The RHA is urging members to respond to a government consultation on proposed driver licensing changes which include allowing car drivers to drive an HGV up to 7.5 tonnes.
The Department for Transport (DfT) is looking at four proposals:
- To grant drivers who have a car (category B) licence entitlement additional entitlement to an HGV (category C1) licence
- To grant drivers who have a car (category B) licence entitlement to a minibus (category D1) licence
- To create and make compulsory an instructor training programme, to create a register of instructors and to publish pass rates for instructors
- To allow a driver who has held an HGV licence for two years to drive PCVs for maintenance and repair purposes
The RHA points out that the first proposal will allow car drivers with licences issued after 1997 to drive a lorry up to 7.5 tonnes, with a trailer of up to 750 kgs, for non-commercial uses. This is the same rule that applies to someone with a car licence issued before 1997.
This proposal does not allow a driver to work commercially driving a C1 lorry without additional training and compliance with Driver Certificate of Professional Competence, tachograph, drivers’ hours and other rules, adds the RHA.
“The RHA believes serious consideration needs to be given to requiring that all new C1 drivers undertake compulsory basic training,” says the association. “This will ensure a level of skill and understanding for all drivers using these vehicles, for both private and commercial driving.”
The DfT’s call for evidence closes on 28 October.
