Renewing your HGV licence at 45, 65 and beyond
When lorry drivers have to renew, when you need a new D4 medical, what it costs, and whether you can keep driving while DVLA processes your application.
Short answer
From 45 you renew your lorry entitlement every 5 years, with a new D4 medical each time. From 65 you renew every year, with a medical each year. Renewing is free; you pay only for the medical, about £45 to £66 in Kent. DVLA sends the forms 56 days before your licence runs out.
Send it back early: medical cases took DVLA an average of 42 to 56 working days in early 2026. You may be able to keep driving while you wait, if you meet the conditions below.
Renewal by age
| Age | How often | Medical | Forms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 45 | When DVLA tells you your licence is due | Only in some cases, such as switching between lorry and bus entitlement | D47PU, sent 56 days before expiry |
| 45 to 64 | Every 5 years | A new D4 each time | D47P and D4, sent 56 days before expiry |
| 65 and over | Every year | A new D4 each year | D47P and D4 |
| 70 and over, with C1 or D1 from a pre-1997 car licence | Every 3 years | A D4 every 3 years to keep C1 and D1 | By post; not through the online service |
Driving while DVLA processes your renewal
You can usually keep driving while your renewal is with DVLA if all of these apply:
- your doctor supports you continuing to drive;
- you had a valid licence, and you only drive the vehicles it covered;
- your application is less than a year old;
- your last licence wasn't refused or revoked for medical reasons;
- you aren't disqualified, and weren't disqualified as a High Risk Offender on or after 1 June 2013.
This is known as section 88 of the Road Traffic Act. If in doubt, check with DVLA and your employer before you drive.
The medical
The D4 is the same medical you had for your first lorry licence: eyesight, blood pressure, diabetes, heart and sleep conditions and more. It's valid for 4 months from the date it's signed, so don't book it too early. What's checked, and Kent clinic prices.
- If you start insulin, you must stop driving lorries and tell DVLA. Since 7 November 2025 you can use an approved continuous glucose monitor.
- You must tell DVLA about any new condition that affects your driving, between renewals too. You can be fined up to £1,000 if you don't.
Don't forget your Driver CPC
Your licence and your Driver CPC are separate. To keep driving for a living you also need 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years; the deadline is on your Driver CPC card. Periodic CPC prices.
Common questions
How often do I renew my HGV licence?
Every 5 years from 45 and every year from 65, each time with a D4 medical. Under 45, you renew when DVLA sends you form D47PU, 56 days before your licence runs out.
How much does it cost to renew an HGV licence?
Renewing is free. You pay for the D4 medical, which costs about £45 to £66 at Kent clinics and providers, or more at some GPs.
Can I drive while my HGV licence renewal is being processed?
Usually, if your doctor supports it, you had a valid licence, your application is less than a year old, your last licence wasn't refused for medical reasons, and you aren't disqualified. This is section 88 of the Road Traffic Act.