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Part IIIU.K. Licensing of drivers of vehicles

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1Pt. III (ss. 87–109) excluded by Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 (c. 53, SIF 107:1), s. 37(3)

C2Pt. III (ss. 87–109) restricted (1.4.1991) by Road Traffic (Driver Licensing and Information Systems) Act 1989 (c. 22, SIF 107:1), s. 1(6), Sch. 1 para. 6(5)

Pt. III (ss. 87-109) restricted (1.6.1997) by 1995 c. 13, ss. 4(1), 6, Sch. 1 Pt. III para. 6(1), Pt. IV para. 9(1) (with ss. 8, 10(3)); S.I. 1997/267, art. 2(2)

Pt. III (ss. 87-109) extended (1.6.1997) by 1995 c. 13, s. 5(7) (with ss. 8, 10(3)); S.I. 1997/267, art. 2(2)

Pt. III (ss. 87-109) applied (1.6.1997) by 1995 c. 13, s. 9(1) (with ss. 8, 10(3)); S.I. 1997/267, art. 2(2)

MiscellaneousE+W+S

104 Conduct of proceedings in certain courts by or against the Secretary of State.E+W+S

(1)Any proceedings by or against the Secretary of State in a magistrates’ court or before the registrar of a county court under this Part of this Act or Part II of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 may be conducted on behalf of the Secretary of State by a person authorised by him for the purposes of this subsection.

(2)Any proceedings in any court in Scotland, other than the High Court of Justiciary or the Court of Session, against the Secretary of State under this Part of this Act or Part II of the M1Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 may be conducted on behalf of the Secretary of State by any person authorised by him for the purposes of this subsection.

Marginal Citations

105 Regulations.E+W+S

(1)The Secretary of State may make regulations for any purpose for which regulations may be made under the provisions of this Part of this Act and the relevant provisions of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 and for prescribing anything which may be prescribed under any of those provisions, and otherwise for the purpose of carrying any of those provisions into effect.

(2)In particular, but without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) above, the regulations may make provision with respect to—

[F1(a)licences under this Part of this Act, [F2Northern Ireland licences,] Community licences and counterparts of such licences,

(b)making any particulars with respect to any persons—

(i)who are disqualified,

(ii)whose licences are suspended, or

(iii)whose counterparts of licences under this Part of this Act [F3, of Northern Ireland licences] or of Community licences (as the case may be) are endorsed,]

available for use by the police,

(c)preventing a person holding more than one licence,

(d)facilitating identification of holders of licences,

(e)providing for the issue of [F4F5. . . licences and counterparts of licences in the place of licences or counterparts of licences]lost or defaced on payment of such fee [F6, and compliance with such requirements,] as may be prescribed,

[F7(ea)providing for the issue of new counterparts [F8of Northern Ireland licences or] of Community licences in the place of counterparts [F9of Northern Ireland licences or (as the case may be)] of Community licences that are lost or defaced,]

[F10(ee)the correspondence F11. . . of one class of motor vehicle with another class of motor vehicle or of one test of competence to drive with another (whatever the law under which the classification is made or the test conducted),]

(f)the effect of a change in the classification of motor vehicles F12. . . on licences then in force or issued or on the right to or the subsequent granting of licences [F13or on [F14Northern Ireland licences or] Community licences then in force], and

(g)enabling a person—

(i)whose entitlement to the grant of a licence to drive a class of motor vehicle is preserved by regulations made by virtue of paragraph (f) above, and

(ii)who satisfies such conditions as may be prescribed,

to drive (and be employed in driving) that class of motor vehicle while he applies for the licence to be granted to him,

and different regulations may be made as respects different classes of vehicles or as respects the same class of vehicles in different circumstances.

(3)The regulations may—

(a)make different provision for different circumstances,

(b)provide for exemptions from any provision of the regulations, and

(c)contain such incidental and supplemental provisions as the Secretary of State considers expedient for the purposes of the regulations,

and nothing in the other provisions of this Part of this Act shall be construed as prejudicing the generality of the preceding provisions of this subsection.

