The three European agencies responsible for ensuring road safety have suggested significant changes in the licensing rules for drivers of medium and large sized buses and lorries. These agencies are the Department for Transport (DfT), the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). The proposals are to be formally implemented in 2013.
At present, drivers of buses and lorries need to renew their licenses after every five years only after they reach the age of forty-five. However, under the new proposals, all drivers irrespective of their age will have to renew their licenses after every five years. Drivers over 45 drivers will also have to submit full medical reports. Drivers under 45 are exempted from this, and they can submit photographs and full medical reports like others after every ten years.
The rules for drivers of other light vehicles remain unchanged, i.e., renewal after every ten years. Along with drivers of large buses and lorries, the new rules are also applicable for motorcyclists and driving instructors.
To emphasise the fact that these rules are proposed to enhance road safety, especially the safety of drivers and riders, Rosemary Thew, Chief Executive of the DSA, has invited all interested parties to come up with suggestions for the smooth implementation of these rules. The new rules are aimed at testing and training the drivers in such a manner that only the skilled drivers get licenses to drive large buses and lorries.
Noel Shanahan, Chief Executive of the DVLA, has promised to implement the new rules with minimum hassle to the drivers.
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