New proposals for HGV driving licence

The Department of Transport recently published suggestions to improve the safety and skills of bus, lorry and HGV / LGV drivers. This has been done in conjunction with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and the Driving Standards Agency (DSA). The measures have been implemented as a way of adhering to new European requirements for HGV driver training, testing, licensing and examination.

The new driving rules will be put into force from 2013 onwards, but will not affect most motorists; only drivers of large and medium sized HGVs, who will need to renew their licence every five years once they reach the age of 45. Drivers over 45 years will also have to demonstrate that they are fit to drive by satisfactorily completing a full medical assessment.

Drivers under 45 years of age will not have to provide a full medical report, but will only have to renew their photograph once every ten years. As is the current case, riders and drivers of all other vehicles are not ever required to renew their driving licences unless there is a driving offence penalty incurred.