Jun 08, 2023
A government consultation revealed that 69% of respondents believe drivers should automatically have the right to drive vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes once they pass their driving test. The consultation, conducted by the Department for Transport (DfT) in August 2022, sought opinions on several changes to the driving licence system, including allowing drivers to operate vehicles weighing up to 7.5 tonnes with only a car driving licence.
While a snap online poll showed fleet respondents were divided on this idea, the analysis of the DfT consultation responses indicates overall support for the change, despite some safety concerns. Currently, a car driving licence allows drivers to operate vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes, with additional training for alternatively fuelled vehicles up to 4.25 tonnes.
The C1 licence covers medium-sized vehicles from 3.5 to 7.5 tonnes, and drivers who obtained their car licence before January 1997 also gained entitlement to drive a light lorry or heavy van (C1) without an additional test.
The DfT consultation statistics reveal that the number of C1 vehicles and their mileage has significantly decreased since the introduction of a separate test for C1 entitlement. However, the majority of respondents to the consultation support the automatic entitlement change, although concerns about accidents and fatalities due to the size and weight difference between C1 vehicles and cars were raised.
The majority also agree that there should be an age restriction and a minimum period of time holding a car licence before being allowed to drive a C1 vehicle. Some respondents believe the proposal could result in savings and alleviate driver shortages, while others express concerns about increased insurance premiums and training costs.
The DfT is currently reviewing the consultation responses to determine potential changes to the driving licence regime.