Received from UK CAA on 24th November 2022
If the Communications theory examination paper is taken along with the other examinations for the issue of a LAPL, PPL or NPPL then the validity period is based on the whole examination set and the 24-month period starts from the final examination passed.
If the Communication theory examination paper is taken as a stand-alone examination (e.g. for the purposes of applying for the Flight Radio Telephony Operators Licence (FRTOL)) then the 24-month period starts from the date of successfully passing that examination paper.
Updated added on 25th May 2023
This is clarified on this web page.
Note: the paragraph under the heading ‘Initial Issue’ may need to be expanded to see the information.