D2 Form

D2 Form: The Ultimate Guide for UK Drivers

The D2 form is a necessary form for any individual in the UK looking to apply for a lorry, bus, or heavy goods vehicle (HGV) licence. From starting a career as a professional driver to upgrading an existing licence, it is vital to know how to fill and submit the D2 form accurately. This booklet explains what the D2 form is, who needs it, how to fill it in, and what supporting evidence you should send in so that your application can be dealt with without delay.

What Is a D2 Form?

D2 form, or Application for a Lorry, Bus, or Minibus Licence, is made available by the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). It is required when applying for a provisional entitlement to drive larger vehicles, such as lorries (category C) or buses (category D).

Effectively, the D2 form allows you to notify the DVLA that you would like to add new vehicle categories to your licence. It’s usually filled in alongside the D4 medical form, which must be completed by a registered doctor to confirm that you are medically suitable for professional driving.

You can obtain both the D2 and D4 forms free from the GOV.UK official website or by calling the DVLA’s driver licensing customer service.

Who Needs to Complete a D2 Form?

You’ll need to fill in the D2 form if you are:

Applying for a lorry or HGV licence (Category C or C+E)

Applying for a bus or coach licence (Category D or D+E)

Applying for a minibus licence (Category D1 or D1+E)

Upgrading your license to drive larger or heavier vehicles

Renewing an existing vocational driving license when it expires

If you plan to drive professionally, you’ll also need to apply for a Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) once you have your provisional entitlement.

How to Get a D2 Form

It is free and simple to get a D2 form. You can:

Order it online from the official DVLA website under the “Lorry and Bus Licence Application Pack (D2/D4)” section.

Call DVLA on 0300 790 6801 and order the form by post.

Ask a local driving school that provides HGV or bus training — most have paper versions of both D2 and D4 forms for trainees.

Read all of the instructions thoroughly prior to filling in the form when you have it.

How to Fill in a D2 Form Correctly

There are several sections on the D2 form which must be completed correctly:

Personal Details – Enter your name, address, date of birth, and driver’s licence number.

Licence Entitlements – Indicate the categories you’re applying for (e.g., Category C for lorry, Category D for bus).

Medical Requirements – Attach your completed D4 medical report if required.

Photograph & Signature – Include a recent passport-sized photograph and sign in the space provided.

Declarations – Read the legal declarations carefully before signing to make sure all the information is correct and accurate.

Make sure all the sections are filled out in black ink and are legible. Errors or missing information will delay your application.

Where to Send Your D2 Form

When complete, you should post your D2 form and D4 medical form (where applicable) to:

DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BR, United Kingdom

Do not include payment, as there is no fee for applying for a provisional lorry or bus licence. If renewing or replacing an existing licence, check whether a fee is payable before sending your form.

The DVLA processes applications normally within three weeks, but it can take longer if medical tests or other documentation is required.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The majority of applicants experience delays because of simple errors on their D2 form. Avoid these common mistakes:

Forgetting the D4 medical form

Applying for the incorrect category code (e.g., C+E before obtaining C)

Providing an out-of-date photograph

Forgetting your licence number or signature

Not notifying the DVLA of a change of address

Check your details before sending the form for a hassle-free process.

After Submitting Your D2 Form

Once the DVLA receives and processes your D2 form, they will post your new photocard licence with your new provisional entitlement to you. You can then begin your professional drivers’ training with a HGV or bus training provider approved by the DVLA.

Following your training, you’ll sit for both theory and practical driving tests for the category of vehicle you’ve chosen. On passing, you’ll be fully qualified to drive large vehicles and can then apply for your Driver CPC card, enabling you to drive professionally.

Conclusion

Completing the D2 form is the first major step toward obtaining a professional driving licence in the UK. Whether you’re aiming to drive a lorry, coach, or minibus, this form ensures that the DVLA can update your records and grant the proper provisional entitlement. While the process is straightforward, accuracy and attention to detail are vital.

Make sure you keep your D4 medical form enclosed, use the correct category codes, and check all personal details are current. Sending back an incomplete or erroneous D2 form can lead to processing delays, which will postpone your training and career progression.

By carefully following the instructions outlined in this guide, you’ll be completing your D2 form with confidence and be a step nearer to starting your career as a professional qualified driver.