Government Proposes New Young HGV Driver Scheme

The government is proposing changes that would mean young drivers without a provisional driving licence would be able to study theory and undergo off-road training for HGVs.

It’s a scheme which is being discussed as the government looks for ways to incentivise younger people to begin a career in HGV driving.

In recent years, the issues with fleet drivers and HGV drivers have been highlighted, with the situation being exacerbated by a combination of Brexit and the pandemic.

An ageing HGV driving population propped up by a significant number of foreign drivers meant that as Brexit rules were introduced and the pandemic hit, many drivers returned to their home countries.

That left a shortage of drivers in the UK which resulted in supply chain issues for several months.

Does The Fleet Industry Need More Younger Drivers?

As with any industry, the fleet industry is constantly looking to recruit more younger people.

By incentivising young drivers to begin a career in HGV or fleet driving, you can produce more expert drivers to maintain the crucial supply chains and services that we rely on the fleet sector for.

One of the biggest issues in recent years has been the fact that more HGV drivers have left the industry, either through retirement or career change, than those joining the sector.

That’s left a shortfall that’s been difficult to catch up with.

In recent years, the issue has eased, and measures have been put in place to incentivise people to begin a career in the fleet industry, including relaxing tests, increasing the number of tests available and reducing the amount of time required to complete training.

Industry experts warned of a driver shortage years before it occurred, with the workforce made up of a combination of older drivers and EU-based drivers, meaning that there hasn’t been the supply of younger drivers to replace them as they retire or leave.

What Would New Changes Mean?

By targeting young people who are yet to begin their driving journey, the hope is that the government would attract more people who are keen to get behind the wheel to the fleet sector.

It would mean that young people without a provisional licence could begin learning theory to become an HGV driver, while also beginning off-road training.

The UK relies heavily on the fleet sector for key transport supplies such as hospitals and supermarkets.

This proposal is part of a consultation to remove a restriction on younger drivers aged 18-20 that means they’re only allowed to drive routes up to 50km.

That applies to bus and coach drivers, but it significantly restricts where they can be deployed and, in an industry where more people are leaving than joining, it’s a restriction that can hamper many drivers and fleets.

What do you think of plans to introduce new rules for younger drivers in a bid to encourage younger people to begin a career in fleet driving? Do you think attracting younger people to the industry is a significant issue? Let us know in the comments below.