The UK is facing a serious shortfall in HGV drivers, and it could reach crisis levels in the next five years. John Keelan-Edwards, Managing Director of Driver Hire Training, warns that more than half of current drivers are nearing retirement, with few younger workers entering the industry to replace them.

The issue isn’t new. During the pandemic, temporary fixes and government support eased some pressure, but the underlying problems were never resolved. “There is soon to be a wave of drivers retiring and leaving the industry,” Keelan-Edwards says. “And if we don’t act now, the gap they leave will be hard to fill.”

Ageing Workforce, Shrinking Talent Pool

According to industry data, 55% of HGV drivers are between 50 and 65. Over the next decade, many of them will retire. With fewer younger drivers coming in, there’s a risk of major disruption to supply chains. If this trend continues, delays and shortages across many sectors could become more common.

Several factors are driving this trend. The number of overseas drivers working in the UK has dropped. The profession still lacks diversity. And crucially, interest among young people is low. “We don’t have as many overseas drivers as we once did,” Keelan-Edwards explains. “And professional driving isn’t attracting school leavers in the way it needs to.”

Short-Term Incentives Aren’t Enough

Some employers have used sign-on bonuses or pay increases to bring in drivers quickly. These may help in the short term but don’t offer a lasting solution. Without a steady stream of new entrants into the profession, the imbalance between retirees and new starters will continue to grow.

One key problem is timing. By the time people are eligible for HGV training, they’ve often already chosen another career path. And long-distance driving doesn’t have the appeal it once did.

Keelan-Edwards says the industry must do more to promote the benefits of the job. These include decent wages, job security, flexibility and the opportunity to work independently. But those advantages need to be clearly explained and made visible to younger people and those thinking about switching careers.

Training Costs Are a Major Barrier

Cost is a major obstacle. HGV training is expensive, and many people can’t afford it. Keelan-Edwards believes that funded vocational training is essential. “Vocational education should be affordable and properly supported,” he says. “If we can do that, and if companies are prepared to hire younger drivers with the right training, we’ll see real progress.”

Industry Needs to Back Young Drivers

Even when people complete their training, many companies are hesitant to hire younger drivers. Insurance concerns and lack of experience often work against them. But Keelan-Edwards argues that with proper training, support and a change in attitudes, this can be fixed.
“We need to ensure a smooth transition from training to the first job. That means mentoring, hands-on guidance and more willingness from employers to give new drivers a chance.”

Time to Act

Solving this problem requires joint action from government, industry, insurers and education providers. The current approach is not enough. HGV driving is an essential role that keeps goods moving, but unless more is done to attract and support new drivers, the UK could face serious disruption.

“Everyone has a role to play,” Keelan-Edwards concludes. “If we don’t act now, the shortage of drivers could become a long-term problem that’s much harder to fix.”