The Department for Transport (DfT) is seeking views on proposals to streamline processes around driving licences, removing red tape to benefit the logistics sector.
The call for evidence, which closes on 28 October 2022, is seeking views on options to re-introduce ‘grandfather rights’ for car driving licence holders to drive larger vehicles up to 7.5t. As well as increasing the potential customer base for CV rental, this change could provide BVRLA members with a wider pool of delivery/collection drivers.
Other proposals, including a register of HGV driving instructors, publication of pass rates, and removal of red tape for mechanics on coach and bus repairs, are also under consideration in a bid to raise HGV driver training standards and improve road safety.
The Government has also launched a consultation on driving licence flexibility for alternatively-fuelled vehicles up to 4.25t. This follows the March announcement that it will continue to allow standard licence holders to operate goods vans up to 4.25t, instead of the normal 3.5t limit.
The Government is considering extending this to other vehicle types i.e., campervans and minibuses and for other uses i.e., towing following pressure from the BVRLA.
The consultation seeks views on four main areas:
- The five-hour training requirement
- The types of vehicles eligible
- A towing allowance for drivers using the flexibility
- The types of fuels eligible.
The consultation will run for eight weeks, closing on 4 October.
The BVRLA will be responding to the above consultations, submit your views to [email protected].
