EP Training Services

Commercial driver training from a Great Bookham base

EP Training Services is a family-run business that has been providing commercial transport training to the haulage and related industries since 1981. It operates from a 2,000 square foot purpose-built training centre in Great Bookham, Surrey, and draws learners from Cranleigh, Addlestone, Guildford and elsewhere in the county. The company describes itself as Surrey's number one HGV training company and states that it has guided tens of thousands of customers through its programmes.

Its courses are aimed at both new entrants starting a driving career and existing drivers upgrading their licence. The fleet consists of modern, well-maintained vehicles, including a new articulated lorry used for Class 1 tuition, and instruction is delivered by named instructors with senior specialisms in HGV, PCV and Operator CPC teaching.

HGV and LGV licence training

The core offer covers the licence categories used in haulage. Class 2 (Category C) training prepares drivers for rigid trucks, while Class 1 (Category C+E) covers articulated vehicles. The company also runs C1 training for 7.5-tonne vehicles, a programme it says it has pioneered in Surrey for many years, with thousands of graduates trained at locations across the region. Category D bus and coach tuition (PCV) is offered alongside, and D1 minibus training addresses the licence required for passenger vehicles with more than eight but no more than sixteen passenger seats, aimed at community drivers, charity workers and private operators.

ADR, Driver CPC and Operator CPC

As an approved centre, EP Training delivers ADR training every other week for drivers transporting dangerous goods, covering all classes and tankers, with flexible scheduling for gaining or renewing certification. Driver CPC periodic training runs online each week, with modules addressing current regulations, safety practices and industry updates so professional drivers can complete their 35 hours on schedule. Operator CPC Freight courses and examinations are offered as an approved Skills and Education Group centre, preparing candidates for both national and international qualifications.

Forklift, HIAB and other workplace courses

Forklift truck training has been part of the business for over 30 years, covering initial and periodic refresher courses on counterbalance, reach and pedestrian trucks, aligned with HSE and industry safety standards. HIAB tuition for lorry-mounted crane operators addresses safe loading, unloading and lifting techniques. First Aid courses are JAUPT approved and cover the theory and practical elements required under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. FORS-aligned courses help operators meet the standards increasingly demanded by customer contracts, and a three-day Train the Trainer Driver Assessment course combines classroom and practical work so businesses can assess drivers in-house.

Operator licence support

Beyond driver instruction, the company offers Operator Licence Consultancy for restricted and standard licence holders, guiding transport businesses through compliance, audits and best practice. This sits alongside the Operator CPC teaching that prepares transport managers for the responsibilities of running a compliant operation.

Reputation and recognition

EP Training states that it holds more than 5,500 five-star reviews. The figures given at the time of writing are 5.0 from over 1,800 Google reviews, 5.0 from over 215 Facebook reviews, 5.0 from over 95 Yell reviews and 5.0 from over 3,590 Trustpilot reviews. The company also reports being voted winners by the Prestige Awards for professionalism, pass rates and learner experience across Cat C, Cat C+E, ADR and CPC training. Published testimonials from driving students refer to ADR courses, Class 2 licence training, transport manager exams and the knowledge of individual trainers.

Teaching team

The instructor roster listed by the company includes Sean Pargeter as CEO, Jim Gallagher as senior OCPC instructor, Steve Maull and Ian Crosswell as senior HGV and PCV instructors, John Duff as HGV instructor and Kiera Suppiah as executive assistant.