HGV Driver SHORTAGE

Most of us will be affected in some way by the current HGV Driver Shortage and the related fuel shortage. Whether this is struggling to get fuel for your vehicle, being stuck in tailback traffic near to any fuel stations (including public transport), or the people that work in the fuel stations; most people are affected in some way.

So although there are different news reports, and a few jokes and memes related to this, I wanted to share the main points of this career, and what is being done to help it, with you.

Initially, it is important to think about your personal skills and whether you have most, if not all of the skills and knowledge needed for this job role. Some of the main things to think about are:

> knowledge of vehicle and public safety and security

> concentration skills for staying focused

> patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations

> customer service skills.

> over 18 years

More can be found on careers websites, like www.nationalcareers.service.gov.uk or www.prospects.ac.uk on the job profiles page.

It is also worth understanding, that although you have do the initial training and test, you also have to do a renewal/refresher in this every 5 years. However, to get there in the first place, you have to complete 2 forms by the DVLA. One of which needs to be completed by either a GP or private firm specialising in drivers medical exams. In addition to these requirements, there are additional requirements for the training; 35 hours training every five years. As with other vehicle's, you will also have to pass a theory test, with the restriction of passing the theory and practical tests within 2 years.

Subsequently, there are also a lot of companies out there that will put you through all of the training.

Why is there a shortage?

The UK government state there are a few reasons behind the HGV driver shortage:

• the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic preventing HGV driving tests

• the economic bounce-back from COVID-19

• an ageing workforce

• previous reliance on overseas labour with a lack of long-term investment in the UK domestic workforce

Ironically, through my years working with young people, I have always met young people that want to be lorry drivers. So is it that there aren't enough of them across the country, or are there things getting in the way?

Due to the huge affects this is having on our daily lives, not just the fuel, but food and medicines shortages too, the government and the DVSA are taking big steps to help overcome this.

Here are the main ones:

* provide up to £7,000 per person funding for the Large Goods Vehicle Driver apprenticeship scheme

* the Department for Education is investing up to £10 million to create new (free) skills bootcamps to train up to 3,000 more people to become HGV drivers.

* the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is making up to 50,000 more HGV driving tests available each year by streamlining the testing process.

* the law will be changed so that drivers will only need to take one test to drive both a rigid and articulated lorry rather than taking 2 separate tests.

* The Department for Transport (DfT) has authorised an extension to ADR driver licences, which allow drivers to transport dangerous goods, such as fuel.

The measure applies to licences expiring between 27 September 2021 and 31 December 2021, and extend their validity until 31 January 2022.

* drivers hours rules have also been relaxed, to enable drivers to make longer journeys.

* direct invitation to previous HGV drivers to return.

What about the instructors or examiners though?

Currently, there are quite large back logs and very long waiting lists for lessons, exams, provisional licences, and the official licences for all vehicles in England. With most of the reasons being the same as above.

However, there are additional things happening to deal with the examiner shortage. Which are stated below:

* the government is changing the law, so car drivers will no longer need to take another test to tow a trailer or caravan. This will create about 30,000 more HGV driving tests appointments every year.

* The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has deployed its defence driving examiners to increase the country’s HGV driver testing capacity. MOD examiners will work alongside DVSA examiners, providing thousands of extra tests until the end of 2021.

* the government is bringing in legislation to allow delegated driving examiners at the 3 emergency services and the MOD to be able to carry out driving tests for one another. This will give the emergency services greater flexibility and help increase the number of tests DVSA examiners can provide.

The rules and processes to becoming a driving instructor or examiner is quite different to becoming a driver, and the two are not linked. The assumption is often made that the instructor leads into the examiner, but this is not the case.

> Instructors have to be over 21 years, have 3 years driving experience, and complete a training course by private training organisation and complete 2/3 exams.

> Examiners have to be over 24 years, 4 years driving experience, max 3 penalty points, complete an online assessment, complete a practical assessment, then take the 5 week training course. After this they are on probation for 9 months and monitored by their manager.

Let's hope that this issue does start moving in a positive direction, as it is creating more stress, in an already stressful world. #positiveprogress