Youngsters could drive trucks without test in major government reshuffle

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has launched a call for evidence with the aim of making it easier for young people to start a career in logistics, while making the most of the "post". -Brexit liberties'.

(

Image: Getty Images)

Young people could drive trucks, minibuses and vans without needing another driving test as part of plans to widen the pool of delivery drivers across the UK.

Tory ministers hope to lift EU red tape that currently prevents motorists from driving anything larger than a 3.5 tonne vehicle or minibuses with up to 16 seats without facing restrictions.

This could mean that anyone who passed their test in 1997 or later can drive 7.5 ton trucks and large vans without further testing.

Grant Shapps, Transport Secretary, launched a call for evidence on Friday in a bid to make it easier for young people to 'launch' a career in logistics.

Britain has a shortage of 100,000 lorry drivers, according to recent estimates, affecting the delivery of food, fuel and other items over the past year.

Secretary of Transportation Grant Shapps (

Picture:

Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey is said to have called for the change to allow some young people to have a faster career in truck driving.

It would also solve the shortage of HGV drivers, as some could drive trucks full of food for supermarkets without facing the wrath of restrictions.

Transport Minister Karl McCartney said: "We continue to look for ways to make it easier and faster to start a rewarding career in logistics.

"That's why we're asking people for their opinions on how we could streamline the licensing process and remove potential roadblocks, making the most of our post-Brexit freedoms."