Changes to the law including the relaxation of a requirement for medical exams as part of the driving licence renewal process for people under 70 will become effective from Monday.

Prior to the passing of the Motor Car and Auxiliary Bicycles (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act 2026, drivers were required to submit a doctor’s certificate proving fitness to drive when they update their licence every ten years.

The legislation will also reduce the number of inspections required for new cars to within the first five years following licensing, instead of three years.

Additionally, the frequency of required inspections for cars licensed as public service vehicles will move from every six months to “a more practical” once a year.

Provision is also made for the payment of private car licence duties in instalments, in addition to allowing payments covering portions of the 12-month licence period.

Transport minister Owen Darrell said the changes were made “for practicality”.

He added: “The legislative process had to run its course — we are finally at the finish line.

“I believe that the public will be pleased to see that some of the red tape that has been in place for years has now been removed without compromising safety.”

Mr Darrell said a number of recent visitors to the Transport Control Department had believed the changes were already in effect.

He said: “I would like to apologise to those individuals that went to TCD the last couple months and were shocked to find out that it was not operationalised yet.”

Under the changes for the medical requirement, applicants who wish to renew their driving licences can visit the TCD page at www.gov.bm and submit a personal medical declaration ahead of their renewal to confirm that there is no condition affecting their ability to drive safely.

Mr Darrell said it replaced the doctor’s certificate requirement “for the great majority of renewals”, cutting expense and paperwork without reducing standards.

However, the law continues to require a medical certificate for drivers aged 70 and over.

Providing false or misleading information on the declaration carries a fine of up to $1000.

Mr Darrell said that because modern vehicles were built to “exceptionally” high standards, “the legislation acknowledges the reality by removing several early inspections provided the vehicle remains consecutively licensed while leaving the TCD’s broader inspection regime in place”.

Drivers will also be able to licence their vehicles for a shorter period of three or six months rather than annually, and can pay the licence duty in instalments, which Mr Darrell said would make the process more convenient and responsive.

Mr Darrell said the changes might seem “modest” but that anyone who navigated licence requirements, inspection schedules or renewal procedures would “appreciate” a simpler system.