When Does an HGV Licence Need to Be Renewed?
HGV (Group 2) driving entitlements are not permanent. The DVLA issues them for fixed periods that shorten as you age, reflecting the more frequent medical checks required for professional drivers. Up to age 45, your HGV entitlements are valid for five years. Between 45 and 65, they must be renewed every five years. After age 65, renewal is required annually. Your licence card will show the expiry date for each entitlement category.
Renewal Timeline at a Glance
| Age | Renewal Frequency | Medical Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Under 45 | Every 5 years | Yes (D4 form) |
| 45–65 | Every 5 years | Yes (D4 form) |
| Over 65 | Annually | Yes (D4 form) |
The D4 Medical Form
Every HGV licence renewal requires a completed D4 medical examination form. The D4 is completed by a doctor (your GP or a private occupational health doctor) and covers vision, cardiovascular health, blood pressure, diabetes, neurological conditions, and sleep disorders. The doctor sends the completed D4 directly to the DVLA. The cost of a D4 medical varies between £50 and £120 depending on the provider; GPs are not obliged to offer this service, so many drivers use private occupational health clinics.
How to Apply for Renewal
You apply for HGV licence renewal using the D2 application form, available from the Post Office or downloadable from gov.uk. Send the completed D2 form, your current photocard licence, and any supporting documents to the DVLA in Swansea. There is no fee for renewing your HGV entitlements (the renewal is free), but you will need to pay for the D4 medical examination separately. The DVLA typically processes renewal applications within four to six weeks, though this can be longer during peak periods.
Can You Renew Online?
As of 2026, HGV licence renewals that require a D4 medical cannot be completed entirely online because the D4 form must be submitted physically. However, you can check your licence status, view your entitlements, and update your address online via the DVLA’s online services at gov.uk. Some elements of the application process may move online in future DVLA service updates.
What If Your Licence Has Expired?
If your HGV entitlements have expired, you must not drive vehicles requiring those entitlements until your renewal has been processed and your new licence issued. Driving with expired HGV entitlements is an offence and can invalidate your vehicle insurance. Apply for renewal as early as possible — the DVLA recommends applying at least three months before your entitlements expire to avoid any gap in your driving authorisation.
Renewal After a Medical Issue
If your renewal application is delayed because the DVLA needs to investigate a medical condition, you may be issued a short-period licence (for example, one or two years) rather than the standard renewal period. The DVLA will write to you explaining any conditions attached to your licence. Common conditions that trigger short-period licences include controlled diabetes, treated sleep apnoea, and certain cardiovascular conditions.
Next Steps
For guidance on the D4 medical examination, see our HGV Medical D4 Form Guide. For guidance on filling in the D2 application form, see our How to Fill In a D2 Form guide. For guidance on renewing at specific age milestones, see our HGV Licence Renewal at 45, 65 and Over 70 guide. To book HGV training or refresher training in Surrey, call 01252 447808 or visit our HGV Class 2 training page.
