UK driver shortage hasn't gone away - it's just been hidden (new figures)

The driver shortage hasn't gone away. It's being masked. Reduced freight movements, driven by ongoing events and growing industry cost pressures, are hiding the true scale of the problem.

The underlying numbers tell the real story:

Our refreshed driver shortage analysis in September 2025 found that around 110,000 HGV drivers did not renew their Driver Qualification Cards in December 2024.

The current number of drivers with an up-to-date DQC stands at 586,597. That's down from 684,000 in 2024. A significant drop in a short space of time. (Aricia Ltd data)
Retirement explains some of it. It doesn't explain the sharp fall-off in the 35-44 age group. These are working-age drivers in the prime of their careers, and they are leaving the sector. Long hours are cited a key reason. It's a challenge our sector will have to confront head-on, and one we've explored in detail in our Intergenerational Workforce Report.

So what do we need from government?

Our ask is straightforward, and it's been the same since the Apprenticeship Levy launched in 2017: make short-course driver training available through the levy.

The government has reformed it into the Growth and Skills Levy, but the flexibility businesses actually need still isn't there. We need to see progress. Road transport is a key economic enabler. To future-proof the industry, we need to recruit, train and retain tens of thousands of drivers every year just to meet demand.

With an ageing workforce, attracting young people in is key. Flexible, funded training options are how we get there. Industry and Government (at all levels) must urgently work collaboratively to provide  more pathways to work, and to ensure we have the workforce in place for the next decade and beyond.