In a bold move to alleviate persistent driver shortages within the transport industry, the UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) has unveiled proposals aimed at lowering the minimum age requirements for bus coach and lorry drivers across Great Britain. These measures are designed to accelerate training processes for younger drivers, thereby enhancing the efficiency and reliability of transport services.
Historically, the UK transport sector has faced challenges with driver shortages, a situation exacerbated during the Covid pandemic. Now is the time to deliver a better deal for all drivers. Despite a recovery in recent times, industry data from the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) indicates a lingering shortfall, with almost 10% fewer coach drivers than required. The proposed changes by the DfT seek to address these gaps by allowing individuals under 21 to undertake longer routes, which were previously restricted to just 31 miles.
Under the current regulations, younger drivers are limited to shorter routes, excluding them from most intercity and many rural services. The DfT’s strategy includes a plan to streamline the licensing process, enabling prospective bus and Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers to commence theoretical and off-road training even before obtaining their provisional licenses.
Safety concerns have been a significant talking point around these proposals. However, the DfT assures that the changes will not compromise safety standards but rather expedite the training and deployment of drivers into the workforce. This adjustment is anticipated to bolster the availability of reliable bus and coach services, thereby improving the resilience of the supply chain.
Guy Opperman, the Minister for Roads, emphasized the increased worker opportunities this could create for young people and the potential to infuse the transport sector with fresh talent. “Being a bus, coach, or lorry driver can be an excellent career for young people and these proposals could help get younger talent into transport, encouraging diversity in the sector,” said Opperman.
Graham Vidler, Chief Executive of the CPT, welcomed the government’s initiative. He highlighted the existing permissions for 18-year-olds to drive articulated lorries, advocating for a similar policy for all types of coach and bus driver services. “There is a clear case for allowing them also to drive all types of coach and bus services,” Vidler noted. These proposed changes are set to make significant impacts on the UK’s transport infrastructure, promising more efficient and diverse service offerings. As these plans move forward, they represent a crucial step in addressing the ongoing challenges faced by the transport sector.
The Workers Union says,
“These developments indicate a progressive shift towards more dynamic and responsive transport services, which are essential for meeting the demands of modern Britain.”
