Any truth in this ? (1 Viewer)

[Wizz]

I'm very close, ( a matter of days away) to buying a new motorhome, low profile 7.49mtr long, gross weight 3850 kgs.
I have just learnt that there are, and have been Government discussions about lowering the age from 70yrs of age to 65yrs of age in respect of the C1 license applicable to drive such vehicles. Thereby requiring drivers to sit tests/medicals earlier than at this current legislation requires ?
If this is likely to be the case this would have a possible impact on my decision making for 2 reasons, ie, the time I'd have to make use of the vehicle, and the re-sale of the vehicle.
Please forgive me if any of the above details are incorrect, as I do not wish to send anyone into panic over any inaccuracies to the above question. However this is information that's been quoted to me yesterday.
I've tried to research the matter without success.
Hopefully someone maybe able to put me right with some 'actual' facts.

Many thanks
Wizz

 

[Jim]

I have just learnt that there are and have been Government discussions about lowering the age from 70yrs of age to 65yrs of age in respect of the C1 license applicable to drive such vehicles.

Where did you learn this?

 

[funflair]

I have not seen anything about it, where did you get this from?

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[EX51SSS]

I'm very close to buying a new motorhome, low profile 7.49mtr long, gross weight 3850 kgs.
I have just learnt that there are and have been Government discussions about lowering the age from 70yrs of age to 65yrs of age in respect of the C1 license applicable to drive such vehicles. Thereby requiring drivers to sit tests/medicals ?
If this is likely to be the case this would have a possible impact on my decision making for 2 reasons, ie, the time I'd have to make use of the vehicle, and the re-sale of the vehicle.
Please forgive me if any of the above details are incorrect, as I do not wish to send anyone into panic over any inaccuracies to the above question. However this is information that's been quoted to me yesterday.
I've tried to research the matter without success.
Hopefully someone maybe able to put me right with some 'actual' facts.

Many thanks
Wizz

Well, firstly, when did you pass your test? Was it pre 1997?
Plus, is there a specific reason that you don't want a medical for your fitness to drive?
I have one every year now (under 70) to retain my hgv and psv vocational licences

 

[138go]

I have not heard anything but to be honest we’ve just downsized anyway. For us we were seduced by a beautiful Laika but with the C1 looming we decided to get rid. We have a smaller lighter Carthago on order.

We’ve spent a lot of money and wish now we’d gone for a smaller lighter MH to start with.
To be honest, why do you actually need a bigger MH?

 

[34127]

I think comments like that need to be substantiate as it could cause a lot of concerns to elder drivers who need their C1 licence. It sounds like the sort of story pasted on facebook and if so then it is almost certainly incorrect.
Why would they consider lowering the age limit when peoples health in general is improving, people are living longer, hence the reason for raising the OAP age qualification.

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[ChrisSue]

Could be an issue for people still working up to the retirement age of 66. So if it is being discussed I suspect that may stop any legislation.

 

[Apache]

Well, firstly, when did you pass your test? Was it pre 1997?
Plus, is there a specific reason that you don't want a medical for your fitness to drive?
I have one every year now (under 70) to retain my hgv and psv vocational licences

Surely that makes no difference ?
Even if passed before 1997 and has automatic C1 entitlement, you still have to take a medical at 70 so if they were to reduce the age it means the OP has a valid point

 

[westhamman]

The poster is looking for us to substantiate it, that's what the forums for, helping each other. If the poster cant find any facts online, no funster knows about it, its doubtful therefore, but as always that's not conclusive proof their not.

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[Podney]

Sounds like a load of tosh to me,if you want the detailed,in-depth,analysis!!!

 

[lorger]

If you think it’s because you’d fail the medical then surely you shouldn’t be driving it no matter what age.

 

[Cheshirecat57]

Well, Im considering re-joining the clan after selling up last year
Not yet 63, but I am firmly looking only at 3500 max
No medical fears, just a choice

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[Pausim]

Well, Im considering re-joining the clan after selling up last year
Not yet 63, but I am firmly looking only at 3500 max
No medical fears, just a choice

There must eventually come a point where over 3500kg motorhomes get harder to sell, the non C1 age group has now reached 40.

 

[LesW]

If ever electric motorhomes make the grade, something would have to be done about weight and driver restrictions I'd think.

 

[wiljoy]

Surely a medical wont deture you from buying a heavier van? If you are frightened of possible health issues I can understand but if you are fit then having a medical will make sure you are still ok to drive anything. Don't let a medicsl put you off having a heavier van. I've had annual medicals for years now to keep my class 1. I just accept it as part of the process. When I worry about taking the medical that's when it's time to stop driving larger vehicles.

