HGV / PCV Taster Session: priced between £49 and £144, available in-yard or on the road, and designed to give an insight into the lifestyle.

Beyond these, the site lists other licence categories: Category D (full-size bus), Category D1 (minibus), Category C1+E (van and trailer, 12 tonne) and Category C1 (van, 7.5 tonne). Classroom courses include ADR (dangerous goods), Periodic CPC and First Aid, as well as bootcamps and funded opportunities.

Taster sessions and assessment drives

For those unsure about a driving career, Lifft offers a taster session as a first step. Participants can get behind the wheel, meet instructors and see what the career could look like before committing to a full course. The group also offers an assessment drive, listed alongside the taster session in its menu of services.

Training approach and fleet

Lifft describes its instructors as bringing decades of industry experience and combining expert knowledge with a calm, supportive approach. The company states that 100% of its instructors are NVDIR registered and up to date with training. Its fleet is described as modern and well maintained, and includes mirrorless cabs. The group also emphasises comfortable facilities and genuine support throughout each learner's journey, whether they are a first-time HGV driver or someone looking to upskill for better job opportunities.

Payment options

The company offers accessible payment options under the banner “Train Now, Pay Later”, allowing learners to spread the cost of their training course. The site also refers to a “Lifft Price Pledge” and a comparison of training packages.

Background and history

Lifft was built on the belief that professional driver training should be supportive, accessible and focused on real career outcomes. It started as a small operation and grew through word of mouth. The group presents itself as having moved from humble beginnings to a nationwide network of training centres, with the goal of opening doors in the transport industry and supporting drivers at every stage of their journey.