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 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.