(4)Any fee prescribed under this Part of this Act shall be of an amount approved by the Treasury, and different fees may be prescribed for different circumstances [F15and (in particular) in relation to licences in different forms].

(5)In subsection (1) above “the relevant provisions of the M2Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988” means the following provisions of that Act: sections 2, 7, 8, 23 to 26, 27, 31 [F16, 34 [F17, 35] to 48, [F18and 91ZA to] 91B].

Textual Amendments

F1S. 105(2)(a)(b) substituted (23.7.1996) by S.I. 1996/1974, reg. 2, Sch. 1 para. 17(a)

F5Word in s. 105(2)(e) repealed (1.7.1998) by S.I. 1998/1420, regs. 10(2)(a), 17, Sch.

F6Words in s. 105(2)(e) inserted (1.7.1998) by S.I. 1998/1420, reg. 10(2)(b)

F11Words in s. 105(2)(ee) repealed (1.7.1992) by Road Traffic Act 1991 (c. 40, SIF 107:1), s. 83, Sch. 8; S.I. 1992/1286, art. 2, Sch.

F12Words in s. 105(2)(f) repealed (1.7.1992) by Road Traffic Act 1991 (c. 40, SIF 107:1), s. 83, Sch. 8; S.I. 1992/1286, art. 2, Sch.

F13Words in s. 105(2)(f) inserted (23.7.1996) by S.I. 1996/1974, reg. 2, Sch. 1 para. 17(c)

F15Words in s. 105(4) inserted (1.7.1998) by S.I. 1998/1420, reg. 10(3)

F16Words in s. 105(5) substituted (23.7.1996) by S.I. 1996/1974, reg. 2, Sch. 1 para. 17(3)

F17Words in s. 105(5) inserted (8.11.2006) by Road Safety Act 2006 (c. 49), ss. 58(2), 61(9)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Marginal Citations

106 Destination of fees for licences, etc.E+W+S

(1)All fees received by the Secretary of State for licences under this Part of this Act shall be paid into the Consolidated Fund.

(2)Fees in respect of tests of competence to drive payable by virtue of regulations made by virtue of section 89(4) of this Act shall be paid to such person as may be prescribed by the regulations, and any such fees received by a person so prescribed (other than any as to which the regulations provide that they are to be paid to the person conducting the test and retained by him as remuneration) shall be paid into the Consolidated Fund.

107 Service of notices.E+W+S

[F19A notice authorised to be served on any person under this Part or Part IV of this Act or a Community licence required to be returned to its holder by section [F2099B, 99E or 109A] of this Act may be served on, or returned to him] by delivering it to him or by leaving it at his proper address or by sending it to him by post; and for the purposes of this section and section 7 of the M3Interpretation Act 1978 in its application to this section the proper address of any person shall be his latest address as known to the person serving the notice.

Textual Amendments

F19Words in s. 107 substituted (23.7.1996 for specified purposes and otherwise 1.1.1997) by S.I. 1996/1974, reg. 2, Sch. 1 para. 18

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C4S. 107 applied (1.6.1997) by 1995 c. 13, s. 9(4) (with ss. 8, 10(3)); S.I. 1997/267, art. 2(2)

Marginal Citations

108 Interpretation.E+W+S

(1)In this Part of this Act—

[F44(2)The Secretary of State may by order made by statutory instrument designate a country or territory which neither is nor forms part of an EEA State for the purposes of the definition of “exchangeable licence” in subsection (1) above)—

(a)as respects all licences authorising the driving of motor vehicles granted under the law of that country or territory, where the Secretary of State is satisfied that satisfactory provision is made by that law for the granting of licences to drive motor vehicles;

(b)as respects only licences authorising the driving of motor vehicles granted under the law of that country or territory of a description specified in the order, where the Secretary of State is satisfied that satisfactory provision is made by that law for the granting of licences of that description.

