The DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) has announced that it carried out 11,197 more lorry driving tests in the UK between 1 January, 2022 and 31 March than during the same period last year.

The DVSA says the increase in tests is a result of a number of changes introduced in 2021 to simplify the process of becoming an HGV driver and help reduce the shortage affecting all sectors of the road transport industry.

Transport Minister Karl McCartney said, “The government took swift action and introduced 33 measures to support our vital freight sector throughout a global driver shortage and to maintain our country’s supply chains.”

He continued, “Those measures have worked, with the number of lorry driver tests being taken on the rise, and the sector reporting driver numbers are stabilising.”

“We’ll continue to work with the industry to remove any potential barriers to a rewarding, successful career in logistics and to boost and maintain driver numbers.”

DVSA Chief Executive Loveday Ryder commented, “We recognise the haulage industry keeps the wheels of our economy turning. I want to say thank you to all vocational training providers and our vocational driving examiners for supporting the changes.”

“It’s their hard work and commitment that has allowed us to offer an additional 11,197 tests and increase the number of drivers joining the industry.”