Articulated Dump Truck Training

Complete beginners: 3 days

Some experience: 2 days

Experienced Worker Test: 1 day (test only). If you're unsure which applies, we offer a free practical assessment to advise the best route.

No. Complete beginners are welcome on the 3-day course. If you've got experience, we can shorten the training (2 days) or advise whether you're ready for the Experienced Worker Test.

Articulated dump trucks (ADTs) have a pivot point between the cab and skip, allowing the front and rear to articulate independently. This gives excellent maneuverability and traction on rough, uneven terrain. They're designed for off-road use and can navigate slopes, muddy conditions, and poor ground that would bog down rigid trucks.

Rigid dump trucks have a single-piece chassis without articulation. They're better on flat, prepared haul roads and typically have larger payload capacities, but struggle on soft ground and steep gradients. ADTs are the preferred choice for UK construction sites due to variable weather and terrain conditions.

Payload capacity varies by model size:

• Small ADTs (20-25 tonnes): 15-20 tonne payload
• Medium ADTs (30-35 tonnes): 25-30 tonne payload
• Large ADTs (40-45 tonnes): 35-40 tonne payload
• Extra-large ADTs (50+ tonnes): 45+ tonne payload

The CPCS A56 qualification covers all sizes. You'll learn to understand payload limits, recognize safe loading levels, and avoid overloading which can cause mechanical damage, rollover risk, and legal penalties.

Yes. The CPCS Red Card is valid for site work as soon as you receive it. It's recognised across UK construction, civil engineering, and quarrying sites.

However, you must upgrade to Blue Card (via NVQ Level 2) within the two-year validity period.

You need to complete NVQ Level 2 in Plant Operations while working on site. This typically takes 6-12 months and is assessed based on your real-world competence, not another exam.

The process:

1. Pass A56 and get Red Card (valid 2 years)
2. Work on site, logging hours operating ADTs and building portfolio
3. Complete NVQ Level 2 with assessor (6-12 months)
4. Apply to CPCS for Blue Card (valid 5 years, renewable)

We can connect you to NVQ providers and help you explore funding options (CITB grants, Apprenticeship Levy, etc.).

The EWT is a one-day test-only route for people with significant recent experience on articulated dump trucks. You need to be confident you can pass both theory and practical tests without training.

Be realistic: If you're borderline, it's smarter to do 2 days of training and go in prepared. Fail the EWT and you'll have to start over with full training.

We offer a free practical assessment to help you decide if you're EWT-ready.

On construction sites and private land: No driving licence required. The CPCS A56 qualification alone permits ADT operation on sites, quarries, and private property.

On public roads: If driving between sites on highways, you typically need a Category C+E (Class 1) HGV licence for larger ADTs, or Category C (Class 2) for smaller models, depending on gross vehicle weight.

In practice, most ADT work is entirely off-road within site boundaries, so an HGV licence isn't essential. However, having a Class 2 or Class 1 licence significantly increases employment options and earning potential.

ADT operation is approachable for anyone with vehicle driving experience. If you can drive a manual car or van, you have transferable skills. The articulation takes some getting used to—it steers differently from a car—but becomes intuitive with practice.

What makes it accessible:

• Automatic transmission on most modern ADTs
• Good visibility from elevated cab position
• Progressive learning from flat ground to slopes
• Logical control layout similar to other vehicles

The 3-day novice course provides thorough preparation. Most candidates feel confident by the end of training and pass their tests first time.

Rollover on slopes: The most serious risk. ADTs have high centers of gravity when loaded. Operating across slopes (traversing) rather than straight up/down increases rollover risk. Always travel straight up or down gradients where possible.

Overloading: Exceeding payload capacity affects braking, stability, and can cause mechanical failure. Only accept loads from trained excavator operators who understand ADT capacities.

Soft ground: Bogging down or sinking, especially in loading areas. Ground conditions assessment is critical before operations.

Visibility issues: Large blind spots exist around ADTs. Use spotters in congested areas and maintain awareness of pedestrians and vehicles.

Our training emphasizes hazard recognition and safe operating practices to ensure you can identify and manage these risks throughout your career.

First, we'll debrief you on what went wrong. Then we'll discuss the best way to get you retested—whether that's more practice, another day of training, or just booking a retest.

Failing isn't the end of the world, but it's better to go in properly prepared first time.

Yes, experienced ADT operators are consistently in high demand across the UK. Major infrastructure projects (HS2, road building, reservoir construction) require fleets of articulated dump trucks for bulk earthmoving. Housing developments, quarries, and large groundwork contracts all need qualified operators.

The combination of specialist equipment and relatively few qualified operators means ADT drivers command good rates—typically £14-£19 per hour for experienced operators, with rates up to £22+ per hour on major projects in London and Southeast.

Yes, the CPCS A56 qualification covers all sizes of articulated dump trucks from small 15-tonne models to large 50+ tonne machines. You're not restricted to the specific model you trained and tested on.

However, when starting work on a significantly different size ADT than you're experienced with, employers should provide familiarization training on that specific model. Controls, visibility, and handling characteristics vary between manufacturers and sizes.

It's common practice to get comfortable on smaller ADTs before progressing to larger models.

Two years. Within that time, you need to complete your NVQ Level 2 and upgrade to a Blue Card. If you don't, your Red Card expires and you'll need to retest.

Funding options depend on your employment status:

• Employers: CITB grants may be available (if levy-paying), or use Apprenticeship Levy for NVQ costs
• Self-employed: Typically self-funded, but it's an investment in your qualification and earning potential

We can discuss options when you enquire. For NVQ costs specifically, there's often more funding available—talk to us about connecting with providers.

Maximum 2:1, and we often run 1:1 where possible. That means you're not sharing an instructor with a big group—you get proper supervision and plenty of time in the cab.