DVLA 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.
Here’s a summary of the key changes, for full details visit the GOV.UK website here.
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.
