A new plan could allow anyone with a driving licence behind the wheel of a lorry without sitting a test. The "Brexit bonus" plan would help address the lorry driver shortage, says Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.
The consultation, which was opened August 5, will review whether to lift the ban on motorists driving 3.5-ton vehicles without sitting a test. The current rules require people to sit five tests to become qualified to drive HGVs.
Delays in the transport of food, fuel and other goods skyrocketed under the shortage amid Covid and Brexit. The Transport Secretary believes the plan would increase the number of commercial drivers and boost jobs opportunities and the economy.
Under the current rules, those who drive HGVs, buses, or coaches as the main part of their job must gain a qualification called the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) which involves five tests. They must also take 35 hours of periodic training every five years to stay qualified.
GlasgowLive reports motorists could be allowed to drive a lorry without sitting a test in order to help the crisis.
A government source struck out at the EU restriction, The Telegraph reported: "We are past the days when EU directives were handed down on tablets of stone, and we should be prepared to liberalise where we can, testing the necessity for maintaining driving restrictions that were once thought unnecessary in this country.
"Grant thinks we should have a fresh look at this, but of course this has to be done with due regard for safety."
In a letter to MPs, the Transport Secretary wrote: "It has been suggested that now the UK has left the European Union, we may wish to allow all car drivers – not just those who passed their test before Jan 1, 1997, the right to drive these larger vehicles without need for a further test.
"Changes to the licensing categories would potentially create a greater pool of drivers. I am quite happy to explore this idea and how this may work in reality – without making any commitments to legislative change at this stage."
The Recruitment and Employment Confederation ( REC ) has pointed out that Brexit and Covid have worsened the chronic issue of driver shortages. It cited failures to retain people in the workforce, with drivers leaving over issues such as stagnant pay, long antisocial hours, and poor work life balance.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - sign up to our daily newsletter here .
