Driving licence renewal after 45: lorries, minibuses and buses

    If you’re 45 or older, you’ll need to renew your licence to drive lorries, minibuses or buses every 5 years. When you reach 65, you’ll need to renew your licence every year.

    56 days before your driving licence runs out, you’ll receive 2 forms from DVLA:

    • an ‘application for renewal of lorry and bus entitlement’ (D47P)
    • a ‘medical examination report’ form (D4)

    How to apply

    1. Complete form D47P.

    2. Ask a doctor to complete the medical examination report (form D4). You can ask an optometrist or an optician to fill in the vision assessment section if your doctor can’t complete the whole report. The doctor, optician or optometrist will normally charge for this.

    3. Send the completed forms to DVLA.

    DVLA

    Swansea

    SA99 1BR

    If you don’t receive the reminder application forms, you can get form D2 with form D4 from the DVLA form ordering service.

    If you need to change the photo

    A message on your D47P form will tell you if a photo is needed with your application.

    If so, you’ll need to include a new passport type photo.

    If your name has changed

    If your name has changed you’ll also need to send:

    If you have a paper driving licence

    1. Complete forms D47P and D4.

    2. Send original documentation confirming your identity.

    3. Enclose a passport type photo.

    4. Send your forms, documents and photo to DVLA.

    DVLA

    Swansea

    SA99 1BR

    When to expect your licence

    You should get your licence within 3 weeks of DVLA receiving your application. It’ll take longer if your health or personal details have to be checked.

    Driving before your licence is returned

    Once DVLA has received your valid application you can drive before you receive your licence as long as you:

    • are qualified to drive – and haven’t been disqualified
    • haven’t been refused a licence for medical reasons in the past
    • don’t expect to be refused a licence for medical reasons (if in doubt, check with your doctor)
    • keep to any special conditions which apply to the licence

    Driving licences issued from 14 October 2012 look different, but existing licences are still valid.