HGV driver data based on age and nationality, annual retirement figures and newly qualified HGV drivers

FOI Ref: FOI/2022/442

You asked

Please provide:

1. Updated 10-year HGV driver data based on their age and nationality.

2. Datasets for the number of HGV drivers that retire annually (by age, if possible).

3. Data demonstrates the number of new HGV drivers that pass the test each year, excluding those who upgrade from Category C to Category C+E.

We said

Thank you for your enquiry regarding Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers in the UK.

We do not routinely publish statistics with detailed breakdowns of the characteristics of individuals in different occupations. However, in response to a recent bespoke request response to our ad-hoc data scheme, we have just published an analysis which contains 10 year driver data based on age and classifies nationality by EU and Non-EU. Please see the following link to view this data:

https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/employmentandemployeetypes/adhocs/14398hgvdriversbynationalityand10yearagegroup

Unfortunately, we do not hold estimates on the previous occupations and characteristics of people who have recently retired. We also don't hold any information on HGV driver tests.

However, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency do produce and publish their own statistics. The latest release was published in August. Please see the following link to the information you require:

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/large-goods-vehicle-driving-test-data-by-test-centre

For reference the Freedom of Information department at DVSA can be contacted at this address foi@dvsa.gov.uk.