Over the past 20 years, RSM Driver Training has witnessed significant changes in commercial driver training vehicles and the wider transport industry.
What was once a sector dominated entirely by manual gearboxes has evolved rapidly into one led by automatic technology, and now, the industry appears to be entering its next major transition with the emergence of electric commercial vehicles.
When RSM Driver Training first began delivering HGV training courses, manual vehicles were the standard across both training fleets and transport operations throughout the UK. Learning to control gears correctly was considered a key part of becoming a professional driver. Gear changes, clutch control and hill starts formed a major part of the training process, and many drivers took pride in mastering them.
At the time, automatic HGVs were still relatively uncommon. While the technology existed, many operators remained hesitant about moving away from traditional manual vehicles. Concerns around reliability, driver control and long term performance meant manual gearboxes continued to dominate the commercial vehicle market.
However, the industry gradually began to change.
One of the most significant developments came with changes to licensing regulations, allowing drivers who passed their HGV test in an automatic vehicle to drive both automatic and manual vehicles professionally. Previously, passing in an automatic vehicle restricted licence holders to automatics only, much like the car industry had operated for many years.
That change had a major impact on commercial driver training.
As manufacturers invested more heavily in automatic transmission technology, transport operators increasingly began introducing automatic vehicles into their fleets. Over time, the commercial transport sector recognised several advantages. Automatic vehicles reduced driver fatigue, simplified training delivery and allowed drivers to focus more on road awareness and vehicle positioning rather than managing gear changes in busy traffic conditions.
Training providers across the country adapted alongside the industry, and RSM Driver Training was no exception.
Over the years, the company gradually transitioned more of its fleet towards automatic vehicles as demand increased and industry requirements evolved. Today, many learners entering commercial driver training have never driven a manual HGV and automatically expect modern, easier to operate vehicles as part of the training experience.
While some initially questioned whether automatic vehicles would reduce driver skill levels, the opposite has arguably happened. The role of the professional driver has continued to evolve as vehicle technology becomes increasingly advanced.
Modern HGV drivers are now operating vehicles equipped with sophisticated safety systems, telematics, cameras, driver assistance features and fuel efficiency technology. The demands placed upon commercial drivers today extend far beyond simply operating gears correctly.
As a result, driver training itself has also changed.
Training providers are now expected to prepare candidates for modern fleet environments, focusing heavily on safety, awareness, professionalism and vehicle technology alongside core driving ability. The evolution of training vehicles has played a significant role in making commercial driving more accessible while also supporting improved operational efficiency across the industry.
Now, another major shift appears to be approaching.
Electric commercial vehicles are becoming an increasingly serious consideration for manufacturers, operators and training providers alike as the transport sector continues working towards sustainability and reduced emissions.
Although electric HGV technology is still in its early stages compared to traditional diesel fleets, momentum is growing rapidly throughout the industry. Manufacturers are investing heavily in research and development, while operators begin exploring how electric vehicles could fit into real world transport operations over the coming years.
At RSM Driver Training, discussions are currently underway with DAF regarding the potential trial of the company’s first electric training vehicle.
The move represents an exciting opportunity to experience first-hand how electric commercial vehicles may shape the future of driver training. At the same time, it also raises important questions for the wider industry.
Will electric vehicles perform effectively within demanding training environments? How will range limitations impact daily operations? Will trainees adapt quickly to the different driving characteristics of electric trucks? And perhaps most importantly, could electric HGVs eventually become as normalised within training fleets as automatic vehicles are today?
These are questions the sector is only beginning to explore.
There is little doubt that electric vehicles offer significant environmental benefits alongside quieter operation and smoother driving experiences. However, practical considerations such as charging infrastructure, vehicle downtime and operational range remain key factors that the industry must continue addressing as adoption increases.
What remains certain is that driver training will continue playing a vital role throughout this transition.
Commercial driver training has consistently evolved alongside vehicle technology. From fully manual fleets to the widespread adoption of automatics, the sector has continually adapted to meet the changing demands of modern transport operations.
The emergence of electric commercial vehicles appears to be the next chapter in that journey.
Twenty years ago, many within the industry questioned whether automatic HGVs would ever truly replace manuals as the preferred choice within training fleets and commercial operations. Today, automatic vehicles have become the standard across much of the industry.
The question now is whether electric vehicles will follow the same path over the next decade.