A radical plan to resolve a huge backlog in driving tests for HGV drivers is needed when the doors open again to candidates next week, according to the Logistics Skills Network (LSN).
The warning came as trainers in Scotland said hauliers were “screaming for drivers” but that the earliest theory tests could resume is 26 April when Covid rules north of the border are finally relaxed.
Paul Spink, LSN co-founder, said there was now an estimated backlog of 46,000 HGV driving tests, which would need to be addressed in addition to the average 72,000 tests delivered each year.
He said it was “excellent news” that training and testing would resume in England and Wales from 12 April, but he added: “Having said that, we have been seeking to understand what DVSA’s vocational HGV examination capacity is likely to be from 12 April.
“Either they don’t want to tell us, or they don’t know it.
“DVSA has said it will put examiners on overtime and curtail holiday, but the plans needs to be more radical.”
Walter Ritchie, owner of Ritchies Training Centre in Glasgow, said it was hamstrung not only by a later reopening of training centres in Scotland, but also social distancing rules of two metres, as opposed to England’s one metre: “Hypothetically, if you can have 100 candidates in a room in England, then you can only have 50 in Scotland,” he explained.
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“Once we get the green light for tests then there’ll be a delay to get theory tests through, then through the practical test.
“The impact is quite great on training establishments, but also on the haulage industry as well.
“They are struggling to get drivers - and suitably qualified drivers.
“We know of one company screaming out for drivers,” he added.
DVSA’s chief executive Loveday Ryder confirmed HGV driving candidates could resume lessons from next week: “I know the suspension of tests and lessons has been incredibly hard for you and I am pleased to announce that driving lessons and tests for lorries and minibuses will restart on 12 April,” she said.
A Transport Scotland spokesman said driving lessons and tests were largely suspended and added: “On 16 March, the First Minister announced that, if the spread of the virus remains controlled – we will move fully back to a levels system from 26 April.
“This will mean that driving lessons and theory tests will be able to resume from then.”
