News of an HGV driver shortage in the UK has dominated the news in recent months, with supply chains impacted and numerous big businesses feeling the pinch when it comes to their business logistics. Impacted by many factors such as an ageing workforce, Brexit, IR35 changes and the ongoing impact of COVID-19, it continues to be a challenging time for the industry.
This situation hasn’t been helped by the delays that COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions have created within testing centres, increasing the time it takes to get a HGV driver licence.
As a result, the government ran a consultation and from the 15th November, changes to the HGV tests were introduced with the aim of increasing testing capacity.
What are the HGV test changes 2021/2022?
Several changes were introduced to HGV tests and bus driver tests from the 15th November 2021.
These changes are split into 2 categories
- what you’re allowed to learn to drive and take your driving test in
- how the driving test works
Changes to what you’re allowed to learn to drive and take your driving test in
Changes have been made to the vehicle that you can learn to drive in, affecting lorries and buses.
Lorries
You can now:
- learn to drive in an articulated lorry (category CE) if your provisional lorry licence was issued from 15 November 2021 (if you had a provisional licence before this date, you need to take extra steps to upgrade your provisional licence)
- take your test in a large articulated lorry without having to pass one in a large rigid lorry (category C) first
When you pass your test in a large articulated lorry, you’re allowed to drive:
- a medium-sized lorry (C1)
- a medium-sized lorry towing a trailer (C1E)
- a large rigid lorry (C)
- a large articulated lorry (CE)
Medium-sized Lorries
The changes also apply to medium-sized lorries towing a trailer (category C1E).
- this means you can learn to drive a medium-sized lorry towing a trailer (category C1E) and take your test in one, without having to pass a test in a medium-sized lorry (category C1) first.
When you pass your test in a medium-sized lorry towing a trailer, you’re allowed to drive:
- a medium-sized lorry (C1)
- a medium-sized lorry towing a trailer (C1E)
Changes were also made to the rules for learning to drive buses, coaches, and minibuses.
Refer to the guidance on gov.uk for full details of the changes which have been made to what you’re allowed to learn to drive and take your driving test in
Changes to how the driving test works
Changes are also being made to the way that the driving test works for HGVs and buses.
From the 29th November, part 3 of the driver CPC (driving ability) was split into two sections:
- Driver CPC part 3a – off road exercises
- Driver CPC part 3b – on road driving
You will now need to book and take this part of the driver test in two parts. You must book and pass a Driver CPC part 3a test before taking your part 3b test.
What do these changes mean for HGV drivers?
In essence, these changes should make it easier for would be HGV drivers.
Changes to the vehicles you can learn in, and drive should reduce the number of potential tests you need to take. This should simplify and speed up the process of obtaining your licence. It is also thought that this change should free up the number of tests available. So, you may find it easier to book a test going forward.
And it is hoped the changes to the Driver CPC will have the same impact. By allowing private test providers to administer Driver CPC part 3a, the DVSA should have additional testing capacity.
What do these changes mean for fleet managers?
The aim of the changes being made is to ease the delays in the HGV testing system. So as a fleet manager looking to recruit HGV drivers, these changes should hopefully have a positive impact on this if more people come through the testing process.
Road safety should always be a concern if you are a fleet manager. So, ensure that your business continues to have a culture which promotes this and places high importance on risk management.
- do not ask too much of your drivers – unrealistic targets and deadlines can create stress
- ensure that drivers adhere to all the working hour restrictions and regulations
- ensure drivers abide by all of your driving for work policies and procedures related to areas such as mobile device use, speeding, drink driving and drug usage.
With continuing challenges to the haulage industry, it’s more important than ever to review your haulage fleet insurance. At Anthony Jones, as an insurance broker with proven buying power our dedicated experts can help you find the cover that you need for your business at the best possible price. Get in touch with us today on 020 8290 9099 or email us at commercial.motor@anthonyjones.com.
