Driving is a huge challenge for many care providers. Employers often ask for drivers because care workers may need to cover multiple visits in more rural areas in one day – something that is almost impossible to do efficiently by bus. This affects not only international care workers but also domestic workers.

Councils and care providers have tried lots of different innovative efforts to help tackle the lack of drivers, finding enough people with licences and cars. These include:

Coventry

Coventry City Council: The team have developed tailored guidance to help international care workers step by step through the UK driving process. This includes: why a licence is so important for skilled workers; the requirements for booking a test; preparing for the theory exam with study resources; getting ready for the practical test; advice for the big day (including using your own car); post-test steps such as insurance and driving independently; and final tips and Q&A. This practical support helps recruits gain the confidence and knowledge they need, but the challenge of securing enough drivers remains.

Coventry Police recently ran a webinar for providers on driving licences and insurance, highlighting key risks and responsibilities for care staff using their own cars and indeed care providers. Lynn Bassett, International Recruitment Lead at Warwickshire County Council, is in the process of arranging a follow-up session with Warwickshire Police, which will provide even clearer guidance on business insurance and transporting clients. We will share more information about this over the coming months.

Solihull

In Solihull, the council has made “Transport Solutions” a key strand of its Adult Social Care Workforce Strategy, piloting sustainable travel options for care staff. Volunteer driver schemes also support residents by using trained locals to take people to vital appointments. Alongside this, providers in different areas have trialled car-pooling and shared vehicle schemes.

As a region, we continue to highlight the challenge around driving when it comes to delivering care and have requested that care workers are given priority driving tests.