London, UK: The government is consulting on streamlining the driver licensing process and allowing car drivers to drive 7.5 tonne trucks to help tackle the UK’s continuing HGV driver shortage.
The Department for Transport has published a call for evidence paper, which suggests that car drivers could be given the right to get behind the wheel of vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes. The Dft said that the move would help create new opportunities in logistics and support the UK supply chain.
Questions around reintroducing grandfather rights explore whether the UK should allow those who hold a normal car driving licence to drive certain larger vans or smaller lorries up to 7.5 tonnes. Before 1 January 1997, people who passed their driving test for a normal car also obtained the right to drive heavier, larger vehicles up to 8.25 tonnes in weight and minibuses – these entitlements were removed by the EU.
Some of the potential options set out in the call for evidence include creating a formal register of HGV driving instructors and publishing pass rates for instructors. This could help improve HGV driver training standards, raise the profile of the profession, said the DfT.
Transport minister Karl McCartney said: “Our country has a robust supply chain and our ongoing and unprecedented support for the haulage sector means that the number of HGV drivers is stabilising.
“We continue looking for ways to make it easier and quicker to kickstart a rewarding career in logistics. That’s why we’re asking people for their views on how we could streamline the licensing process and remove any potential barriers – making the most of our post-Brexit freedoms.”
Chris Yarsley, Logistics UK’s road freight regulation policy manager, said: “Members have reported particular difficulties in recruiting drivers for vehicles up to 7.5t since the requirement for an additional test came into force in 1997. The safety of all road users must remain a top priority and Logistics UK will engage with this call for evidence to ensure there is no increased risk to road safety.
“The proposal to permit a Category C licence holder (held for two years) to drive public service vehicles (PSVs) for maintenance and repair will ease pressures on operators. Logistics UK will review proposals that seek to improve standards in training by creating a formal register of instructors and publishing pass rates; initiatives that increase road safety are welcome, however must not place additional burden on industry.
“Ahead of this call for evidence, Logistics UK highlighted to government that the zero-tailpipe emission fleet will be heavier than petrol and diesel vehicles, meaning weight thresholds – which are a quarter of a century old – will need to be reviewed to maintain fleet efficiency. Logistics UK will continue to communicate with government on this, and will include it within its response.”
RHA policy lead for skills, Sally Gilson, said: “It is already being incorrectly reported that people will be able to drive a 44t without a test. This consultation is for C1 (up to 7.5t) and D1 (up to 16 passengers) only. This is entitlement that anyone who passed their test before 1997 already has on their licence.
“If anyone wants to drive a C1/D1 vehicle commercially, they will still require a DCPC – this is not a part of the consultation. We will respond in full to the consultation shortly.”
