31/03/2010 - Licensing changes for lorry drivers
Bus and lorry drivers may be forced to renew their licences more regularly under new measures designed to improve skills and safety.
The Department for Transport confirmed the changes, which have been drawn-up in conjunction with the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
The changes will be introduced in time to meet new European legislation, which comes into force in 2013. It will cover the areas of training, licensing, examination and driver testing.
Currently, drivers of medium-sized and large buses and lorries are required to renew their licences every five years once they reach the age of 45.
They also have to submit a full medical report which proves their fitness to drive.
Under the new system, under-45s who drive such vehicles will also need to renew their licence every five years and demonstrate their medical fitness. But they will not have to provide a full medical report.
They will still have to renew their photograph every 10 years.
Other motorists will not be affected.
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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