Re-affirming HGV Driver Skills

Recent evidence from the Office for National Statistics  has indicated that up to half a million HGV licences are set to expire in 2025. To avoid a repeat of the previous driver shortages, the government and the private sector must cooperate to ensure that skilled workers licenses are appropriately renewed and that new talent continues to join the industry.

A UK HGV licence does not technically expire, but must be renewed every five years. In the event that a driver fails to renew their licence within a period of two years from the point of expiry, a driver will have to apply for a new licence and subsequently complete the mandatory training. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) provide posted reminders to renew your licence, but the process can be complicated. An individual under 45 years of age must complete and return the D47PU form whereas an individual over the age of 45 must further complete a D4 Medical Examination. These medical examinations can be costly and finding a suitably qualified individual can be challenging.

A driver exiting the workforce - even temporarily - could have a significant impact on the already pronounced shortage of labour. According to one research, a number of factors have contributed to this crisis of labour including a shortage of workers from the European Union following Brexit and a large number of ageing drivers electing to retire during the COVID-19 pandemic. A shortage of skilled workers in the haulage industry will place further demand on an already pressured supply chain resulting in delivery delays and aggrieved consumers.

To address the crisis of renewal, both the DVLA and the haulage sector must cooperate to ensure that those with imminently due renewals are provided  with the space and time so that they can successfully complete the required paperwork. For workers over the age of 45, employers could provide assistance in identifying suitably qualified medical professionals for the D4 Medical Examination and provide financial aid in meeting the associated costs. The DVLA may further consider a ‘grant scheme’ for self-employed workers. This aide clearly requires an upfront investment, but this will be more than realised in the benefit of maintaining skilled workers.

In a government led effort to combat the driver shortage, schemes such as the Boot Camp program were introduced. This scheme provides funding for the required training needed to obtain a licence and research has indicated that approximately 3000 drivers have obtained their licence and started driving within the industry via the Boot Camp. Schemes to encourage drivers into the industry should continue to ensure a revolving door of talent into a vital industry.

To briefly summarise, both the DVLA and the private sector must cooperate to ensure that drivers with imminent driving licence renewals are supported through this procedure with the required support and advice. The government should further continue successful programs such as the ‘Boot Camp’ to ensure a revolving door of talent.

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