A total of three changes have been confirmed regarding the current driving test regime, with the aim of allowing more driving examinations to become available, and alleviate the HGV driver shortage.
The changes were announced on the Government website on Friday, September 10.
However, what it does not address is concerns over working conditions and pay which are also credited with contributing towards the shortage.
Moves are currently being considered to tackle the current shortage of HGV drivers which is putting a strain on supply chains to shops and restaurants, among other industries, as reported by Lancaster Live.
The announcement said: "Over the summer, we consulted on three measures which will substantially increase the number of vocational driving tests available.
"I can announce today, September 10, 2021, that we will proceed with the measures we consulted on."
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Those measures are as follows:
Car drivers will no longer need to take another test to tow a trailer or caravan, allowing roughly 30,000 more HGV driving tests to be conducted every year.
Tests will also be made shorter by removing the ‘reversing exercise’ element – and for vehicles with trailers, the ‘uncoupling and recoupling’ exercise – and having it tested separately by a third party.
It will become quicker to get a licence to drive an articulated vehicle, without first having to get a licence for a smaller vehicle. This would make around 20,000 more HGV driving tests available every year and mean drivers can gain their licence and enter the industry more quickly - without reducing the rigour of the test.
The statement adds: "These changes will not change the standard of driving required to drive an HGV, with road safety continuing to be of paramount importance.
"Any driver who does not demonstrate utmost competence will not be granted a licence. All car drivers will also still be encouraged to undertake training to tow trailers and caravans."
More tests are needed both because of a backlog as a result of the pandemic as well as a lack of drivers alongside those being forced to self-isolate.
