To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to outline the reasons for not bringing Northern Ireland in line with Great Britain in scrapping the need for tests to tow trailers up to 3,500kg in weight.

I became aware, following the announcement, that GB is introducing changes to HGV tests and Class B+E trailer tests to try to help the sector tackle the lorry driver shortage. The implication of these changes for road safety will need further consideration, and so there are no current plans to replicate these changes here.

In addition, the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) has taken a range of measures to maximise the availability of Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) driving test slots. In addition to normal weekday slots they also now offer LGV driving tests on a Saturday and on Sundays where it is suitable to do so without compromising the integrity of the test. However, uptake from the industry, particularly on Sundays, has been less than expected, given the demand for these types of tests. Overtime is also used to rota off-shift dual role driving examiners to provide further capacity.

In the first four full months since driving tests resumed on 23 April, the DVA has conducted 1,290 LGV driving tests, which is 65% higher than the five-year average for that period, demonstrating a clear commitment to providing increased testing capacity for the sector.

Testing is not seen as a significant reason for HGV driver shortages here. A recent RHA survey identifies driver’s retirements, Brexit and changes to off-payroll working rules as the three main reasons for the shortages. Hauliers in the UK wide survey did not identify testing as an issue.

The DVA is continuing to explore a number of options to increase the number of LGV examiners to address current demands at those test centres where LGV testing is offered. This includes identifying current examiners with relevant licences to be trained to conduct LGV Tests.

The DVA also engages with various LGV driver training schools in relation to test appointments. Test Centre Managers frequently liaise directly with the training schools to meet specific requirements and help address demands. Standing appointments for LGV driver training schools, which were previously suspended due to Covid 19 restrictions, have now been reinstated. This allows more flexibility for the industry to avail of LGV driver test appointments.

At this time the DVA can facilitate practical driving tests and theory tests for LGV drivers. The DVA is not aware of any specific concerns being raised by training schools regarding the availability of appointments, but training schools are encouraged to liaise directly with their appropriate centre management team should additional testing capacity be required. The DVA will continue to liaise with training schools to monitor the demand for tests.