F44(2A)An order under subsection (2)(b) above may specify a description of licence by reference to any feature of the licences concerned (including in particular the circumstances in which they are granted, any conditions to which they are subject or the classes of vehicle which they authorise the holders to drive).

F44(2B)An order under subsection (2)(b) above may provide that a licence of a specified description shall only be an exchangeable licence in so far as it authorises its holder to drive vehicles of a class specified in the order.]

(3)Before making any order under subsection (2) above, the Secretary of State shall consult with such representative organisations as he thinks fit.

Textual Amendments

F21Definition of “agricultural or forestry tractor" in s. 108(1) substituted (23.7.1996 for specified purposes and otherwise 1.1.1997) for definition of “agricultural tractor" by S.I. 1996/1974, reg. 2, Sch. 1 para. 19(2)(a)

F23Words in the definition of “Community licence" in s. 108(1) substituted (23.7.1996 for specified purposes and otherwise 1.1.1997) by S.I. 1996/1974, reg. 2, Sch. 1 para. 19(2)(b)(i)

F24Words in the definition of “Community licence" in s. 108(1) substituted (23.7.1996 for specified purposes and otherwise 1.1.1997) by S.I. 1996/1974, reg. 2, Sch. 1 para. 19(2)(b)(ii)

F25S. 108(1): para. (c) in definition of “Community licence" and the word “or" immediately preceding it inserted (23.7.1996 for specified purposes and otherwise 1.1.1997) by S.I. 1996/1974, reg. 2, Sch. 1 para. 19(2)(b)(iii)

F26Definition of “counterpart" in s. 108(1) inserted (23.7.1996 for specified purposes and otherwise 1.1.1997) by S.I. 1996/1974, reg. 2, Sch. 1 para. 19(2)(c)

F27S. 108(1): word in definition of "counterpart" repealed (11.10.2004) by Crime (International Co-operation) Act 2003 (c. 32), ss. 91, 94, Sch. 5 para. 25(a), Sch. 6; S.I. 2004/2624, art. 2(2)(b)(c)

F28S. 108(1): in definition of "counterpart" para. (aa) inserted (11.10.2004) by Crime (International Co-operation) Act 2003 (c. 32), ss. 91(1), 94, Sch. 5 para. 25(a); S.I. 2004/2624, art. 2(2)(b)

F30Definitions of “EEA Agreement" and “EEA State" in s. 108(1) inserted (23.7.1996 for specified purposes and otherwise 1.1.1997) by S.I. 1996/1974, reg. 2, Sch. 1 para. 19(2)(d)

F31Definition of “exchangeable licence" in s. 108(1) substituted (31.8.1998) by S.I. 1998/1917, art. 2(2)

F33Definition of “large goods vehicle" in s. 108(1) inserted (23.7.1996 for specified purposes and otherwise 1.1.1997) by S.I. 1996/1974, reg. 2, Sch. 1 para. 19(2)(f)

F35Words in the definition of “licence" in s. 108(1) omitted (23.7.1996 for specified purposes and otherwise 1.1.1997) by virtue of S.I. 1996/1974, reg. 2, Sch. 1 para. 19(2)(g)

F36Definitions of “medium-sized goods vehicle", “moped" and “motor bicycle" in s. 108(1) substituted (23.7.1996 for specified purposes and otherwise 1.1.1997) for the definition of “medium-sized goods vehicle" by S.I. 1996/1974, reg. 2, Sch. 1 para. 19(2)(h)

F37S. 108(1): words in para. (b) in definition of “motor bicycle" substituted (1.7.1998) by S.I. 1998/1420, reg. 11

F38Definitions inserted (1.6.1990 as regards definition of "Northern Ireland driving licence" and "Northern Ireland licence" and 1.4.1991 otherwise) by Road Traffic (Driver Licensing and Information Systems) Act 1989 (c. 22, SIF 107:1), s. 7, Sch. 3 para. 15(e)

