Subject to the transitional provisions contained in Schedule 5 to this Act, the licensing authority shall not grant a full licence to drive a heavy goods vehicle of any class unless he is satisfied that the applicant for the licence—
has at some time during the period of five years ending on the date of the coming into force of the licence passed the prescribed test of competence to drive vehicles of that class; or
has within that period held a full licence authorising the driving of vehicles of that class.
For the purpose of enabling an applicant to learn to drive a heavy goods vehicle with a view to passing the prescribed test of competence to drive, the licensing authority may issue to him a heavy goods vehicle driver's licence as a provisional licence.
A licence issued by virtue of subsection (2) above shall be subject to the prescribed conditions, and if the person to whom it is issued fails to comply with any of the conditions he shall be guilty of an offence.