Government Slashes Red Tape to Keep Bus and Lorry Drivers on the Road
The government has rolled out fresh measures to ease licence renewals for bus and lorry drivers during the coronavirus crisis, ensuring Britain keeps moving.
No Medical Form Needed for Licence Renewal
- Routine medical D4 form temporarily scrapped for drivers due to renew after January 1, 2020
- Drivers deemed fit to drive can get a 1-year licence without extra medical checks
- Relieves pressure on NHS frontline staff battling coronavirus
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps announced on Friday 17 April 2020 that bus and lorry drivers will find it easier to renew their licences without the usual medical paperwork. This move keeps vital supply chains and transport services running during the pandemic.
Supporting NHS and Frontline Heroes
With NHS staff focused on fighting coronavirus, the government is making sure drivers aren’t bogged down by bureaucracy. The temporary 1-year licence applies only to those whose documents expire or have expired this year, streamlining the renewal process.
Drivers with health issues affecting their ability to drive must still declare them and may be denied renewal for safety reasons.
Grant Shapps: “Keep Britain Moving”
“With our NHS staff working around the clock to combat coronavirus, we are determined to help vital bus and lorry drivers support our incredible industry and keep Britain moving.”
“By temporarily relaxing the requirement to provide a doctor’s medical report as part of the bus and lorry driving licence renewal process, we will ensure that those who are fit to drive can continue delivering critical goods around the country and getting workers to the front line. This will also help to ensure doctors and nurses can continue their crucial efforts to fight coronavirus.”
This temporary licence extension lasts only 12 months. After that, drivers must submit the usual D4 medical form when renewing their licences next.
