London, UK: The government has belatedly, temporarily removed the routine D4 medical for driver licences.
The move will allow 30,000 drivers to remain on the road.
As reported on this website, the FTA has lobbied the government over the issue.
Under the changes, drivers can continue driving if their licences are due to expire if they are fit to drive. Applicants will be able to apply for a 1-year licence without the need to provide further medical evidence.
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.
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.
