Drivers could be allowed to drive lorries up to 7.5t without taking an additional test in new Government proposals.
A return to previously held “grandfather rights”, by which those who passed the driving test before 1 January 1997 could drive larger vans and smaller lorries, including horseboxes, up to 7.5t, is among options being considered by the Department for Transport (DfT).
Under current rules, those with a standard car licence may only drive vehicles weighing up to 3.5T, which led to increased demand for small horseboxes.
The DfT is looking at “options to streamline driver licensing and support jobs” in a call for evidence to “help create new opportunities in logistics and support the UK supply chain”. An effect of this would be to give many more horse owners the right to drive a horsebox weighing up to 7.5T.
H&H reported last year on the Government’s decision to scrap the trailer test as part of plans to tackle the HGV driver shortage, so most drivers can now tow a horse trailer without an extra test.
Efforts to mitigate the “global driver shortage” continue, which the Government hopes will support new jobs and “bolster the UK’s supply chain”.
“The views submitted by members of the public and industry professionals will help answer important questions and assist the government with ongoing research into how post-Brexit freedoms are used to remove red tape and create opportunities for people across the country,” a DfT spokesman said.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“Questions around reintroducing grandfather rights explore whether the UK should allow those who hold a normal car driving licence to drive certain larger vans or smaller lorries up to 7.5 tonnes. Prior to 1 January 1997, people who passed their driving test for a normal car also obtained the right to drive heavier, larger vehicles – these entitlements were removed by the EU.
“No decisions have been made on whether these rights should be reintroduced and the Government is keen for views from a wide range of stakeholders to inform its future approach to the issue, as well as the rest of the areas under consideration in the call for evidence.”
The spokesman added that any changes would “need to ensure” safety on the roads and be “economically proportionate”, and that there could be age- or experience-based restrictions, which is covered in the questions asked in the call for evidence.
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
