DVLA is facing a 54,000 HGV applications backlog as lorry shortage continues .

However, the body says the vast majority of the applications are for renewals It says these drivers can continue driving while they await for their renewal But some drivers claimed the rules only let them drive in the UK – not Europe.

An angry trucker has claimed he has not been able to renew his HGV licence after it expired a year ago despite repeated calls to the DVLA.