The UK could be facing a fresh HGV driver crisis unless urgent steps are taken to attract more young people into the industry, according to John Keelan-Edwards, Managing Director of Driver Hire Training.
With 55% of the current HGV workforce aged between 50 and 65, the country is on the cusp of a mass retirement wave that could leave a critical gap in the logistics sector.
“There is soon to be a wave of drivers retiring and leaving the industry,” Keelan-Edwards said. “If this imbalance between those leaving and those entering continues, the situation could become critical.”
The warning echoes memories of the pandemic-era driver shortages, when supply chains were disrupted, supermarket shelves ran empty, and fuel shortages swept the UK. While recent government incentives helped alleviate the worst of the crisis, Keelan-Edwards says sustainable, long-term recruitment is still missing.
The driver workforce is ageing rapidly, and younger generations are not entering the profession in sufficient numbers. A key issue, says Keelan-Edwards, is that professional driving is not seen as an attractive or viable career path by many school leavers.
“Incentives like sign-on bonuses only go so far. What we need is a shift in perception — young people need to see driving as a fulfilling, flexible, and well-paid career with real opportunities for development.”
Young people face timing and image challenges when it comes to becoming HGV drivers. Many may have chosen other career paths before they’re even eligible to begin training for a commercial driving licence. Meanwhile, perceptions of the job have shifted, with the once-romantic image of the open road giving way to concerns around long hours and lack of support.
Keelan-Edwards believes that better media coverage, early engagement, and high-quality, accessible vocational training are key to turning the tide.
“Professional driving can offer great flexibility, decent wages, the chance to travel and meet people — we need to promote this narrative far and wide, ideally before career choices are locked in.”
One of the additional barriers for young drivers is the reluctance of employers and insurers to take a chance on them. Many companies view experience as essential, creating a cycle where young drivers can’t get hired — and therefore can’t gain experience.
“We need to ensure a smooth and supported transition from training to employment,” Keelan-Edwards urged. “With good training and proper oversight, there’s no reason why younger drivers can’t excel.”
Keelan-Edwards called on government, training providers, insurers, and industry bodies to collaborate on solutions — from better funding for training programmes to national campaigns highlighting the value of logistics.
“The industry can’t do this alone. We all have a role to play in reshaping perceptions and opening doors for the next generation of drivers. Logistics is vital to the UK economy — and HGV driving is a career to be proud of.”
As the UK grapples with skills shortages across several sectors, the message from the logistics industry is clear: without new blood and bold policy, the driver shortage could soon be back — and this time, even harder to fix.
