More HGV test examiners being recruited to ease lorry driver shortage - how to apply

A campaign to recruit more HGV test examiners to help reduce the lorry driver shortage has been launched by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA.

Some 40 new vocational examiners will be recruited to allow DVSA to offer more lorry driving test appointments.

The DVSA continues to develop measures to maximise testing capacity, including plans to streamline the process for drivers to gain their HGV licence . The additional examiners will enable DVSA to offer more lorry driving test appointments already increasing the number of vocational driving tests from 2,000 a week pre-pandemic to 3,000.

DVSA chief executive Loveday Ryder said: “We recognise the haulage industry keeps the wheels of our economy turning and have listened to its concerns about the current lorry driver shortage.

There is a shortage of lorry drivers (PA)

“We have responded by doing all we can to support the industry in tackling this issue through increasing lorry driver testing. This includes our latest campaign to recruit more vocational examiners so we can maximise our lorry testing capacity.”

Roads minister, Baroness Vere, added: “Our HGV drivers provide a vital service delivering food, medicine and other vital goods to where they’re needed.

"That’s why we’re committed to working with industry to address the shortage of drivers and have unveiled a package of robust measures.

“Increasing the DVSA’s testing capacity is a crucial part of this plan, and I’d encourage anyone with the right experience to apply for a role – helping keep our country moving.”

The new roles can offer part-time flexible working hours, including evening and weekend working opportunities.

Successful applicants will carry out car driving tests for four months after initial training and will then move on to vocational tests.

The roles are needed in the following areas:

• east England
• north-west England
• south England
• south-east England
• south-west England
• West Midlands
• north and south Wales

Further details on the roles are available and applications can be made here.

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