Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

D1 Licence Training

Thursday 16 May 2024 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Department does not provide direct funding for drivers to obtain D1 licences.
  • The Department makes available more than 3 million a year through the bus service operators grant to community transport operators in England.
  • There is a consultation to reduce the age requirement for bus and HGV drivers from 21 to 18.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Owen Thompson SNP
Transport
Context

The question arises from a need within the transport sector to provide grants or funding to support drivers obtaining D1 licences, which are necessary for operating passenger-carrying vehicles.

Question

Whether his Department provides grants for the provision of training for D1 licences.

Answer from Guy Opperman

Although we do not provide direct funding for drivers to obtain D1 licences, the Department makes available more than £3 million a year through the bus service operators grant to community transport operators in England, which are predominantly charities operating vehicles that require D1 licences. They receive £1.60 for every £1 claimed, reflecting the increased costs faced by the sector, and supporting them to continue delivering inclusive and accessible transport across the country.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Direct funding for training individuals to obtain D1 licences

How: Although We Do Not Provide Direct Funding

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Owen Thompson SNP
Transport Brexit
Context

There is a shortage of minibus drivers in Scotland and the rest of the UK, exacerbated by Brexit and the pandemic. Passenger-carrying vehicle drivers can work in various fields such as public transport, tour and travel companies, school transportation, and private charter services.

Question

I thank the Minister for that answer. In Scotland, as across the rest of the UK, there has been a shortage of minibus drivers, with Brexit and the legacy of covid fuelling a crippling shortage of bus drivers. Passenger-carrying vehicle drivers can pursue careers in various fields, including public transport, tour and travel companies, school transportation and private charter services. What more can the Government do to incentivise such training?

Answer from Guy Opperman

The hon. Gentleman might not be aware of the recent consultation to reduce the age requirement for bus and HGV drivers from 21 to 18, and I encourage him to speak to the Department for Work and Pensions. We are working closely with the relevant Ministers at DWP to have sector-based work academies and skills boot camps, to encourage greater participation by drivers.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures or funding for driver training programs

How: The Hon. Gentleman Might Not Be Aware

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)