HGV Driver Shortages in NI & ROI, How Training Addresses This

HGV Driver Shortages in NI & ROI, How Training Addresses This

The shortage of qualified HGV drivers remains one of the biggest challenges facing the transport and logistics industry across Northern Ireland.

While the crisis made national headlines in 2021, the reality is that the problem never truly went away, it has simply become a long-term workforce issue.

Businesses large and small continue to struggle to recruit and retain enough qualified drivers to keep supply chains moving, and the industry now recognises that the only real solution lies in consistent, high-quality driver training.

The Scale of the Shortage

The Road Haulage Association and the Irish Road Haulage Association have both reported persistent shortfalls in driver numbers. In Northern Ireland, the average age of an HGV driver is now over 50, with far too few new entrants coming through to replace those retiring.

In the Republic of Ireland, the problem is even more pronounced, with driver shortages regularly impacting supermarket deliveries, construction supply chains and cross-border transport.

The reasons are complex, but include:

• An ageing driver population
• Fewer younger people viewing HGV driving as a career
• Delays in driving test availability
• Rising insurance and operating costs for haulage firms
• Limited awareness of how to enter the industry

These pressures combine to create a skills gap that affects not just logistics firms but the wider economy.

Future demand & structural issues 

• The Road Haulage Association (RHA) in a 2025 report forecasts the UK will need 40,000 new HGV drivers each year over the next five years (total 200,000 drivers) to meet demand, take account of retirements and growth.  
• A more recent news article states the haulage sector needs to recruit and train around 60,000 HGV drivers annually for the next five years to keep supply chains moving.  
• The workforce is ageing: e.g., one source states the average age of HGV drivers in the UK is 50 and 55% of them are aged 50-65.  

How Training Can Help Close the Gap ?

The only sustainable solution is investment in accessible, practical and recognised HGV driver training.

This means supporting new entrants from car licence level right through to full Category C or CE qualification, and providing upskilling opportunities for existing drivers.

At Sandy Arthur Training Services, we have seen a clear rise in people seeking to retrain for better job security and long-term career options. For many, the HGV industry offers exactly that, a skilled trade with consistent demand.

The Modern Training Route

Training has never been more structured or efficient. The route typically involves:

1. Medical and provisional licence application
2. Theory and hazard perception tests
3. Practical driver training with a qualified instructor
4. Practical driving test 
5. Driver CPC certification, then continued learning of 35 hours every 5 years

This full pathway can often be completed within just 8 to 12 weeks, meaning a motivated learner could be qualified and ready to drive professionally within three to four months. 

The Role of Ongoing CPC Training

Beyond initial licensing, Driver CPC, Certificate of Professional Competence, keeps skills and knowledge up to date.

CPC training covers essential areas such as:

• Driver safety and fatigue management
• Vehicle checks and defect reporting
• Tachographs and working time rules
• Load security and manual handling
• Professional conduct and customer service 

Well-delivered CPC refreshes driver confidence and ensures compliance with both UK and EU legislation, a key point for cross-border drivers in NI and ROI.

Building the Next Generation of Drivers

To tackle the shortage long term, the industry must change how it promotes professional driving.

HGV driving is no longer just a job, it is a trade that demands skill, awareness and professionalism.

Training providers, employers and government agencies all have a part to play in showcasing it as a viable and rewarding career path.

At Sandy Arthur Training Services, we work closely with individuals and companies to: 

• Support new entrants through every stage of HGV licensing
• Offer flexible solutions for those already in work
• Deliver recognised CPC courses all year round
• Provide modern vehicles and realistic test preparation
• Ensure every trainee leaves confident, competent and job-ready

A Career That Moves Northern Ireland Forward

Northern Ireland’s economy depends on its transport industry.

Every day, goods, materials and people move thanks to the professionalism of trained HGV drivers. Addressing the shortage is not just about filling jobs, it is about securing the backbone of trade, construction and everyday life.

If you have ever thought about a career change, or if your business needs help training the next generation of drivers, our team can help you take the next step.

Sandy Arthur Training Services

Professional HGV and Driver CPC Training Across Northern Ireland and Ireland

📞 028 7772 2221 | 🌐 www.sandyarthurtraining.com