In the wake of government proposals, which could see motorists soon being allowed to drive vehicles weighing up to 7.5 tonnes without taking an additional test, an unprecedented number of Brits are flocking to race circuits to experience what it's like to drive a heavy goods vehicle (HGV).
Indeed, here at DrivingExperience, we have seen a 500% surge in bookings for our Truck Driving Experience in our year-to-date data, in comparison to the same period in 2021.
The package, which is available at five locations across the country, tests participants' ability to slalom, reverse and manoeuvre an HGV around a specialist course.
This surge in bookings comes against the backdrop of a huge HGV driver shortage of some 100,000, in the UK alone, according to The Road Haulage Association. This has prompted a Government consultation, set to conclude on 28th October, which aims to explore various ways to lighten the load on fleets and examiners – including scrapping the requirement for additional tests for those with a standard full driving licence to drive HGVs.
And according to Dan Jones, operations manager at DrivingExperience.com, this is what is driving the surge in bookings for the package: "It's no coincidence that we have seen an increase in bookings for our Truck Driving Experience at the same time as government suggestions to liberalise testing regulations."
"There is certainly a delicate balance to be struck between the necessity to get more HGV drivers on the roads, all while ensuring they are adequately trained to perform the job safely. So, as we wait for the government to make a final decision on HGV testing requirements, we at DrivingExperience.com will continue to deliver the goods and offer a useful educational experience for those considering a career in the cabin."
To learn more about DrivingExperience.com's range of Truck Driving packages, visit our Truck Driving Experiences page to book from available dates on our Truck Driving Experience Calendar or through purchase of our open Gift Vouchers.
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