By Ramsays of Aycliffe
While you were enjoying your Christmas and New Year, plans were afoot for new driving licence rules to come into effect in January 2013. From this date newly issued licences will be produced in a format much harder to copy illegally.
Your previous passport style photo will now be burnt by laser onto several layers. They will also now be black and white rather than colour as is with the current format. Licences will also be made from polycarbonate – rather than basic plastic – so they will be light and durable.
It’s also worth mentioning the newlicence rules will also influence what motorists can tow. For more information visit: www.gov.uk,
The new licence rules will also affect lorry and bus drivers. As such, if you pass your driving test in categories C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1 or D1E, after 19 January 2013 you’ll get a licence valid for 5 years. Every 5 years up to age 45, you’ll need to sign a declaration to show you still meet the medical standards.
After age 45, you’ll need to provide a medical examination report every 5 years to renew your driving entitlement. In contrast, the following rules will apply to those under 45 with older licences: If you passed a driving test in one of the categories below you’ll come under the new rules when you renew your driving licence. The categories affected are C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1 or D1E. When you renew your licence, you’ll receive a licence valid for 5 years. Every time you renew you’ll need to confirm you still meet the medical standards.
If you apply to replace your licence because it is lost or stolen, or your personal details have changed, your new licence will run until the end of your original period. However, if you update your photo at the same time you’ll come under the new 5-year rule.
Finally, drivers over 45 will continue to renew their entitlement as they do now. When you renew your licence at the end of a 5-year period, you’ll need to provide a medical examination report.
The rule changes will also affect motorcycle and moped riders. As such, new licences will enable their holders to ride vehicles as defined by their licence categories.
Happy new year and safe motoring
Elliott Ramsey
Aftersales Manger
