What Happens When Your HGV Licence Expires?

If your HGV entitlement expires while DVLA is processing your renewal, you may still be able to drive in some circumstances. You must meet every condition that applies to your renewal route. If you do not qualify, do not drive that category until DVLA renews your entitlement. Check your renewal instructions and the current DVLA guidance on renewing a lorry or bus licence before driving.

What an expired HGV entitlement means

Your photocard can show several vehicle categories, each with its own entitlement and expiry date. Check the date for the HGV category you plan to drive, such as C or C+E. Do not assume its expiry date is the same as the date for your car entitlement. If a date or code is unclear, check your DVLA driving record or contact DVLA.

An expired entitlement does not always mean an immediate stop if you have a renewal application being processed. DVLA says you may be able to continue driving while it considers your application, provided you meet all applicable conditions. A pending application alone does not establish that you are eligible. If you cannot confirm that you meet every condition, contact DVLA before driving.

Can you drive while DVLA processes your renewal?

The conditions depend on your renewal route. DVLA's pages for drivers under 45 and drivers aged 45 or over set out different requirements. Its INF188/6 guidance on driving while an application is with DVLA explains that you may be able to drive if your licence expires during processing, but you need to check the full conditions that apply to you.

The published conditions include having held a valid licence, driving only under the conditions of your previous licence, having an application that is less than a year old, not being currently disqualified, and not having had your last licence revoked or refused for medical reasons. The renewal guidance also refers to medical advice and high-risk-offender disqualification. Requirements differ between the under-45 and 45-plus routes, so read the section that applies to you rather than relying on this summary as a personal eligibility decision.

If your application is incomplete, delayed, or affected by a medical restriction, ask DVLA what applies before setting off. If you drive for work, tell your employer or transport manager if you cannot drive while your entitlement is being resolved.

When to renew and which forms to expect

DVLA says it sends renewal forms 56 days before a lorry or bus entitlement expires. If you are under 45, the usual application form is D47PU. If you are 45 or over, DVLA sends D47P and a D4 medical examination report. If your licence expires within 56 days of your 45th birthday, follow the process for drivers aged 45 or over.

Read the forms and letter as soon as they arrive. Follow their instructions about completing the application, providing any requested photograph or identity evidence, and returning documents. If the forms have not arrived, the DVLA renewal guidance explains how to obtain the relevant pack. Applying early gives you time to arrange a D4 if one is required and to deal with missing information. It cannot guarantee when DVLA will process your application, so keep a record of what you send and follow up with DVLA if you need an update.

How often is a D4 required?

Licence application frequency and D4 medical frequency are related, but they are not the same rule. The usual Group 2 schedule requires a fresh licence application every five years from age 45 and annually from age 65. The current DVLA INF4D booklet says a D4 is required for a Group 2 renewal at 45, every five years from 45 until 65, and annually from 65.

There are specific exceptions. For example, INF4D says you do not need to submit a D4 each time you renew a medically restricted licence before age 45. If you are over 45 and have a medically restricted licence, a D4 is required every five years. The booklet also sets out other cases where a D4 is required, including certain applications for provisional entitlements and some C1 or D1 entitlements. Check your renewal notice and the current DVLA instructions for your circumstances.

A D4 is a medical examination report, not a licence renewal or a guarantee of DVLA's decision. INF4D states that the report is valid for four months from the date it is signed and dated. This is the report's validity period, not the length of your driving entitlement. DVLA's D4 form and guidance page links to the current form and booklet.

What to expect when arranging a D4

Check that the appointment can cover the D4 requirements. A doctor completes the medical assessment and may complete the vision assessment too if they can fully and accurately answer its questions. If they cannot, an optician or optometrist must complete the vision section. The current DVLA D4 guidance explains who can fill in each part.

INF4D asks you to bring suitable identification and, if you wear glasses to meet the driving eyesight standard, your driving glasses and current prescription. Bring the booklet, as it contains information for the clinician completing the form. Complete the sections intended for you and check that the report is fully filled in before sending it with your application. DVLA says an incomplete report can result in the application being returned. You are responsible for any fees paid for the examination, including if your application is refused or you do not meet the medical standards.

A practical checklist

• Check the expiry date beside the HGV category you need to drive.
• Read the DVLA renewal instructions and follow the route for your age and entitlement.
• Arrange and return a D4 if DVLA's instructions require one.
• Keep a record of your application and supporting documents.
• If your entitlement expires while DVLA processes your renewal, check every applicable condition before driving.
• Contact DVLA if a requirement or your eligibility to drive is unclear.

Our Medical Team

Driver medical appointments

South Wales Driver Medicals offers driver medical appointments for HGV, PCV, LGV and taxi drivers. Contact the clinic for information about the clinician conducting your appointment and the requirements for your form.

This guide is for information only. It is not medical advice. Speak to your GP if you have concerns.

Sources

1. gov.ukRenew or change a lorry or bus licence(accessed 2026-10-08)
2. gov.ukRenew or change a lorry or bus licence, if you’re 45 or over(accessed 2026-10-08)
3. gov.ukCan I drive while my application is with DVLA? (INF188/6)(accessed 2026-10-08)
4. gov.ukMedical examination report for a lorry or bus driving licence (D4)(accessed 2026-10-08)
5. gov.ukD4 medical examination report for a Group 2 lorry or bus licence: information and useful notes (INF4D)(accessed 2026-10-08)

If DVLA has asked you to submit a D4, you can read about our HGV medical appointments or contact us with questions about arranging an appointment. For the current D4 form and guidance, use the GOV.UK links above.