📋 Tender Overview
Changes to simplify the process to become a heavy goods vehicle HGV driver to help deal with the HGV driver shortage were introduced by the government in 2021. These includedallowing the off-road part of the lorry test to be carried out by non-DVSA assessorsallowing drivers to take one test to drive both a rigid and articulated lorryremoving the need for drivers to do a separate car and trailer testIn addition to these changesDVSA recruited more vocational driving examiners to help make more tests available in the areas of where demand is highestvocational driving examiners carried out overtime including at weekends and on public holidaysThe actions were part of the the governments 33 actions taken to deal with the HGV driver shortage and protect the supply chain. This includedmaking 11000 HGV driver training places available through Skills Bootcampsinjecting a major and sustained boost to the number of HGV driving tests availableinvesting 52.5 million in improvements in roadside facilities and lorry parkingIndustry bodies are reporting the number of HGV drivers is stabilisingSince the government intervened the sector has started to recover and industry bodies are reporting positively on the number of HGV drivers stabilising.They indicate that the initiatives introduced by government and industry have started to yield results showing that perceptions of the industry are changing as a result of government support and more people are looking to train and qualify as HGV drivers.It comes as part of wider government efforts to help more people into work since this is the best way to support families in the long-term while growing the economy to address the cost of living.Karl McCartney Transport Minister saidThe government took swift action and introduced 33 measures to support our vital freight sector throughout a global driver shortage and to maintain our countrys supply chains.Those measures have worked with the number of lorry driver tests being taken on the rise and the sector reporting driver numbers are stabilising.Well 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.Loveday Ryder DVSA Chief Executive saidWe 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.Its their hard work and commitment that has allowed us to offer an additional 11197 tests and increase the number of drivers joining the industry.
