Our Training Locations
Our six training depots are located in: Portsmouth; Otterbourne; Aldermaston; Theale; Worthing and Havant. Our training centres are conveniently situated within the local areas of the following counties to provide the maximum coverage within: Hampshire; Isle of Wight; West Sussex; East Sussex; Surrey; Buckinghamshire; Oxfordshire; Berkshire; Wiltshire and the eastern side of Dorset.
Practical Ambulance Driver Training & Practical DVSA Test
Once you have successfully obtained your provisional licence, taken and passed your medical and theory tests then you will be ready to get behind the wheel and start your practical driver training.
Ambulance driver training is conducted in one of our Iveco Daily 7.5 tonne vans. You will be taken out on the road by one of our highly trained driving instructors. When you are out on the road, you will become familiar with the test route as well as being briefed by your instructor on road safety. You will be required to practice some manoeuvres such as the reversing exercise.
We will arrange your DVSA test for you and you will be informed of the time and location. All that's left to do is to pass!
You will be informed as soon as your test ends whether you have passed or failed.
Are you thinking about starting a career as an ambulance driver?
2 Start Training will teach you everything you will need to know to safely drive an ambulance. The licence category that you will need is called a C1 licence. To be able to drive a C1 vehicle on the UK roads, you will need to complete a few steps to get your C1 licence.
Click the link below to read our article about how you can become an ambulance driver, how much you can earn as an ambulance driver and the qualification that you need to start your new career!
C1 Ambulance, Paramedic 7.5 Ton Application process
Medical
When it comes to ambulance driving (or driving any category C1 vehicle) you will first need to complete a driver medical. This is carried out to ensure that you are medically fit to drive a C1 category vehicle. As part of our service, if you book one of our Training Packages, we can arrange your medical for you locally and at a convenient time. The medical process consists of:
- An eyesight test
- Blood pressure test
- Questions about your health and lifestyle
You will be required to fill in a D4 form before you attend your medical.
A qualified doctor will deem whether you are safe to operate an ambulance by carrying out a series of tests. You will need to take a D4 medical form to your appointment. The doctor will complete this form and declare whether you are fit to drive.
Provisional Licence
Once you have passed the medical, you will need to fill in a (D2) licence application form. You will then need to send the D2 and D4 application forms, as well as your current driver’s licence, to the DVLA. They will then return your licence with the provisional entitlement that you have applied for on it.
Ambulance Driver Training Theory Test
You will need to complete at least 2 theory tests before you can start your practical Ambulance driver training.
Multiple choice – 100 multiple choice questions cover the basics of safe and proficient driving of large, commercial vehicles. You must receive 85/100 to pass.
Hazard Perception – Hazard perception clips are computer-generated imagery from the perspective of a passenger in the video. You must click when you see a potential or developing hazard on the screen. Each of the 19 clips is 1 minute long and the sooner you react, the more points you will score. You must score 67/100 points to pass.
If you wish to use your C1 licence for hire and reward, you will need to complete the driver’s CPC qualification.
Practical Driver Training
Ambulance driver training is conducted in one of our Iveco Daily 5.5 tonne vans. You will be taken out on the road for your training by one of our highly-qualified and experienced driver training instructors. Completing on-the-road driving practice will help you become familiar with the test routes as well as being briefed by your instructor on road safety. You will also be required to practice some manoeuvres, such as the reversing exercise. Students will be able to practice their reversing exercises on our on-site reversing facilities.
Once you have completed your training, it will be time to complete your DVSA test. We will arrange your test for you, and you will be given the time and location, all that will be left for you to do is pass!
Once your test has ended, you will then be informed if you passed or failed.
Our training facilities
Our training depots allow us to cater training courses for students in Portsmouth, Southampton, Reading and Worthing, as well as the surrounding areas.
All of our depots are DVSA 3a approved test centres that boast private on-site reversing facilities and an immaculate fleets of driver training vehicles.
We also have a range of C1 driver training packages available for you to complete if you are not looking to become an ambulance driver.
What licence do I need to drive an ambulance?
In order to be able become an ambulance driver, you will need to obtain your C1 licence. Once you have gained your C1 licence, you will be able to drive vehicles from 3.5-tonnes up to 7.5-tonnes with a trailer of up to 750kgs.
C1 driver training can be completed in 4 parts: Attend & pass an LGV medical assessment, apply to the DVSA for provisional entitlements to be added to your licence, complete your theory tests which include both Multiple Choice & Hazard Perception tests and finally, you will need to complete your practical driver training to show you can safely operate a C1 category vehicle on the road.
What are the requirements to be an ambulance driver in the UK?
There are several routes you can take to train to become a member of the ambulance service. It’s an incredibly rewarding yet challenging career path which can really make a difference. If you want to train as a paramedic technician you will need to attend university and get a degree in paramedic science. Alternatively, you could apply for an apprenticeship with your local Ambulance Service NHS Trust.
For more information about the types of jobs in the ambulance service click here.
Can you drive an ambulance without being a paramedic?
In short, no. It is unlikely that you will get a job driving an ambulance without being qualified as either a paramedic or patient transport service driver who have skills in first aid, assessing, treating and caring for patients.
Why Train with 2 Start?
Call our advisors 02392 123 555
Speak with our experienced advisors Monday - Friday 7:00am - 5:30pm
