DVSA reminder: Consultation on proposals to address lorry driver shortages

Aug 25 | 2021

The government is consulting on proposed changes to the requirements to obtain a vocational driving licence to help address the current shortage of lorry drivers.

Time is running out to give your views as the consultation ends on 7 September at 11.59pm.

What is being consulted on

The measures being consulted on are proposed changes to the current requirements to obtain a vocational driving licence, including:

  • allowing drivers to take one test to drive both a rigid and articulated lorry, rather than having to pass a test in a rigid lorry first, and then another in an articulated lorry;

  • allowing drivers who want to use a bus or coach to tow a trailer to take one test with a trailer, rather than having to pass a test without a trailer first;

  • allowing the off-road manoeuvres part of the test to be assessed by the driver training industry;

  • allowing car drivers to tow a trailer without having to take another test.

You can read the consultation document and have your say on the GOV.UK consultation pages here.