The UK HGV Driver Shortage Explained

You’ve heard the headlines: empty shelves, cancelled deliveries, supermarkets running out of basics. The UK HGV driver shortage has been front-page news, but what’s actually going on? And more importantly, what does it mean if you’re a driver or thinking about becoming one?

HOW BAD IS IT REALLY?

Estimates vary, but industry bodies put the shortage at around 50,000-70,000 drivers as of early 2025. That’s roughly 15% of the workforce missing. Some sectors are hit harder than others, food retail and construction have struggled most.

The shortage isn’t uniform across the country either. The South East, with its high living costs and London congestion, struggles to attract drivers. Meanwhile, some northern depots have waiting lists of applicants. But overall, demand outstrips supply significantly.

WHY DID THIS HAPPEN?

No single cause, it’s a perfect storm of factors that built up over years:

• Brexit: Around 15,000-20,000 EU drivers left the UK, and cabotage restrictions mean fewer can cover the gap
• COVID-19: Testing centres closed for months, creating a backlog of 40,000+ tests at the peak
• Ageing workforce: Average driver age is mid-50s; retirements outpace new entries
• Working conditions: Long hours, poor facilities, and low status deterred new recruits
• Pay stagnation: Rates were flat for years while other sectors improved
• IR35 changes: Tax changes made owner-driver models less attractive

The industry largely ignored these warning signs until the system cracked under pressure.

WHAT’S BEING DONE?

Government and industry have scrambled to respond. Measures include:

• Fast-tracked test appointments and temporary extensions
• Relaxed cabotage rules for overseas drivers
• Funding for training through apprenticeship levy changes
• Better roadside facilities mandated for new developments
• Campaigns to attract new drivers including women and younger entrants

Some of these are working. Test backlogs have cleared. Pay has increased. But structural issues, like the working conditions that drive people away, take longer to fix.

WHAT IT MEANS FOR DRIVERS

If you’re already qualified, you’re in the strongest position drivers have had in decades. Wages are up 15-25% compared to pre-pandemic levels. Signing bonuses have appeared. Companies are competing on benefits, not just pay.

For new drivers, it’s a golden opportunity to enter an industry that desperately needs you. Training providers are busier than ever, but the investment pays off quickly with current rates.

• Higher wages across the board
• More negotiating power
• Better conditions (slowly improving)
• More choice of employers
• Faster career progression for good drivers

THE OPPORTUNITIES RIGHT NOW

Sectors with the most acute shortages, and therefore the best opportunities, include:

• Supermarket distribution: constant demand, decent pay, often good benefits
• Amazon/parcel delivery: huge growth, though intensity varies
• ADR/tanker work: chronic shortage, premium pay
• Temperature-controlled: pharmaceuticals, food, specialist training commands premium
• Construction materials: inconsistent but well-paid when busy

Multi-skilled drivers (C+E plus ADR, HIAB, or other certifications) can essentially write their own ticket right now.

WHY TRAINING PROVIDERS ARE STRUGGLING

Demand for HGV training has exploded, but capacity hasn’t kept pace. Training trucks are expensive. Qualified instructors are in short supply (many went back to driving when wages rose). Test slots remain competitive despite improvements.

The result: longer waiting times for training, higher costs, and some questionable providers entering the market. Do your research before choosing a training provider, cheap courses with poor pass rates are no bargain.

WHAT NEW DRIVERS NEED TO KNOW

Entering the industry now? Here’s what experienced drivers would tell you:

• Don’t rush your training, employers want competent drivers, not just licences
• Start with Cat C to build confidence before going to artics
• Expect a steep learning curve in your first year, that’s normal
• Keep records of everything: training, incidents, positive feedback
• Networking matters, other drivers are your best source of job leads
• The shortage won’t last forever, build skills that stay valuable

The driver shortage has created genuine opportunities. Companies that treated drivers badly for years are being forced to change or lose staff. That’s good for everyone in the industry long-term.

Ready to take advantage of the market? Register with HGV Connect and we’ll help you find the right role.