The Government is considering changes to driver licence permissions to tackle the significant driver shortage, support new haulage jobs and bolster the UK supply chain.
A call for evidence has been launched on a range of options and the DfT is gathering views from a wide range of stakeholders.
Road Safety GB is preparing its response to the proposals and is keen to hear from members to help inform this process.
A key proposal is around the reintroduction of ‘Grandfather Rights’, which would explore whether the UK should allow those who hold a car driving licence to have the automatic entitlement to drive certain larger vans or smaller lorries up to 7.5t.
This was the case prior to 1 Jan 1997, when people who passed their driving test for a car also obtained the right to drive heavier, larger vehicles and also minibuses.
These entitlements, under the licence categories C1 and D1, were removed through EU rules – but post-Brexit the entitlements could be reinstated.
Other proposals being considered include: creating a formal register of HGV driving instructors; publishing pass rates for HGV instructors; and allowing mechanics who already hold a HGV licence, to drive vehicles such as buses and coaches for repair purposes.
Full details of the call for evidence are set out online.
Matt Staton director of research for Road Safety GB, said: “Two Road Safety GB specialists with expert knowledge of commercial vehicles and minibuses have provided initial feedback on the headline licensing changes.
“Passing a driving test in a car does not assess the skills required to drive a much larger vehicle, or deal with the responsibilities to passengers. We recognise the driver shortage but on balance it would appear driving standards would deteriorate if the ‘Grandfather Rights’ were reintroduced and should be opposed from a road safety perspective.
“I encourage Road Safety GB members to discuss any implications for their fleets and liaise with appropriate parts of their organisation who may wish to give responses to the call for evidence.”
The consultation runs until 28 October 2022, but Road Safety GB is asking for input from members by the end of September to inform the response that it will formally submit.
Anyone wishing to express a view should contact Matt Staton via email.
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