Government consultation to speed up HGV driver testing

Government has launched a consultation into proposed changes to the way HGV driver tests are conducted, as the haulage industry calls on them to clear the backlog of 40,000 tests missed last year.

With the UK short of 100,000 HGV drivers, we want these missed tests to be taken as soon as possible, and so we’re pleased to see that government is acting on this.

The consultation, here, puts forward a number of changes to the process of getting a driving licence, and HGV and bus driving tests, including:

• Removing the current staging requirements for licence acquisition,
• Considering alternative arrangements for the conduct of the reversing manoeuvres,
• And allowing car drivers to tow a trailer without the need for an additional test.

The foreword to the consultation says: “On 20 July 2021, the Secretary of State announced a package of support measures which are intended to help address the HGV driver shortage. Some of those would need changes to legislation.

“This document explores those options which are intended to support an increase in the availability of DVSA large vehicle testing capacity and help encourage new drivers into the profession.”

We would encourage everyone to contribute to the consultation, which runs from 10 August until 11:59pm on 7 September 2021. You can give government your views on the proposed changes through an online questionnaire.

The launch of the consultation comes after RHA chief executive Richard Burnett told Kay Burley on Sky News that bringing in the Army wouldn’t scratch the surface of the HGV driver shortage.

Richard’s comments follow reports that government is planning to bring in around 2,000 army truck drivers, but we don’t believe this is the answer to the crisis.

Instead, we’re calling for the backlog of 40,000 HGV driver tests to be given priority.
These were cancelled last year due to the pandemic, and must take place as soon as possible to tackle the driver shortage.