Government plans that could see novice drivers being allowed to automatically drive lorries have been condemned by IAM RoadSmart.

A recent government consultation suggested taking driver licence back to previous allowances. These were stopped in 1997 on the grounds of road safety and EU rules.

Grandfather rights

We originally covered the announcement of the  consultation when Road Safety GB expressed concerns . The change would allow  drivers who possess a category B car licence should be instantly entitled to a category C1 licence. This allows motorists to drive vehicles weighing up to 7.5 tonnes.

In effect, it would mean that a driver as young as 18 years-old could drive a large truck. Although they have passed their driving test, such novice drivers are generally inexperienced and this is the period when drivers are statistically most vulnerable and dangerous on the road.

The controversial new plans are intended to lighten the load for examiners. At the same time it could get more lorry drivers out on the roads amid ongoing supply chain issues.

Shortages

The latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) Labour Force Survey reveals there are still major issues when it comes to delivery drivers. The UK’s large goods vehicle (LGV) driver shortage remains chronic. The number of working LGV drivers is over 30,000  below current demand. Numbers are down 11% from June 2021.

IAM RoadSmart strongly opposes the proposal. They assert that lorries pose a larger risk to other road users if proper training is not provided. The Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) has revealed that LGVs pose nine times as much risk of death to other road users, compared to cars.

Critical thinking and action

Neil Greig, Director of Policy and Research at IAM RoadSmart, believes “it is critical” that drivers have the appropriate training and skills.

“This proposal would allow a potentially high risk 18-year-old to legally drive a lorry, without the necessary training, guidance or experience required to do so safely. In our view, these plans present a totally unacceptable risk to the safety of all road users and could lead to chaos up and down our road network.”

Greig proposes an extended driver testing capacity to improve the commercial driver shortage. Alongside this, “making the industry more attractive to a more diverse workforce” is key. This needs to include “improving the working conditions and infrastructure for drivers”.

“This way, we can ensure that the nation’s truckers continue to deliver vital goods, without compromising the safety of other road users.”