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[EX51SSS]

Surely that makes no difference ?
Even if passed before 1997 and has automatic C1 entitlement, you still have to take a medical at 70 so if they were to reduce the age it means the OP has a valid point

The word is IF

 

[busbuddy]

I have heard of this before, back when CPC's came in for lorry drivers, there were rumours that a driver of any vehicle over 3.5t would have to do a CPC course as they would align all licences with lgv ones.....
Hence the 65 age limit, not heard anything since though

 

[Minxy]

HI Wizz, welcome to the fun house!

I'm very close, ( a matter of days away) to buying a new motorhome, low profile 7.49mtr long, gross weight 3850 kgs.

Just to digress a little - have you asked for the axle weights for it so you know if it has sufficient payload as that's not a lot of capacity for a large MH?

I have just learnt that there are, and have been Government discussions about lowering the age from 70yrs of age to 65yrs of age in respect of the C1 license applicable to drive such vehicles. Thereby requiring drivers to sit tests/medicals earlier than at this current legislation requires ?

... However this is information that's been quoted to me yesterday.
I've tried to research the matter without success.
Hopefully someone maybe able to put me right with some 'actual' facts.

I can't find any reference to this at all for private drivers, only for those who drive for a job etc and need to retain their HGV licence.

Who told you about this?

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[jollyrodger]

Sounds like something from farcebook

 

[joka250]

If you think it’s because you’d fail the medical then surely you shouldn’t be driving it no matter what age.

That must and should depend only on the medical issue. I no longer have C1 for age/medical reasons but my condition is controlled and monitored. The monitoring is carried out at least once per 24 hours remotely and face to face quarterly. Any issues would be reported to DVLA straight away and legally I must stop driving and hand in my licence. There are I know others, world wide, in same position but apart from them who else can say in all honesty that they are physically (medically) safer to drive. God (or whoever) frbid that any one on this forum should have something such as cardiac arrest while driving. One second fine next all but dead. Perhaps given it could happen at any time we should all stop driving.

 

[Wizz]

Just to add, the first reference to this matter was mentioned on this actual forum some time ago.
I will search for it and link it.
I also heard it in the last few days from a MH mechanic.

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[EX51SSS]

Strangely enough, searching Google, I came across this

According to Department for Transport statistics * older drivers have been in fewer reported accidents than younger ones. The report from 2015 states that 15.36% of reported accidents were involving drivers aged under 24 compared to only 5.95% involving drivers aged over 70.

The UK rules for older drivers originate from the same rules that govern the EU. There has been nothing published to say what will happen following Brexit.

There could be changes to the rules that apply to older drivers in the future after the government has considered recommendations that, according to a <Broken link removed>, ‘include:

• The automatic requirement for drivers to notify the DVLA at the age of 70 of any medical condition that may affect safe driving should be raised to 75,
• DVLA should require evidence of an eyesight test at age 75 and encourage vision checks every two years, particularly from age 60; and
• The government should support an evaluation of driving appraisal courses offered by the public sector and those in the private sector who wish to participate.’

Couple of things, obviously older/younger driver accident stats and a different suggestion. Sorry about the B word

 

[lorger]

That must and should depend only on the medical issue. I no longer have C1 for age/medical reasons but my condition is controlled and monitored. The monitoring is carried out at least once per 24 hours remotely and face to face quarterly. Any issues would be reported to DVLA straight away and legally I must stop driving and hand in my licence. There are I know others, world wide, in same position but apart from them who else can say in all honesty that they are physically (medically) safer to drive. God (or whoever) frbid that any one on this forum should have something such as cardiac arrest while driving. One second fine next all but dead. Perhaps given it could happen at any time we should all stop driving.

I understand something like that could happen at anytime but some folk down plate their MH because they can’t pass a medical, if they weren’t fit to drive it at the uprated figure are they really fit to drive the exact same MH with no medical.

 

[Clarky]

I tend to keep a fairly close eye on the news and haven’t seen any thoughts or rumours about this.
Sounds like fake news.
Having to have a medical every three years is not a great burden or problem as long as you’re reasonably fit. I’m due to have my third three year medical in six months time (you might work out that I’m getting ancient ) but have no concerns about keeping our 4.5t van.
Besides, having a check up now and again isn’t a bad thing as you get older.
Don't panic, go ahead and buy and enjoy your new van.

