The government is consulting on proposed changes to the requirements to obtain a vocational driving licence to help address the current shortage of lorry drivers.

Time is running out to give your views as the consultation closes tomorrow (7 September) at 11.59pm.

What is being consulted on

The measures being consulted on are proposed changes to the current requirements to obtain a vocational driving licence, including:

• allowing drivers to take one test to drive both a rigid and articulated lorry, rather than having to pass a test in a rigid lorry first, and then another in an articulated lorry

• allowing drivers who want to use a bus or coach to tow a trailer to take one test with a trailer, rather than having to pass a test without a trailer first

• allowing the off-road manoeuvres part of the test to be assessed by the driver training industry

• allowing car drivers to tow a trailer without having to take another test

You can read the consultation document and have your say on the GOV.UK consultation pages. 

Driver shortage

About the Author: John Loughran