Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced that it will be easier for bus and lorry drivers to renew their expiring driving licences. 

This latest action taken by the government and DVLA will ensure that bus and lorry drivers can continue their vital work and keep the country moving.

As NHS staff rightly focus on the nationwide response to coronavirus, the government has temporarily relaxed the requirement for bus and lorry drivers to provide a doctor’s medical report in order to renew their licence.

Under the scheme, drivers will be able to receive a temporary 1-year licence, providing they do not have any medical conditions that affect their driving and their current licence expires in 2020.

This temporary change will not only keep 30,000 drivers on the road each month, but will also relieve pressure on NHS staff who are working hard on the frontline to tackle coronavirus and help parts of the emergency services to deliver their critical role.

Drivers with health issues will still need to declare these, and those with health issues that prevent them from driving safely will not have their licence renewed.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: "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 change will only apply to those drivers whose licences are due to expire or have expired since 1 January 2020. The licence will only be valid for 1 year and then the driver will need to submit a completed D4 when the licence is next due for renewal.