Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of Category C1 driving licence requirements on the operating costs of small and medium-sized enterprises that use 7.5-tonne vehicles.

The Department considered evidence on Category C1 licensing requirements through its 2022 driving licensing review call for evidence, including whether Category B car licence holders should be granted C1 entitlement for vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes. Responses indicated potential economic benefits, such as reduced training, testing and recruitment costs for operators, but also highlighted concerns about additional costs, including insurance premiums, and road safety implications linked to driver training and experience.

Training costs are set commercially, and drivers operating commercially must also meet Driver Certificate of Professional Competence requirements, with test costs aligned across lorry and bus categories. The Department keeps the driver licensing framework under review to ensure it remains safe, proportionate and consistent with the UK’s international commitments.