The Scale of the UK HGV Driver Shortage
The United Kingdom's HGV driver shortage has been one of the most discussed labour market challenges of the past five years. At its peak in 2021, industry bodies estimated a shortfall of more than 100,000 drivers, contributing to empty supermarket shelves, fuel station queues, and widespread disruption to supply chains. While the most acute phase of the crisis has eased somewhat, the structural imbalance between driver supply and demand remains a significant concern for the logistics sector and the wider economy.
The shortage is not a single-cause problem. It reflects a combination of demographic trends, regulatory changes, the impact of Brexit on the European driver workforce, the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and a persistent failure to attract younger workers and women into the profession. Understanding the causes in depth is essential for anyone considering a career in HGV driving, for employers trying to retain drivers, and for policymakers attempting to address the imbalance.
Key Causes of the Driver Shortage
| Cause | Description | Estimated Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Ageing workforce | Average HGV driver age is over 50; large cohort approaching retirement | High — ongoing attrition |
| Brexit | Loss of EU drivers who returned to home countries; new visa requirements | High — estimated 20,000–25,000 drivers lost |
| COVID-19 pandemic | DVSA test centres closed; backlog of 40,000+ tests; drivers left industry | High — temporary but compounding |
| Testing backlog | Accumulated DVSA test waiting times of 6–12 months in 2021–2022 | Medium — largely resolved by 2024 |
| Low new entrant rates | High training costs (£3,000–£5,000) deter career changers | Medium — structural |
| Poor industry image | Perception of unsociable hours, poor facilities, low status | Medium — cultural barrier |
| Gender imbalance | Women represent fewer than 2% of HGV drivers | Medium — untapped talent pool |
The Role of Brexit
Prior to the UK's departure from the European Union, a significant proportion of HGV drivers working in the UK were EU nationals, particularly from Eastern Europe. These drivers were able to work in the UK under freedom of movement rules without requiring a work visa. Following Brexit, EU nationals already in the UK were able to remain under the EU Settlement Scheme, but new arrivals from the EU now require a visa under the UK's points-based immigration system.
HGV driving was not initially included on the Shortage Occupation List, meaning EU drivers could not easily obtain the skilled worker visas required to work in the UK. The government eventually added HGV drivers to the shortage list in late 2021, but by that point many EU drivers had already returned to their home countries or found work elsewhere. The Road Haulage Association estimated that between 20,000 and 25,000 EU drivers left the UK workforce as a direct result of Brexit.
The Ageing Workforce Problem
Perhaps the most structurally significant cause of the driver shortage is the age profile of the existing workforce. According to data from the Logistics UK and the Road Haulage Association, the average age of an HGV driver in the UK is over 50, and a substantial proportion are in their late 50s or 60s. This means the industry faces a wave of retirements over the next decade that will need to be offset by a significant increase in new entrants.
The problem is compounded by the fact that HGV driving has historically attracted relatively few young people. The minimum age for driving a Category C vehicle is 18 for those on an approved apprenticeship and 21 for all others, which already limits the entry point compared to car driving. The high cost of training — typically £3,000 to £5,000 for a full Class 2 licence — is a further barrier for young people who may not have the savings or access to finance required.
Government and Industry Responses
The UK government and industry bodies have taken a number of steps to address the shortage. In 2021, the government introduced temporary visa arrangements to allow overseas HGV drivers to work in the UK for short periods, though take-up was limited. More substantively, the government funded a Skills Bootcamp programme that provided subsidised HGV training for career changers, with training providers including GS Driver Training participating in the scheme.
The DVSA also took steps to increase testing capacity, including introducing off-road manoeuvres tests at more locations and allowing some tests to be conducted outside normal hours. By 2023, waiting times for HGV practical tests had reduced significantly from the peak of 2021–2022, though they remain longer than pre-pandemic levels in some areas.
Industry bodies have also invested in campaigns to improve the image of HGV driving as a career, highlighting the competitive salaries, job security, and the variety of work available. The average salary for an experienced HGV Class 1 driver in the UK is now between £35,000 and £50,000 per year, with some specialist roles paying considerably more.
The Current State of the Shortage in 2026
By 2026, the most acute phase of the driver shortage has eased. The combination of government-funded training, increased DVSA test capacity, and improved industry pay has brought the estimated shortfall down from its 2021 peak. However, the structural challenges — an ageing workforce, high training costs, and a relatively small pipeline of new entrants — mean that the industry remains under pressure.
Logistics UK's 2025 Logistics Report estimated a remaining shortfall of approximately 50,000–60,000 drivers, with demand continuing to grow as e-commerce expands and supply chains become more complex. The shortage is particularly acute for Class 1 (C+E) articulated lorry drivers, where the combination of higher training costs and greater skill requirements makes it harder to increase supply quickly.
Opportunities for Career Changers
The driver shortage has created genuine opportunities for career changers who are willing to invest in HGV training. Employers are actively competing for qualified drivers, offering sign-on bonuses, enhanced pay rates, and improved working conditions. Many large hauliers and supermarket distribution networks now offer funded or part-funded training as part of their recruitment packages, effectively removing the upfront cost barrier for the right candidates.
For those considering a career change, the pathway to a full HGV Class 1 licence is well-established. The typical route involves obtaining a Category C (Class 2) licence first, then upgrading to Category C+E (Class 1). The total cost for both qualifications, including medical, theory tests, and practical training, typically ranges from £4,000 to £7,000 when taken independently, though employer-funded routes can significantly reduce or eliminate this cost.
GS Driver Training offers a Fast Track C+E course that takes candidates from a car licence to a full articulated lorry licence in a structured programme. We also offer individual HGV Class 2 training and HGV Class 1 training for those who prefer to progress at their own pace. For more information, call us on 01252 447808.
Attracting Women into HGV Driving
One of the most significant untapped opportunities for addressing the driver shortage is increasing the number of women entering the profession. Women currently account for fewer than 2% of HGV drivers in the UK, a proportion that has barely changed in decades despite significant efforts by industry bodies and individual employers. The reasons for this underrepresentation are complex, including historical perceptions of the role as physically demanding and male-dominated, concerns about safety and welfare facilities at lorry parks and loading bays, and a lack of visible female role models in the industry.
GS Driver Training is committed to making HGV training accessible to all. We have both male and female instructors available across all our courses, which many of our female students have told us makes a significant difference to their confidence and comfort during training. If you are considering HGV training and would like to speak to a female instructor, please mention this when you enquire.
