New Highway Code: changes to driving licence renewal
The ten-year renewal has been extended to age 65 (instead of the current age of 50)
Among the many changes introduced by the Highway Code are revised rules on the validity of driving licences.
One of the most significant changes, in terms of the number of people affected, is the extension of the ten-year renewal up to the age of 65 for driving licences for mopeds, motorbikes, quadricycles and cars (this is Group 1, which includes categories AM, A1, A2, A, B1, B and BE). Currently, those aged between 50 and 65 are required to renew their licences every 5 years. This requirement remains in place for the 65–70 age group.
Freight transport
There are also changes to driving licences for the carriage of goods and passengers (Group 2, categories C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D and DE).
The age limit for professional transport is raised from 68 to 70 years, with a biennial medical assessment by the Local Medical Commission from the age of 65 up to 68.
Holders of a Category C and CE driving licence (for driving heavy goods vehicles) who have reached the age of seventy may drive road trains and articulated lorries with a maximum laden mass not exceeding 20 tonnes (provided that they do not carry out professional road haulage on behalf of third parties).
