Important Changes to Vocational Licences

DVLA Form D4 Medical ExaminationThe rules for lorry and bus driving licences will change from 19 January 2013.
Licences issued from this date will be valid for five years, up to age 65.
New drivers passing a driving test from 19 January 2013.

If you pass your driving test in categories C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1 or D1E, after 19 January 2013 you’ll receive a licence valid for five years.

Every five years up to age 45, you’ll need to sign a declaration to confirm that you still meet the medical standards. After age 45, you’ll need to provide a medical examination report every five years to renew your driving entitlement.

Existing minibus, bus and lorry drivers

Drivers under 45 years old
If you passed a driving test in one of the categories below, you’ll come under the new rules when you renew your driving licence.

The categories affected are C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1 or D1E.
When you renew your licence, you’ll receive a licence that is valid for five years. Every time you renew it, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will need you to confirm that you still meet the medical standards.

If you apply to replace your licence because it is lost/stolen, or your personal details have changed, your new licence will run until the end of your original period. However, if you update your photo at the same time, you’ll come under the new five-year rule.

Drivers over 45 years old
Drivers over 45 will continue to renew their entitlement as they do now.
When you renew your licence at the end of a five-year period, you’ll be renewing your driving entitlement. You’ll need to provide a medical examination report.

Form and more details:
Download ‘medical examination report’ – Form D4 (PDF format, 211K)

And don’t forget if you need any help with your transport compliance, GB Tachopak are now able to provide a full compliance auditing and management service, to help you stay within the law and protect your operator licence.
CALL GB Tachopak Ltd – Tel: 01472 210102