J Coates (HGV Services) Ltd Reviews 2,322

I recently completed a CAT C crash course and couldn’t be happier with the experience. Coming into it with zero prior HGV driving experience, I was naturally a bit nervous, but my instructor Liam made all the difference.

Liam was an excellent instructor from start to finish. He was patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely committed to helping me succeed. What really stood out was how willing he was to put the time in for me—making sure I fully understood everything and felt confident behind the wheel.

Big thanks to Liam for helping me pass!

Just passed my C+E. Kelly Swift was the best instructor I could have asked for. She made me feel at ease from the very first second I met her. She guided me through every step and answered all the questions I had. Her knowledge and amazing instructions got me through today, even with a last minute trailer change. Massive thanks to Kelly. Good luck in the future.

Passed my Cat C practical today - enormous thankyou to Liam. If you are looking to complete your Cat C licence you won't find a better instructor. Can not thank him enough for the effort he puts in. Great attitude for teaching, with tonnes of knowledge on driving and a personality that takes the pressure off driving while making it enjoyable and a great learning experience. I had never touched a Cat C vehicle before this week, and have managed to pass with 0 faults. Very dedicated to the job, and to us as students, even taking time out of his own morning to come in hours before our test to give us a warm-up and the best chance of passing. No matter your level of driving is, i am positive he can get you passed.

Cannot speak higher of Liam, great guy and a great instructor. Thankyou Liam!

Had an extremely positive experience using J Coates for my D1 training! Alec was extremely helpful in booking all areas of the training and test. My instructor Chris helped me so much. He was full of knowledge, experience and some good jokes! I highly recommend. From start to finish, the process was seamless. Thank you for teaching me and helping me pass :)

Had a great course and passed my C+E first time. My instructor Kelly was great and had good knowledge and advice.

Massive thank you to Liam for helping me pass my HGV Class 1 test! From day one he was fully committed to getting me through. His training style is clear, patient and very professional, and he makes sure you understand everything properly rather than just rushing through it.

Liam goes the extra mile for his students and really puts in the effort to build your confidence and driving skills. I couldn’t have asked for a better trainer. If you’re thinking of doing your HGV training, Liam is the man to go to. Highly recommended!

This is12 months ago (Reason for putting up my review up now, is because I am a regular reviewer, I hadn't done a review here, Hence I got a reminder come through that came up saying I hadn't left my opinion, & I want people to make sure they know what to do for when looking to book training,
So here I am. :)

Going from my C to C+E

My 3A (Coupling/uncoupling trailer and reversing) they passed me YAY... But, I believe I had concern's on my pass and didnt mention it at the time to them, and I wish I did and they swear they wouldnt have passed me/anyone and maybe this review would have been differant

3B Training
On my way to the test centre for my on road test after four days of training, there was an accident on the way to the test centre, and turned up late for my test, and couldn't take my test, when I got home I called the company and after a long frustrating difference of opinion conversation over the phone, they re-booked my test and as its so expencive for the training I couldn't afford extra hours before my next new 3B test, due to the booking dates available I had to wait for weeks without being able to afford the extra few hours of refreshed training, Anyway, I failed, I suppose this wasn't totally their I fault my 3B, but they wasn't approachable "in my opinion" or understanding as conversations with them that "they were right, and I'm not, again, as not knowing as much as them, I wasfeeling very uneasy

Reasons I believe I failed wasnt hepled by the instructor who was teaching me was new to training! yes he knows how to take corners etc but didnt know the route enough at all, I thought they had to have extra intence training in knowing where the routes are, (Now I know we all have to start somewhere) But it would have made it easier training for the me/pupil if the route was known properly, without missing turnings that I should have taken... I felt uneasy with my instructor & what with nerves on top didnt help. He was crude rude and of no interest in what was happening

I've now passed my C+E somewhere else and can see the pros & cons of researching the training companies that are out there.

(DO YOUR RESEARCH) dont be affraid to ask question's, No question's are stupid question's
Don't be afraid like I was, and not pull up any concerns AT THE TIME, after all it's a lot of money your handing over. I've learnt the instructor is no longer with them, what does that tell you!
I wouldn't recommend this company
DONT USE J.COATES

I have had a great experience doing my mod 4 CPC i was with a really nice group and we had Simon and Liam as our instructors who were both brilliant and explained everything so well I got a 100% pass, I’m so happy and would always recommend j Coats to anyone wanting to get their HGV qualifications!!

Just passed my class 1 with Lincoln college and j coates training. Kelly swift the instructor was amazing and very professional I'd give 10 stars if I could. She helped me and guided me every step of the way through her professional knowledge and first class instructing big thanks to Kelly and all the staff at j coates and Lincoln college

A great help in assisting me in getting my C1 license. Friendly instructors who make the process a whole lot less stressful and do a brilliant job in getting you ready for your test.

A big thank you specifically to both Kelly and Simon who assisted me throughout my training. Your guidance, support and professionalism was greatly appreciated.

Would recommend you both to anyone!

Great experience learning with Liam today. Did everything to benefit my learning throughout the day with B&E refresher training. Would highly recommend.

Great experience with J Coates. Lewis was brilliant. Wealth of experience, excellent teacher, really nice guy. Someone you dont mind sharing the cab with, very observant but doesnt make you feel like youre under the microscope. 5/5 Thanks!

A high recommendation to instructor Liam who was my instructor during my Cat C course and resulted in me passing first time with 0 minors. He was very patient and created a comfortable atmosphere during every lesson.

Simon wynn,Great driving instructor — patient, clear, and calm throughout every lesson. He explained everything in a way that was easy to understand and helped me build confidence behind the wheel. I always felt safe, supported, and well‑prepared for my test. Highly recommend.(category C)

I passed my c1+e first to time today with Kelly she had been amazing instructor and I would 100% recommend this company.

I spent the week on my Cat C training with Liam. He was brilliant, his teaching technique prepared me well for the test and trained for real life scenarios. He highlighted the key points well and helped build confidence. Resulting in 1 minor! Thanks Liam, Take care.

Just a massive thank you to my instructor Liam - he made me experience gaining my Cat C license seamless. His approach was excellent, ensuring I was comfortable throughout. His knowledge and experience played a huge part in my passing first time with no minors. Thank you again - highly recommend Liam!

Thank you so much to J Coates, and Alec Steer for organising the course! I had the best time with Kelly, the instructor, who not only helped develop my driving, but also made the experience so fun and memorable! I felt super prepared for the test, and would definitely recommend the company to others!

Great week on the course as thoroughly enjoyed it 👍

A big big massive thank you to Kelly for all her time and help with getting me through my hgv class 2 I really wouldn’t off done it without her time and patience all her hard work payed off for me 110% recommendations