HGV driving test changes

Sep 2, 2021

Changes to the HGV testing system designed to address a shortage of drivers

The UK has an estimated shortfall of 90,000 lorry drivers, a problem that has worsened after Brexit and Covid.

HGV driving tests will be overhauled, meaning drivers will only need to take one evaluation to drive both a rigid and articulated lorry, rather than having to take two separate ones (spaced 3 weeks apart).

This will make around 50,000 more HGV driving tests available every year and mean drivers can gain licences and enter the industry more quickly.

Lorry driver shortages have been blamed on EU workers leaving the UK following Brexit as well as during the pandemic and tax changes making it more expensive for drivers from elsewhere in Europe to work or be employed in the UK.

There have also been complaints about a backlog of driver tests.

UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told the House of Commons last week the government would now overhaul regulations to boost capacity, meaning:

Car drivers will no longer need to take a separate test to tow a trailer or caravan, allowing roughly 30,000 more HGV tests to be conducted every year
Tests will be made shorter by removing several elements and having them tested separately by a third party
Drivers will be able to get a licence to drive an articulated vehicle without first getting one for a smaller vehicle, making around 20,000 more HGV driving tests available every year.