D4 Medical Suspension Keeps 30000 Drivers on Roads

The government has decided to suspend D4 medical exams to enable Britain’s fleets to keep the country moving.

The move by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps and the DVLA will temporarily ease pressure on medical staff.

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”.

The temporary removal of the D4 medical requirement will the process of licence renewal easier for bus and lorry drivers. It will keep 30000 drivers on the road each month.

Drivers will be able to apply for a 1-year licence as long as they are fit to drive. Drivers will not need to provide further medical evidence.
But drivers with health issues will still need to declare these. Those with health issues that prevent them from driving safely will not have their licence renewed.