The number of HGV drivers in the UK fell by 49,000 in Q4 2021 compared to Q4 2019, according to the latest ONS statistics (Office for National Statistics), published by business group Logistics UK.

But with driving test availability increasing as a result of greater capacity provided by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), the number of HGV drivers in the marketplace appears to be stabilising.

Elizabeth de Jong, Director of Policy at Logistics UK said, “The new ONS data shows that attracting new entrants to the profession, and ensuring sufficient tests are available, are key to the resilience of the logistics sector. The long waiting list to take a vocational HGV test in Great Britain has been a key contributor to the driver shortage crisis; the data in the report revealed today shows that the DVSA is making progress in catching up on the testing backlog which grew out of the restrictions under the COVID-19 pandemic. Logistics UK will be working with its members and government to ensure focus remains on reducing the shortfall in HGV drivers.”

According to Logistics UK’s figures, 27,144 HGV vocational tests were undertaken in Q4 2021, representing a 53.5% increase compared with Q4 2019.

National statistics show the number of HGV drivers in the workforce continues to fall, but is stabilising. However, the number of van drivers in the workforce is soaring, with a net increase of 17,000 in Q4 2021, as the demand for online shopping continues to rise.

Photo: Director of Policy at Logistics UK, Elizabeth de Jong.