The Czech Republic faces a growing shortage of professional drivers, with transport companies warning that the gap is now affecting both freight and passenger services.

Industry representatives estimate that around 20,000 truck drivers and 5,000 bus drivers are currently missing from the labour market, and the situation shows little sign of easing.

Efforts to attract more women into the profession, expand access to driving licences, and offer retraining programmes have so far failed to reverse the trend. Instead of stabilising, the shortage is deepening, according to the Česmad Bohemia Association of Car Transporters, which represents major road haulage companies.

As a result, carriers are increasingly looking beyond the European Union. Česmad Bohemia has been in talks with Transport Minister Ivan Bednárik about simplifying the process for recruiting drivers from so-called third countries.

The association argues that without faster and clearer rules, Czech transport risks falling behind neighbouring states.

Employing drivers from non-EU countries is one of the few remaining options. However, heavy bureaucracy is a major obstacle.

While similar procedures in Poland can take only a few weeks, the Czech system often stretches over several months, discouraging both employers and applicants.

Some steps have already been taken. From January 1, 2024, the rules for recognising driving licences from non-EU countries were eased for drivers whose licences do not fully meet international conventions.

According to the ministry, drivers from third countries who hold a valid national or international driving licence that complies with the Vienna or Geneva Convention on Road Traffic now face fewer barriers.

Instead of completing a full Czech driving school, they are only required to pass a professional competence exam. Previously, mandatory training and instruction made the process lengthy and expensive.

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