New push to train more lorry drivers and plug skills gaps
06 Jan 2026
Posted By Paul Mummery
The RHA has teamed up with a leading National HGV driver training provider to get more people behind the wheel of Britain’s lorries and busses.
RHA members will benefit from the new partnership with Hughes Driver Training through access to discounted rates.
The tie-up comes as the RHA reveals that the industry must attract 60,000 new drivers a year as firms face growing challenges to recruit new talent.
Operators can book training courses for HGV, coach and car driver training through the collaboration which launches today (Tuesday 6 January).
The training provider offers a full service to bring new drivers into the sector. This includes all points in the process from licence acquisition to driving tests.
They also offer training programmes for drivers looking to develop and take the next step in their careers.
Stephen Hards, RHA Head of Operations, said:
“We are very pleased to join forces with Hughes Driver Training to get more people behind the wheel of the nation’s trucks. They are renowned for delivering high-quality training nationally so are the right partner to help us support firms recruiting and developing their teams.
“I would encourage our members and other operators to get in touch and take advantage of this new service.
Carl Hughes, Hughes Driver Training Managing Director, said:
“We are delighted to team up with the RHA and look forward to delivering quality lorry and coach driver training for their members. Established in 1989 Hughes Driver Training are the largest HGV / PSV driving school in the UK.
“With family values and national reach, we will support RHA members from the smallest firms to the largest operators.“
Operators can register their interest online and request a call back from RHA colleagues:
-ENDS-
Notes for editors
Media enquiries to Jon Lavery, RHA press & media relations lead:
07586 091 120
About the RHA
The RHA is the largest dedicated trade association in the UK for HGV, LGV and coach.
We offer a voice for our members to work with governments, policy makers, and local authorities across the UK on the issues most important to them. We campaign on a breadth of priorities including changes to legislation, rising fuel costs, better roadside facilities, and the transition to a Net Zero transport system.
Our 8,500 members have access to technical and professional services to help them comply with industry regulations and assist them in running their businesses efficiently.
We also offer a wide range of accredited training programmes to help firms develop their teams and operations.
The majority of our members are small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) but we also represent larger firms across the sector.
We’ve been proudly supporting hauliers since 1945 and now include coach and van operators in our membership.
We champion the highest standards in our industry and work hard to be the go-to organisation for driving business on our roads.
We’re based in Peterborough and have offices in Bradford, and Bathgate in Scotland.
About Hughes Driver Training
At Hughes Driver Training, we are a family-owned business that’s been turning driving dreams into realities for over three decades. Our driving courses are built with life in mind, and are completely tailored to you, ensuring a personalized and smooth learning experience.
So, whether you’re aspiring to handle a 44-ton HGV lorry or getting ready to drive your first car, our experienced instructors will ensure that you’re left fully qualified, with bags of confidence and ready to thrive on your road to success.