Richard.

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[sally47]

CPC for vehicles over 3 1/2 ton Hire and Reward only

 

[Derbyshire wanderer]

I haven’t heard anything about this but do know from previous history that changes to license entitlement is usually only applied from the date of implementation so if you have rights already they are kept, eg the trailer and 7.5t license entitlements were not changed for anyone holding them at the time.
The only time I know of losing rights was when the motorcycle learner license reduced the 250cc to 125cc but again that didn’t effect anyone with a full license

 

[EX51SSS]

I have heard of this before, back when CPC's came in for lorry drivers, there were rumours that a driver of any vehicle over 3.5t would have to do a CPC course as they would align all licences with lgv ones.....
Hence the 65 age limit, not heard anything since though

As it happens, there are 2 'CPC's' as such.
The real Certificate of Professional Competence which is the minimum requirement for being a Transport Manager in either Logistics or Bus/Coach etc and the other one which which actually is called Driver Qualification Card.
CPC is a one off examination and each has 2 sections or parts per se. National and International. Obviously you must gain the National before going on to get the International and it lasts for life.
DQC (which is now commonly called Driver CPC) is taken and renewed every 5 years and consists of 5 x 7 hours classroom 'study' for want of a better word. You can take this in a variety of ways from one 7 hour day per year or a 35 hour week within the 5 year qualifying period.
However, the Driver CPC (whether hgv or pcv) may or may not have bearing on what you actually do.
In essence, you could sit the same 7 hour day (could be night of course) and still get your qualification.
There are also various other training that can reduce the requirements such as ADR course (also lasts 5 years) and that can count as 3 days training against the CPC (DQC) and fork lift training can also count but some companies reassess their drivers who require a FLT licence yearly and some never reassess

Receiving a DQC
A DQC will be issued to new drivers automatically on successfully passing the Driver CPC initial qualification. It will be sent to the address on your driving licence, so make sure that your details are up to date with the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA).

• Driver Certificate of Professional Competence
• Keeping your driving licence up to date

By this time you are required to have completed your first 35 hours of periodic training. On completing the 35 hours training, a DQC will be issued to drivers that hold a Northern Ireland photocard licence.

Carrying proof of your Driver CPC status
You must always carry your DQC as evidence of your Driver CPC status while driving professionally. If you don't, you will be liable for penalties.

Bit more information

By now, all drivers should have a Driver Qualification Card, or DQC. There are a small number of exemptions, but as everyone now knows, if you’re a professional large goods vehicle driver (C, C1, C+E or C1+E), then Driver CPC is an ongoing obligation. Professional PCV drivers with equivalent licences are also required to hold a DQC.

I actually can't find that there is a 3.5 tonne requirement but I'm sure someone will come along but irrespective of the weight, it's for professional drivers not drivers of private vehicles including motorhomes/RV's etc

Just found this

Even if a driver passed their test before 1997, they will still have to complete 35 hours of Driver CPC training every five years if they want to drive a 7.5-tonne vehicle professionally, unless they are covered by an exemption. ... The vehicle is operated by the armed forces or emergency services.22 Aug 2017

Then this

Any drivers of lorries and vans over 3.5 tonnes, and passenger carrying vehicles carrying nine or more people, will need the CPC as well as their vocational licence. Without it, you can't legally drive the vehicle.

Important, although you may have the CPC national and International, you must take a Driver CPC to enable you to drive a vehicle professionally.
The Driver CPC taken as a hgv driver also allows it to be a Driver CPC on passenger vehicles.

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[Pausim]

The automatic requirement for drivers to notify the DVLA at the age of 70 of any medical condition that may affect safe driving should be raised to 75,

There already is a requirement for drivers of all ages to notify the DVLA of any medical condition that could affect safe driving. The procedure changes at 70 but the legal obligation starts with your first driving license.

 

[EX51SSS]

There already is a requirement for drivers of all ages to notify the DVLA of any medical condition that could affect safe driving. The procedure changes at 70 but the legal obligation starts with your first driving license.

Yes, however that is a quote from the website not my words.

 

[Ernesto]

I too haven't seen anything on this. But whilst I agree keeping an eye on your health is good thing generally, I'm not sure would want to be sweating on the results both medically, and potentially being unable to drive my van.
My suggestion to a potential new owner is to take the time and be as certain as possible that you want and need the extra space/load capacity over 3,5 tonnes gives you, and if you do, go ahead and enjoy it.

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