The ongoing shortage of HGV drivers in the UK is a problem that the government is under intense pressure to resolve and it’s seen some success in the raft of measures that have been implemented over recent weeks.

The Grant Schapps-led Department for Transport (DfT) has introduced a number of changes such as visas for foreign drivers and the scrapping of the car & trailer test – all with a view to increasing capacity for candidate HGV drivers.

Attracting, Recruiting & Training New Drivers

The DfT has now been working with the haulage industry and other government departments for some time. They’ve been doing what they can to attract, recruit and train new candidates into the profession, with an increase in capacity being sought after almost no HGV training activity was possible during the pandemic.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is one such department who have also been instructed to prioritise HGV licence applications over others. Another element of the multi-pronged approach has been to streamline the licence acquisition process, allowing drivers to get tested and out driving more quickly.

The HGV Driver Shortage Is a ‘Top Priority’

Grant Schapps had this to say “This legislation will help to make the process from learner to qualified driver quicker by removing certain steps and allow it to respond more rapidly to the acute need for drivers at the heavier end of the vehicle spectrum.

Tackling the causes and effects of the HGV driver shortage is a top priority for my department and the driving licence regime and its legislation must support our efforts. This, as part of 25 measures we have taken so far, will help us to reduce the impact of this shortage on the people of Britain.”.

Streamlining the Path to an HGV Licence

One recent major change was the elimination of the need for those going for their Category C+E licence to hold a Cat C licence first. The jury is out on the validity of this move, however, it does seem to make the path to a C+E licence quicker, albeit meaning that if either part is failed, the candidate doesn’t even get a CAT C.

This legislation is being pushed through without the standard 28-day publication period due to the urgent need to increase training capacity and alleviate the supply chain issues that now seem to be affecting everyone. One can only hope that the measures are a success and that safety is not compromised.

HGVC – Large Scale Licence Acquisition Capacity

At HGVC, we are very much at the sharp end of this battle, but we’re very well placed to meet the increasing demand. Our industry-leading licence acquisition programs are suited to both small and large scale needs and we’re doing our part to get the country moving faster in the lead up to Christmas.

If you would like to know more about us and how we work, just take a look around our website and see for yourself. Alternatively, drop us a line via our ‘contact us’ link or give us a call today on 0330 818 8888 to discuss your organisation’s precise training needs.