Number of would-be LGV drivers is declining rapidly
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By Chris Druce THE NUMBER OF people willing and able to become LGV drivers is still in freefall, according to the latest oficial data.
Last month an investigation (CM 15 March) revealed a dramatic fall in both tests taken (category C and C+E), as well as the number of tests passed during a ive-year period to 2009/10.
A newly available breakdown of results from the Driving Standards Agency covering 2010/11 reveals that the number of tests taken and passed (C and C+E) have each fallen by more than 3% yearon-year. It means that last year 41,441 people took an LGV test (2010: 43,094), while 21,054 passed (2010: 21,749).
It was previously revealed that between 2005/06 and 2009/10 the number of LGV tests taken fell by more than half, from 86,926 to 43,094. The combined pass rate showed a similar fall, with a 45% drop from 39,220 to just 21,749 in the same period.
The fall came despite Jobcentre Plus data showing that there are driver jobs not being illed across the UK: in 2009/2010 there were 115,690 unilled LGV driver vacancies. This leapt by more than half (51%) to 235,663 in 2011/12.
System Training marketing manager Andrew Dodds believes the across-the-board declines shown in the data might be due to available driving jobs being snapped up by already qualiied drivers at the expense of those looking to join the industry.
• From January 2013 all lorry drivers, regardless of their age, will need to renew their LGV licences every ive years. At present, only drivers aged over 45 need to renew their licences every ive years, as well as demonstrate their itness to drive through a full medical report.