Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department is considering extending grandfather rights to all those who possess a full driving licence in order to increase the number of potential HGV drivers.

Acquired rights (grandfather rights) for car drivers who passed their test prior to 1 January 1997 allowed drivers with a Category B (car) licence entitlement to drive vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes (Category C1). We have no existing plans to amend the requirements for acquiring a C1 licence.

Drivers wishing to obtain a Category C or C+E licence for heavy goods vehicles are required to complete the driving test for that category of vehicle.