In this episode, we explore what the prosed HGV Driving Licence changes look like. It’s important to note that the changes below are only proposed changes currently and a consultation took place on these proposed changes between 10 August until 7 September 2021. The results from the consultation are due within the next three months of 2021.

There are three proposed main changes, and these are summarised below.

Change 1: removing the current staging requirements for licence acquisition Basically, a car driver will be able to apply for a provisional for both C and CE entitlement at the same time. A driver can then choose which test to take first. If they decide to go straight to take a test in an articulated lorry and then pass, they would be granted the following entitlements – C+E, C, C1 and C1+E.

Change 2: considering alternative arrangements for the conduct of the reversing manoeuvres. This proposed change allows the reversing part of the test to be conducted and assessed by a third party, this will free up time for the examiners to be able to add more tests to their daily schedule. The third party will also conduct the trailer coupling and un-coupling assessment.

Change 3: allow car drivers to tow a trailer without the need for an additional test This will allow drivers who passed their car test after January 1997 to be able to tow a trailer up to 3500kg although, MAM for car and trailer must not exceed 7000kg, Those who passed their test prior to January 1997 already have this entitlement on their licences. (B+E)