DVLA loophole leaves drivers with 'grandfather rights' still needing D4 medical

An apparent loophole in the DVLA’s relaxation of the D4 medical requirement has left one group of drivers excluded from the temporary licence scheme – those with so-called ‘grandfather rights’.

Drivers who obtained their car licence prior to 1997 are also entitled to drive goods vehicles from 3,501kg to 7,500kg GVW, as well as towing trailers with a GCW over 3.5-tonnes.

However, the DVLA has confirmed it has no plans to ensure these drivers are also temporarily exempt from driver medicals.

Affected drivers will still need to obtain the D4 medical, a process made difficult by the absence of examinations currently being carried out by GPs and private providers.

It means it is likely they will be unable to renew their licences until D4 medical exams are restored after lockdown rules are eased.

When motortransport.co.uk contacted the DVLA a spokesman confirmed that there were no plans to change the rules for drivers with grandfather rights.