F39S. 108(1): in definition of "Northern Ireland driving licence" and "Northern Ireland licence" words inserted (11.10.2004) by Crime (International Co-operation) Act 2003 (c. 32), ss. 91(1), 94, Sch. 5 para. 25(b); S.I. 2004/2624, art. 2(2)(b)

F41Definition of “small vehicle" in s. 108(1) inserted (23.7.1996 for specified purposes and otherwise 1.1.1997) by S.I. 1996/1974, reg. 2, Sch. 1 para. 19(2)(i)

F42Definitions of “small goods vehicle" and “small passenger vehicle" in s. 108(1) omitted (23.7.1996 for specified purposes and otherwise 1.1.1997) by virtue of S.I. 1996/1974, reg. 2, Sch. 1 para. 19(2)(j)

F44S. 108(2)-(2B) substituted (31.8.1998) for s. 108(2) by S.I. 1998/1917, art. 2(3)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

109 Provisions as to Northern Ireland drivers’ licences.E+W+S

(1)The holder of a [F45Northern Ireland driving licence] may drive, and a person may cause or permit the holder of such a licence to drive, in Great Britain, [F46in accordance with that licence,] a motor vehicle of any class which he is authorised by that licence to drive, and which he is not disqualified from driving under this Part [F47or Part IV] of this Act, notwithstanding that he is not the holder of a licence under this Part of this Act.

(2)Any driver holding a [F48Northern Ireland driving licence] shall be under the like obligation to produce such a licence [F49and its counterpart as if they had respectively been a licence granted under this Part of this Act and the counterpart to such a licence], and the provisions—

(a)of this Act, F50. . .

(b)F50. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

as to the production of licences [F51and counterparts of licences] granted under this Part of this Act shall apply accordingly.

(3)F52. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4)F52. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5)F52. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F53109ACounterparts issued to Northern Ireland licence holdersE+W+S

(1)The Secretary of State may issue to any Northern Ireland licence holder who—

(a)has delivered his Northern Ireland licence to the Secretary of State, and

(b)has provided him with the information specified in, or required under, subsection (3) below (whether or not in pursuance of this section),

a document (referred to in this Part of this Act in relation to a Northern Ireland licence as a “counterpart”).

(2)The counterpart must—

(a)be in such form, and

(b)contain such information,

designed for the endorsement of particulars relating to the Northern Ireland licence as the Secretary of State may determine.

(3)The information referred to in subsection (1) above is—

(a)the name and address (whether in Great Britain or Northern Ireland) of the Northern Ireland licence holder;

(b)his date of birth;

(c)the classes of vehicle which he is authorised by his Northern Ireland licence to drive;

(d)the period of validity of the licence;

(e)whether it was granted in exchange for a licence issued by a state other than an EEA State; and

(f)such other information as the Secretary of State may require for the purposes of the proper exercise of any of his functions under this Part or Part 4 of this Act.

(4)The Secretary of State—

(a)may endorse a Northern Ireland licence delivered to him (whether or not in pursuance of this section) in such manner as he may determine—

(i)with any part of the information specified in, or required under, subsection (3) above; or

(ii)with information providing a means of ascertaining that information or any part of it; and

(b)must return the Northern Ireland licence to the holder.

(5)Subsections (6) to (9), (11) (with the omission of paragraph (a)) and (12) of section 99B of this Act apply for the purposes of this section as if the references to a Community licence were references to a Northern Ireland licence.]

[F54109BRevocation of authorisation conferred by Northern Ireland licence because of disability or prospective disabilityE+W+S

(1)If the Secretary of State is at any time satisfied on inquiry—

(a)that a Northern Ireland licence holder is suffering from a relevant disability, and

(b)that he would be required by virtue of section 92(3) of this Act to refuse an application made by the holder at that time for a licence authorising him to drive a vehicle of the class in respect of which his Northern Ireland licence was issued or a class corresponding to that class,

he may serve notice in writing requiring the licence holder to deliver immediately to the Secretary of State his Northern Ireland licence together with its Northern Ireland counterpart and its counterpart (if any) issued to him under this Part of this Act (“the relevant counterparts”).

