The DfT has moved to make it easier for bus and lorry drivers to renew their expiring licences – in order to help them continue their ‘vital work’ during the coronavirus pandemic.
As NHS staff 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 one-year licence, providing they do not have any medical conditions that affect their driving and their current licence expires in 2020.
The DfT says this temporary change will not only keep 30,000 drivers on the road each month, but 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.
Grant Shapps, 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.”
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