Driver Licensing Consultation Launched

Prior to 1997 drivers who passed their car test were automatically entitled to drive small lorries and vans up to 7 ½ tonnes with a trailer up to 750kg maximum authorised mass (giving a total combination of 8 ¼ tonnes).

From 1997 onwards a separate C1 licence has been required to drive medium-sized vehicles between 3 ½ tonnes and 7 ½ tonnes (with a trailer up to 750kg) maximum authorised mass.

Following on from measures put in place to tackle a HGV driver shortage during the coronavirus pandemic the Department for Transport has now launched a consultation regarding potential changes to age and experience regulations for vehicles.

The consultation looks at a number of areas including:

• C1 driver licence entitlement and the similar D1 minibus entitlement
• Changes to raise the standard of HGV instruction and improve pass rates
• Driver CPC requirements
• Removing the L category of driver licence (previously required for electrically propelled vehicles) which is no longer issued

The consultation runs until 28^th October 2022. You can view the areas being considered and respond to the consultation via the Gov.Uk website at: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/driving-licensing-review-call-for-evidence-on-opportunities-for-changes-to-the-driver-licensing-regime/driving-licensing-call-for-evidence#c1-75-tonnes-goods-vehicle-entitlement

If your employees drive as part of their work, it is also important that you have robust policies and procedures in place to manage the risk.

Please speak to your normal PIB Risk Management contact or get in touch using the form below if you have any questions or would like assistance with developing policies and procedures for managing occupational road risks.