Driving Licences: Coronavirus

(asked on 21st April 2020) - View Source

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to allow public service vehicle licence holders to drive two-axle, category C, heavy goods vehicles during the COVID-19 pandemic.


Answered by
Baroness Vere of Norbiton Portrait
Baroness Vere of Norbiton
Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
This question was answered on 28th April 2020

The Government has no current plans to allow public service vehicle (category D) licence holders to drive any heavy goods vehicles (category C) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Legislation requires the driver to have passed a test in the category of the vehicle being driven.

Although buses and coaches share many similar driving characteristics with lorries, there are significant differences in the handling, braking with a load, and automatic and semi-automatic transmission systems. Without specific training, bus drivers may not be familiar with these differences, which may have significant road safety implications.

The safety of vulnerable road users, including pedestrians or cyclists is a priority for this Government. Only those drivers who have undertaken appropriate training in the vehicle and demonstrated competence by passing a test can drive category C vehicles.

The Government will keep under review the availability of drivers to ensure critical supply chains are able to continue servicing NHS and supermarket food supplies during the pandemic.

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