WIREDGOV

The Driving Standards Agency has provided clarification within the regulations as to who may act as an accompanying driver for learners driving category C1 (medium size lorry) and D1 (minibus) vehicles.

When we announced the results of the Consultation: Improved Services for Customers and General Fee Increases for 2008 on 19 February 2008 we explained that we intended to provide clarification within the regulations as to who may act as an accompanying driver for learners driving category C1 (medium size lorry) and D1 (minibus) vehicles.

Those new arrangements will come into effect on 1 May 2010. From that date, it will be illegal for anyone to act as an accompanying driver in a category C1, C1+E, D1 or D1+E vehicle unless they have passed a driving test for the particular category of vehicle concerned. From 1 May, the supervising driver in category C1 or D1 Vehicles (including vehicle plus trailer combinations) must:

1. hold a full (post 1997) licence for the same category of vehicle as that being driven by the learner
   
2. have held that entitlement for the relevant period of time – usually three years

The intention was that drivers holding category C1, C1+E, D1 and D1+E entitlements obtained before 1997 (on other words, implied rights), and who passed a driving test in one of those categories before 6 April 2010, would be given ‘credit’ for the time they had held the implied rights entitlement for the category concerned. The effect being that they would, from the date that the clarifying amendments to the regulations were implemented, already meet the requirements at (a) and (b) above. However, the deadline for passing the test(s) and gaining access to the concession has been extended and is now 1 May 2010.

Drivers who pass the relevant driving test(s) after 1 May will have to wait until they have held their new entitlement for the relevant period, usually three years, before they can act as an accompanying driver in a category of vehicle covered by that entitlement.

These new arrangements do not affect a person’s existing entitlement to drive a medium sized lorry or minibus.

Background

Before January 1997, drivers who passed their car driving test were also allowed to drive medium sized lorries and minibuses (with or without trailers) subject to certain restrictions. These are commonly known as ‘implied rights’ or ‘grandfather rights’. In January 1997, DVLA ceased to grant implied entitlements (categories C1, C1+E, D1 and D1+E) on passing a car (category B) test. Since that date, people who wish to obtain an entitlement to drive category C1, C1+E. D1 or D1+E vehicles must meet higher medical standards and pass separate driving tests.

Further information about the new arrangements can be obtained from our customer service centre on 0300 200 1122.

direct.gov.uk/driving