(2)If the Secretary of State is satisfied on inquiry that a Northern Ireland licence holder is suffering from a prospective disability, he may—

(a)serve notice in writing on the Northern Ireland licence holder requiring him to deliver immediately to the Secretary of State his Northern Ireland licence together with the relevant counterparts, and

(b)on receipt of the Northern Ireland licence and those counterparts and of an application made for the purposes of this subsection, grant to the Northern Ireland licence holder, free of charge, a licence for a period determined by the Secretary of State under section 99(1)(b) of this Act.

(3)The Secretary of State may require a person to provide—

(a)evidence of his name, address, sex and date and place of birth, and

(b)a photograph which is a current likeness of him,

before granting a licence to him on an application for the purposes of subsection (2) above.

(4)A person who—

(a)is required under, or by virtue of, this section to deliver to the Secretary of State his Northern Ireland licence and the relevant counterparts, but

(b)without reasonable excuse, fails to do so,

is guilty of an offence.

(5)Where a Northern Ireland licence holder to whom a counterpart is issued under section 109A of this Act—

(a)is required under, or by virtue of, this section to deliver his Northern Ireland licence and that counterpart to the Secretary of State, and

(b)is not in possession of them in consequence of the fact that he has surrendered them to a constable or authorised person (within the meaning of Part 3 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988) on receiving a fixed penalty notice given to him under section 54 of that Act,

he does not fail to comply with any such requirement if he delivers them to the Secretary of State immediately on their return.

(6)Where a Northern Ireland licence holder is served with a notice in pursuance of this section, he shall cease to be authorised by virtue of section 109(1) of this Act to drive in Great Britain a motor vehicle of any class from such date as may be specified in the notice, not being earlier than the date of service of the notice.

(7)Where a Northern Ireland licence is delivered to the Secretary of State in pursuance of this section, he must—

(a)send the licence and its Northern Ireland counterpart to the licensing authority in Northern Ireland, and

(b)explain to them his reasons for so doing.]

Textual Amendments

[F55109CInformation relating to disabilities etcE+W+S

Section 94 of this Act shall apply to a Northern Ireland licence holder who is normally resident in Great Britain as if—

(a)in subsection (1), for the words from the beginning to “aware” there were substituted “ If a Northern Ireland licence holder who is authorised by virtue of section 109(1) of this Act to drive in Great Britain a motor vehicle of any class, is aware immediately before the relevant date, or becomes aware on or after that date ”,

(b)after that subsection there were inserted—

(1A)For the purposes of subsection (1) “relevant date” means—

(a)in the case where the licence holder first became normally resident in Great Britain on or before the date on which section 79 of the Crime (International Co-operation) Act 2003 comes into force, that date; and

(b)in any other case, the date on which he first became so resident.,

(c)for subsection (3A) there were substituted—

(3A)A person who—

(a)is authorised by virtue of section 109(1) of this Act to drive in Great Britain a motor vehicle of any class, and

(b)drives on a road a motor vehicle of that class,

is guilty of an offence if at any earlier time while he was so authorised he was required by subsection (1) above to notify the Secretary of State but has failed without reasonable excuse to do so.,

(d)in subsection (4), the words “an applicant for, or” (in both places) were omitted,

(e)in subsection (5), the words “applicant or” and the words from the beginning of paragraph (c) to “provisional licence” were omitted,

(f)in subsection (6)(b), the words “applicant or” (in both places) were omitted,

(g)in subsection (7), the words “applicant or” were omitted, and

(h)in subsection (8)—

(i)for “93” there were substituted “ 109B ”, and

(ii)the words “applicant or” (in both places) were omitted.]

Textual Amendments