The licensing regulations for professional drivers have changed recently.

The Mover has reported on this previously however, if you missed it, here’s a reminder.

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 truck, bus and minibus drivers – under 45 years old

If you passed a driving test in one of the categories mentioned 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 

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.

Professional drivers urged to exchange their paper driving licence

Truck, bus and coach drivers holding a British paper driving licence should consider exchanging it for a photocard licence to help with Driver CPC training and the issuing of Driver Qualification Cards (DQC). Drivers with a photocard licence will receive their DQC automatically, as the same photograph can be used for both documents. Drivers currently pay £20 to exchange a paper licence to a photocard licence and will also benefit from receiving the DQC free of charge. Drivers can apply to exchange their licence online or by post or they can drop off their application at DVLA local offices and selected Post Office branches.