The 50km, regular service restriction that applies to each very young category D driver is an accepted part of the licencing regime. But for those that join the industry before they are 20 – people who should be welcomed with open arms – is it still appropriate?
It is not a change priority for some operators. Others want rid, seeing it as overly restrictive. The stipulation unquestionably costs coach businesses some potential joiners because those operators would find it difficult to utilise fully drivers that are subject to the rule. Expecting young people to later drop another career for coaching when free from the 50km condition is optimistic.
Previously, the small number of potential recruits that the restriction removes from the pool would have been of minor relevance. But under current circumstances, where competent drivers seeking work can be as rare as a blue rose, every little helps.
It is for good reason that some operators are exploring a second or even third pay uplift to drivers within a year. There is a real shortage, and it threatens some businesses’ future prosperity.
Liz Truss has been vocal about growth. The Department for Transport, meanwhile, has proposed the grant of category D1 minibus entitlement to holders of car licences, demonstrating that it is open to relaxation. Could the coach industry grow if it was freed from the 50km restriction for very young drivers? That remains to be seen. But if the case for change is to be made, the time to do so is now.
