18th August 2021
The DVSA has announced it is recruiting an extra 40 vocational driving examiners.
As a result, it is hoped that the resources will help alleviate the ongoing driver shortage.
Specifically, the new driving examiners will be made up of existing DVSA employees and external candidates.
England and Wales will receive the help, which is part of the government’s package of measures to tackle the shortfall.
Specifically, it highlighted increasing the availability of vocational driving tests as a priority.
Therefore, DVSA continues to develop measures to maximise testing capacity.
For example, it is considering streamlining the process for drivers to gain their HGV licence.
As a result, the additional examiners will lead to increased truck test availability.
Test numbers have already increased from 2,000 a week pre-covid to 3,000.
These numbers have previously been reached by overtime and allocating additional employees into testing.
DVSA’s chief executive Loveday Ryder stressed the commitment to the cause.
“We recognise the haulage industry keeps the wheels of our economy turning.
“In addition, we have listened to its concerns about the current lorry driver shortage.
“We have responded by doing all we can to support the industry in tackling this issue,” said Ryder.
For example, Ryder cited the increased driving examiner numbers as evidence of that support.
Meanwhile, roads minister, Baroness Vere added her support.
“Our HGV drivers provide a vital service delivering food, medicine and other vital goods to where they’re needed.
“That’s why we’re committed to working with industry to address the shortage of drivers.
“In addition, that is why we have unveiled a package of robust measures.
“Increasing the DVSA’s testing capacity is a crucial part of this plan.
“I’d encourage anyone with the right experience to apply for a role – helping keep our country moving.”