A good base for trunk work in both directions
Stirling sits where the M9, M80 and A9 converge, which makes it unusually flexible for a professional driver. From here you can reasonably take work running north into the Highlands, south into the central belt or east into Fife, and the shift patterns available reflect that — day rigid work, night trunking and tramping are all realistically commutable.
That flexibility is worth thinking about before choosing a licence category. Local Alloa manufacturing and brewing logistics, agricultural haulage across the carse and construction supply run substantial rigid fleets where Category C is enough. The A9 and M9 trunking that pays more is artic, and needs C+E.
Getting to the yard from Stirling and Clackmannanshire
Stirling to Kirkcaldy is about 45 minutes on the A91 and A92 via Kincardine, and Alloa, Tillicoultry, Sauchie and Clackmannan are closer still at roughly 35 minutes. Rail is possible with a connection but the road route is straightforward and most trainees drive.
The yard has free on-site parking and the whole programme — reversing area, fleet, Category 3a test and Module 4 CPC — happens on the one site, so there is no shuttling between a classroom in one place and a test centre in another.
Starting from a car licence: the exact sequence
First, a Group 2 medical with a doctor — book this early, it is the most common bottleneck. Second, the D2 and D4 application to DVLA for provisional Category C entitlement. Third, the CPC theory: multiple choice, hazard perception and the Module 2 case studies. Only then can practical training and tests be booked.
We go through all of it with you before taking training dates, because there is no value in holding a vehicle and instructor for someone whose provisional has not come back yet. Our theory app covers the DVSA question bank and the Module 2 case studies so the revision is aimed at the right material.
Pay, hours and what to expect in year one
Newly qualified Class 2 drivers around the Forth Valley typically start in the high twenties to low thirties; Class 1 sits several thousand higher, with night work and tramping adding more again. Agency shifts often pay a better hourly rate but without the holiday and sick provision of a permanent seat.
Expect the first few months to be the steepest learning curve of your working life — drivers' hours, tachographs, load security, walkaround checks and the discipline of working to a delivery window all land at once. The CPC training exists precisely to keep that knowledge current.