If you’ve followed HGVC blogs throughout 2022, you’ll know that much has been done to address the HGV driver training both by ourselves and the Government. The recent testing capacity increase is evidence of it, but with Christmas looming just around the corner, the true test of the UK supply chain will be over the coming weeks. 

As is the case in most years, the Christmas period puts pressure on training and testing capacity. As such, a long-term, ongoing approach is required if the chronic HGV driver shortage is to be properly addressed, something that both the government and the industry as a whole perhaps need to be reminded of at this time. 

74% Increase in Testing Versus Pre-Pandemic Levels 

The welcome news is that there has been a large increase in HGV driving tests, with official statistics showing that 74% more were conducted between January & March 2022, compared to levels prior to the pandemic. This itself represents a massively positive step in the fight against the shortage and an endorsement of measures introduced over the last 12 months. 

These measures have included amendments that simplify the lorry testing process, such as allowing non-DVSA assessors to carry out the off-road element. It’s also been made easier by the government for drivers to take a single test to obtain their rigid & articulated lorry licence, with more vocational examiners being recruited in areas of highest demand.

Skills Bootcamps Also Having an Impact 

Government-funded HGV driver training skills boot camps run by ourselves as part of the Driver Academy Group have also been making a real impact, with 568 new drivers having recently been added to the pool available in the UK. All of these steps should be applauded, however, we’re far from out of the woods in either the short or long term.

Demand is seasonal, of course, particularly in the run-up to Christmas, which means that the UK’s still limited resources will once again be put under enormous pressure. This will serve as a reminder – if one were needed – that there is still some way to go. There’s much work to be done in terms of recruitment, retention and making the industry appealing as a career. 

Now Is Not the Time For Being Complacent 

There is no mistaking the fact that progress has been made in the fight against the HGV driver shortage, but now is not the time for being complacent. The focus needs to remain on making HGV driver careers more accessible and affordable, with the proposed enhancement of truckstop facilities also helping to attract more talent into the sector. 

At HGVC, we’ll continue to play a central role in providing more accessible HGV driver training via our national network of training centres. As one of the industry leaders in this regard, we have the experience, expertise and scalable infrastructure to address any size of HGV licence acquisition requirement. 

To find out more about us and how we work, please take a moment to browse our website which contains everything you need to know. Alternatively, to get in touch to discuss your own driver training needs, either click on ‘contact us’ or call us on 0330 818 8888 today.