Driving licence renewal after 45: lorries, minibuses and buses
If youÂre 45 or older, youÂll need to renew your licence to drive lorries, minibuses or buses every 5 years. When you reach 65, youÂll need to renew your licence every year.
56 days before your driving licence runs out, youÂll receive 2 forms from DVLA:
- an Âapplication for renewal of lorry and bus entitlement (D47P)
- a Âmedical examination report form (D4)
How to apply
Complete form D47P.
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 canÂt complete the whole report. The doctor, optician or optometrist will normally charge for this.
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, youÂll need to include a new passport type photo.
If your name has changed
If your name has changed youÂll also need to send:
- a completed form D2 ÂApplication for a large goods vehicle (LGV) or passenger carrying vehicle (PCV) driving licenceÂ
- original documentation confirming your change of name
If you have a paper driving licence
Complete forms D47P and D4.
Send original documentation confirming your identity.
Enclose a passport type photo.
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.