As part of its ongoing work to help reduce the bus, coach and HGV driver shortage, the Department for Transport (DfT) has today (11 April) launched a consultation on amendments to driving licence restrictions.

The main asks within the consultation are to:

• remove the 50km restriction for bus and coach drivers aged 18 to 20 when driving on ‘regular services’ - the DfT is proposing to amend the relevant legislation to allow people in this age group to drive a bus or coach on routes over 50km on regular (and special regular) services.
• allow a person to undertake the off-road and theory tests, required to be passed to gain a bus or coach driver’s licence and gain their Driver Certificate of Professional Competence, whilst in the process of being granted a provisional bus or coach driver entitlement.

DfT is calling for views on the impacts of the proposed amendments. Interested parties – including bus, coach and HGV operators, training providers and trade bodies – are invited to share their views on the proposals.

The consultation period will run for 8 weeks until 11:59pm on 5 June and we would encourage all interested parties to have their say: Amendments to licensing restrictions: bus, coach and heavy goods vehicles - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)