Changes to HGV driver testing process

Changes to HGV driver testing process a positive step forward, says Logistics UK

The government’s decision to scrap the test for towing trailers up to 3,500kgs have been condemned by safety charity IAM RoadSmart, but it has been welcomed by Logistics UK.

Removing the trailer test, says the government, means that an extra 50,000 HGV lorry tests will now be available each year, and says Logistics UK these changes to the HGV driver testing process show the government is now moving at pace towards a solution to the current driver shortage. “The increase in testing capacity by a third is very welcome, but these promises need to be implemented quickly if they are to make significant difference to the current shortage,” comments Elizabeth de Jong, Policy Director at Logistics UK. “With access to tests a key barrier to recruits wishing to join the occupation, the government’s measures to speed up the process of qualifying as an HGV driver – including the removal of staged testing and allowing authorised private sector examiners to undertake parts of the examination – will increase testing capacity significantly and have a positive effect in the longer-term. “However, the impact of these measures is unlikely to make a significant difference on the driver shortage if they cannot be implemented in time for the industry’s Christmas peak, with DVSA, DVLA and the wider training industry needing time to apply the changes and adapt their operations.” She adds: “Logistics UK had strongly voiced our concerns about the proposed abolition of the B+E driver category, as this could pose a risk to road safety. However, Logistics UK has been assured that there will be a package of safety mitigation measures introduced; we will be working with government to ensure safety is prioritised.” Meanwhile, safety charity IAM RoadSmart has condemned the changes, saying the timing of the announcement, which came just days after a consultation period closed, shows the consultation process was a sham. While the DVSA is still encouraging all car drivers to undertake training to tow trailers and caravans, it hasn’t satisfied IAM RoadSmart. “We are very disappointed that a consultation that only closed a few days ago has led to an immediate cessation of trailer testing for car drivers.” says IAM RoadSmart Policy & Research Director Neil Greig. “It is clear that the government intended to do this all along which makes the whole consultation process something of a waste of time. “Whilst the HGV driver shortage is clearly a big issue for society, our concerns remain that trailer use requires a special set of skills that are best instilled by a testing process.” He adds: “If a test is no longer a requirement, this raises some serious safety concerns, especially at this busy holiday time. We are very concerned the decision will exacerbate an existing safety situation as currently, as per DVSA’s own safety checks, up to 1 in 6 caravans they stopped had a serious safety issue, while 4 in 10 small trailers were also found with serious safety issues. Many of these could have been avoided by better training and awareness of towing safety best practice.” “The DSA had a clear safety reason for introducing the test in 1997, and these reasons are still valid. People need proper training to be able to drive an articulated vehicle, particularly when they are doing so for the first time.” For how the rules apply in Northern Ireland, check out the latest information at https://www. nidirect.gov.uk/articles/carstowing-trailers-or-caravans

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