The Road Haulage Association (RHA) is urging the government to revive key HGV driver training schemes and reform funding for skills development amid a worsening driver shortage. New research shows that around 100,000 HGV drivers have let their Driver Qualification Card (DQC) expire in the past year — equivalent to one in six of all working-age drivers — with many of those leaving the sector in their 30s and 40s.

The RHA estimates that 60,000 new drivers will need to be trained annually over the next five years to meet industry needs and keep supply chains moving. With 80% of the UK’s goods transported by road, the organisation warns that failure to address the shortage could have serious consequences for the wider economy.

Managing Director Richard Smith stressed that driver recruitment and retention must become a government priority. He said the closure of national HGV “bootcamp” training programmes has made it harder for firms to cover training costs and called for their reinstatement until a long-term Growth and Skills Levy is introduced.

Smith also highlighted long-standing problems around poor roadside facilities and limited secure parking. He urged collaboration between government, training providers and the industry to create lasting solutions that ensure the UK has a sustainable and skilled driver workforce for the future.