If you are an aspiring HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) driver or training student, you may encounter many forms and one of those forms is the D9 form. This form is necessary as part of the process of registering a non-GB (Great Britain) driving licence in the UK. Understanding how to navigate this form is crucial if you plan to continue your driving career in the UK after holding a foreign driving licence.
In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the D9 form and how it applies specifically to HGV drivers, ensuring you’re ready to hit the road legally and efficiently in the UK.
The D9 form is the application to register a non-GB driving licence in the UK. This form is essential if you are a foreign driver with a licence issued outside the UK and want to exchange or retain it for use in Great Britain.
What is the D9 Form?
For HGV drivers, it’s particularly important to understand that this registration is a key step in ensuring your driving qualifications and entitlements are recognised by the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). Whether you’ve trained abroad or hold a licence from a country with reciprocal agreements with the UK, the D9 form allows you to officially register your non-GB driving licence.
Why Do You Need the D9 Form?
If you are an HGV driver, you may have come from a country where the licensing and qualifications required to drive heavy vehicles differ from the UK’s standards. While many countries have agreements allowing you to drive in the UK with a foreign licence, some countries might require you to register your licence to continue driving legally. This is where the D9 form comes in.
By submitting this form, you ensure that your foreign driving licence is appropriately recognised, and you can:
- Legally drive an HGV in the UK.
- Maintain your driving entitlements for categories like Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) and other commercial driving qualifications.
- Ensure that any ongoing training or endorsements (such as CPC – Certificate of Professional Competence) are properly accounted for.
Who Should Complete the D9 Form?
As an HGV driver or training student, you need to complete the D9 form if:
- You hold a non-UK driving licence (from a country outside of the EU/EEA or one with which the UK does not have an automatic exchange agreement).
- You plan to continue driving HGVs (or other commercial vehicles) in the UK and want your foreign licence to be officially recognised.
- You’ve completed HGV training outside of the UK and wish to use your qualifications and driving entitlement in Great Britain.
D9 Form online
To download the D9 form online, you can visit the official DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) website. Here’s a quick guide to finding and completing the form:
Visit the DVLA Website
Go to the DVLA’s official website to find the relevant form.
Download the Form
Although you may not be able to complete the entire D9 form directly online, you can download a PDF of the form from the DVLA’s website.
Complete the Form
Once downloaded, you’ll need to fill in the required details about your personal information, driving licence, and supporting documents.
Submit the Form
After completing the form, submit it to the DVLA by sending the form along with your driving licence to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BH.
How to Complete the D9 Form
To complete the D9 form, follow these simple steps:
- Obtain the Form: You can download the D9 form directly from the DVLA website. Alternatively, you can request it by post if you prefer paper-based communication.
- Provide Personal Details: Fill in your full name, date of birth, address in the UK, and other required identification details. Ensure your name matches exactly as it appears on your non-GB licence.
- Provide Licence Details: You need to provide information about your existing driving licence, including the country where it was issued, the type of licence (standard or HGV), and the entitlements it includes. For HGV drivers, make sure that all relevant endorsements, such as Category C or CE for trucks, are noted.
- Submit Proof of Identity: The DVLA may request official documents that verify your identity, such as a passport or residence permit. Be sure to have copies ready.
- Pay the Fee: There may be a processing fee associated with registering your non-GB licence. Check the current rates on the DVLA website.
- Submit the Form: Once you’ve completed the form and gathered the necessary documentation, submit the D9 form to the DVLA by post.
How Long Does It Take for the D9 Form to Be Processed?
The DVLA typically processes D9 forms within 3-4 weeks, but this can vary based on the volume of applications. It’s important to apply well in advance of any deadlines to avoid interruptions in your HGV driving career.
During this processing period, the DVLA may contact you for additional documentation or clarification if needed. Ensure all information is accurate and complete to avoid any delays.
What Happens After You Submit the D9 Form?
Once the DVLA processes your D9 form, they will confirm that your non-GB driving licence is valid. If your foreign qualifications are compatible with UK requirements, the DVLA will issue a UK driving licence. If not, the DVLA may require additional steps, such as completing a theory or practical driving test.
As an HGV driver, the DVLA may also assess your driving qualifications to ensure they meet UK standards. If your licence does not cover certain entitlements, you may need to take additional tests or courses to obtain the appropriate qualifications for driving HGVs in the UK.
Tips for HGV Drivers Completing the D9 Form
- Double-Check Your Licence Categories: If you’re registering a licence for HGVs, make sure the categories for Large Goods Vehicles (LGVs), articulated vehicles, or other relevant HGV entitlements are present on your original licence. If the details aren’t clear, you may need to provide extra supporting documentation or take additional assessments.
- Check for Licence Conversion Requirements: Some countries have reciprocal agreements with the UK, which means you may be able to exchange your foreign HGV licence for a UK one without taking extra tests. Familiarise yourself with the agreements and check whether your country is part of them.
- Ensure Correct Documentation: The DVLA may ask for proof of identity and residency in the UK, so make sure to have your passport, national ID card, or other supporting documents ready.
- Plan Ahead: Processing your D9 form can take several weeks, so don’t leave it to the last minute if you need to drive in the UK. Apply well ahead of time to avoid any delays in getting your HGV qualifications.
Which countries driving license can be exchanged in UK?
In the UK, you can exchange your foreign driving license for a UK one if you meet certain criteria. If you’re a resident of the UK and hold a valid license from one of the countries with a reciprocal agreement, you can exchange it without taking a driving test.
EU and EEA Countries:
Driving licenses from EU and EEA countries are easy to exchange for a UK license without any further tests, provided you meet the residency requirements.
Non-EU Countries with Reciprocal Agreements:
Drivers from the following countries can also exchange their licenses without a test:
- Australia
- Barbados
- Canada (specific provinces like Ontario, Quebec)
- Japan
- New Zealand
- South Africa
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Switzerland
- Zimbabwe
For some other countries, you may need to take a driving test to convert your foreign license into a UK one.
Exchange Process:
The process generally involves completing a D1 application form, providing identity proof and your foreign license, and paying a fee (around £43). Then you get UK license in exchange of foreign license.
Final Thoughts
For HGV drivers and training students with a non-GB driving licence, completing the D9 form is an essential step in registering your qualifications with the DVLA. It allows you to continue working legally as a professional driver in the UK, ensuring your foreign training and experience don’t go to waste. By understanding the form and the process, you’ll ensure a smooth transition to driving in the UK and avoid any unnecessary complications down the road.
If you’re serious about your HGV career in the UK, make completing your D9 form registration one of your top priorities. Start today, and soon you’ll be driving legally and confidently on the UK’s roads.