Was effective 17th September 2012 when the CAA implemented the EASA regs ( from
http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/2330/Webre...kguide__v2.pdf )
Hence why there is a declaration on the application form which the examiner has to sign saying you meet licence issue requirements.
However some examiners and schools have been slow on the uptake, leading to some license issue problems.