AN EXPERIENCED articulated lorry driver from Portland claims he's been left waiting almost nine weeks for his licence renewal to be processed - at a time when the UK is gripped with a fuel crisis due to a lack of HGV drivers.

Jeffrey Oliver, aged 57, from Haylands, said he reapplied to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) for his grade one HGV licence on July 28, but has still not received his permit.

The concerns of Mr Oliver, who quit as an articulated lorry driver nine years ago due to a neck injury, come amid a shortage of HGV drivers which is being blamed for the current chaos at forecourts as motorists flock to panic-buy fuel.

Dorset Echo: Picture: PA Wire/PAPicture: PA Wire/PA

To add to the shortage of HGV drivers, hundreds of workers at the DVLA launched industrial action back in June regarding a long-running dispute over Covid-related safety - a dispute which has continued since.

READ MORE: DVLA staff begin strike over Covid-related safety

Mr Oliver said: "I've been offered a job in Wareham at a general haulage firm to drive a lorry, but I can't start without my class one licence.

"There has also been another job offer in Poole at a Royal Mail depot to drive a 7.5-tonne truck, which I'm not able to proceed with either because of my situation.

"It's frustrating because I want to get back on the road to help with this HGV driver shortage."

Dorset Echo: Queues at Portland's petrol station on Saturday. Picture: Sam McKeownQueues at Portland's petrol station on Saturday. Picture: Sam McKeown

Mr Oliver said he has experience as an HGV driver travelling across the UK and on mainland Europe. He said he also holds an up-to-date ADR certificate - a special vocational certificate of training allowing drivers to get behind the wheel of articulated vehicles to carry dangerous goods.

"I'm experienced and I hold an ADR certificate. It's ridiculous that someone with my qualification and experience is having to wait like this," he said.

"I'm aware the DVLA is struggling with strikes at the moment, but there should be a priority system put in place because it's holding everyone up.

"Not processing these licences in time is now having a domino effect on the economy due to this fuel crisis.

"I'm in limbo. Although I'm just one example, I'm certain there will be a lot more people across the country in the same position, and feeling as frustrated as me."

READ MORE: Weymouth councillor blasts motorists storing fuel amid HGV driver crisis

Currently Mr Oliver, who is on universal credit, is caring for his 79-year-old mum - and is about to be hit with cuts to his benefits at a total of £20 per month.

Dorset Echo: Jeffery Oliver wants to get back on the road as soon as possible to help ease the strain of the fuel crisis. Pic: Jeffery OliverJeffery Oliver wants to get back on the road as soon as possible to help ease the strain of the fuel crisis. Pic: Jeffery Oliver

A DVLA spokeswoman said: "Once a driver has submitted their application they may be able to continue to drive while we are processing it, provided they have not been told by their doctor or optician they should not drive.

"There are delays in processing paper applications due to the impact of recent industrial action and social distancing requirements, which means that we have fewer staff than usual on site.

"We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused and are working hard to process applications as quickly as possible."