The Czech Republic is facing a critical shortage of approximately 25,000 professional drivers, creating significant challenges for the transportation industry. Each year, approximately 8,000 drivers leave the profession, while only 5,000 new drivers enter the field, exacerbating the shortage. According to Tomáš Bicera, the director of the Road Transport Institute at Česmad, the lack of interest among young people in pursuing a driving career and the complex process of employing foreign workers are key factors contributing to the problem.

The shortage of drivers is particularly acute in the trucking industry, which requires around 20,000 drivers, and the bus transportation sector, where over 5,000 drivers are needed. Bicera emphasizes that the shortage of drivers poses a pressing issue as technological advancements cannot currently replace the role of drivers. This shortage is not limited to the Czech Republic but is a widespread problem experienced across Europe and worldwide.

To address the issue, the Association of Road Transport Carriers Česmad, which oversees the Road Transport Institute, is taking steps to support Czech secondary schools. They are encouraging students in technical fields to obtain a Group C driving license while they are still studying. However, one of the challenges in tackling the shortage is the absence of a specialized training program for driving. The transportation industry aims to provide graduates with versatile skills and high employability, and a dedicated training program does not align with this objective.

Currently, individuals can acquire a Class C driving license for vehicles weighing over 3.5 tons when they reach 21 years of age. However, Bicera suggests that allowing individuals to obtain a Class C or D license at 18 after completing a basic training program of 140 hours would benefit the industry. He believes that modern vehicles equipped with advanced assistance systems can contribute to improved driving safety, even with younger drivers. However, implementing such changes would require modification of the European Union directive, as local Czech lawmakers cannot address this issue alone.

Simplifying the process of employing foreign workers for driving positions could also be a potential solution. Currently, the lengthy employment and work permit application process in the Czech Republic takes several months, whereas other countries, such as Poland, have shorter timelines for the same procedures. Streamlining these processes could help alleviate the driver shortage and ensure a more efficient recruitment of foreign workers.

The shortage of professional drivers in the Czech Republic is a matter of concern for the transportation industry. Addressing this issue will require collaborative efforts from industry stakeholders, educational institutions, and policymakers to attract more young people to the profession, streamline training programs, and simplify the employment process for foreign workers. By implementing effective solutions, the Czech Republic can ensure a sustainable and well-equipped workforce to meet the demands of the transportation sector.

Article by Prague Forum