Here at Easy as HGV, we’ve helped all sorts of people through their HGV training. Some arrive with decades of driving experience, some have never driven anything bigger than a family hatchback. But there’s one thing they all share – the determination to pass that all important HGV test and start a new chapter in their career.
So, when we dug into the latest DVSA gender pass rate data and spotted something fascinating, we couldn’t resist sharing it. According to our analysis of Government released data, women are currently 7.7% more likely to pass their HGV test than men.
Yes, really. For the 2024/25 financial year, 67.7% of female candidates nationwide achieved a pass, compared with 60% of men. That’s not a small difference – and it tells us something powerful about what’s working in HGV training and what the wider logistics industry can learn from it.
“This isn’t just a gender statistic, it’s a signal about what drives success,” says Joanne Hicks, Co-CEO of Easy as HGV.
“Our female candidates often show exceptional focus and consistency through training, which tells us a lot about how the wider industry can support and retain all new drivers more effectively.”
The reality of the driver shortage is real so let’s address it
If you work in logistics, you’ll know the story all too well: driver shortages, recruitment challenges, and constant talk of how to get more people behind the wheel.
According to Logistics UK’s 2025 Compliance Report, there are now 293,714 registered HGV drivers in the UK – down from 315,000 in 2023. That’s a 7% decline in just two years.
Meanwhile, the Road Haulage Association (RHA) estimates the sector needs to recruit 40,000 new drivers every single year for the next five years just to keep up with demand. That’s a huge challenge for an industry that’s already stretched.
At Easy as HGV, we can see a big part of the solution in one simple idea: widen the pool of people who see HGV driving as a career option.
While only about 1% of HGV drivers in the UK are women, those who do take the plunge are excelling when it comes to passing tests. The data suggests that if we make HGV training and the job itself more accessible to a wider range of people, we could help fill the gap and raise overall standards in the process.
How great training makes great HGV drivers
Passing an HGV test takes skill, confidence, and a cool head. All things that you’ll develop under the guidance of good HGV instructors.
But good HGV training isn’t just about learning to handle the vehicle. It’s about building the mindset and habits that make someone a safe, reliable, and professional driver.
We’ve noticed that many of our female candidates tend to show incredible consistency throughout training. This is something that we, as trainers, encourage across the board for all our students. Indeed, success in training often comes down to approach, attitude, and the environment we create for learners.
We believe that the logistics industry could learn a lot by looking at what’s helping women thrive in HGV training – and applying those lessons to support all trainees.
Making HGV driving more accessible for all
If the industry wants to attract more drivers, especially from underrepresented groups like women and young people, it needs to think about the full picture; not just training, but what life on the road looks like afterwards.
At Easy as HGV, we’ve identified several key areas that could make a huge difference:
1. Better facilities for drivers
It’s no secret that many UK service areas and truck stops could do with a serious upgrade. We mean clean, well-lit, and secure spaces in which drivers can rest, shower, and get a decent meal.
2. Flexible working options
Work/life balance matters. Creating shift patterns and routes that give drivers more control over their schedules could make HGV driving more appealing to parents, carers, and anyone looking for balance and flexibility.
3. Visibility and mentorship
Representation really does matter. When people see someone like themselves succeeding in a role, it suddenly feels achievable. Promoting success stories, especially from women and other underrepresented groups, helps show that HGV training isn’t just for one type of person. That’s why we regularly share our learners’ feedback on our social channels.
4. Modern fleets and training environments
Modern fleets, with power steering, automatic transmission, air conditioning, and advanced safety features, make HGV training more comfortable and less intimidating for new learners.
At Easy as HGV, our training vehicles are up to date, well-maintained, and designed to help candidates focus on mastering their skills rather than wrestling with outdated equipment.
Why diversity strengthens the industry
Easy as HGV has always believed that diversity drives performance. We’re proud to say we’re a 50/50 gender-balanced organisation, with women in leadership, training, and operations roles.
“Diversity strengthens performance,” says Joanne Hicks. “The higher female pass rate is a reminder that broadening who we attract into the industry makes business sense — it raises standards for everyone.”
Encouraging more diversity isn’t just about fairness; it’s about building a stronger, more adaptable workforce. Different perspectives lead to better training methods, better teamwork, and ultimately, better drivers on the road.
And as the data shows, there’s plenty to gain by opening the door wider.
Why choose HGV training?
At Easy as HGV, we’ve trained thousands of drivers who’ve gone on to successful careers across every corner of the logistics industry. Some came to us for a career change, some wanted more flexibility, and some just wanted to be active instead of stuck behind a desk.
The UK’s logistics network depends on these skilled, confident, and qualified drivers. So, whether male or female, young or old, all will benefit from high quality training and improvements to conditions across the industry. With that first one, we can definitely stand up and be counted!
Contact us today to find out how you can get started in your new career.