The DVLA has issued a reminder to drivers aged 70 and over about the rules requiring them to renew their driving licence every three years.
Motorists aged 70 and over are being reminded of regulations requiring them to renew their driving licence every three years. Although the standard renewal period spans every 10 years, this shifts to a three-yearly requirement once a driver reaches 70.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) issued an alert regarding the matter on X on Friday.”If you’re 70 or over, you need to renew your driving licence every three years,” it read.
“Do it online – you’ll get your new licence within a week! Get started by going to http://gov.uk/renewat70.” The DVLA typically sends a reminder before you turn 70 and every time your licence is due for renewal after that.
Whilst current regulations don’t require elderly drivers to retake their driving test at 70, they do need to complete a medical declaration to obtain a new licence. Anyone with any new medical conditions or disabilities may subsequently require an assessment of their driving capabilities.
Below, we’ve answered several key questions about the current licensing process for those over 70, drawing on information from the Government’s website and Age UK.
Applying for a new licence
Those over 70 can now renew their driving licences digitally via the DVLA website. Anyone nearing their 70th birthday within the next 90 days can also use this online service – the process usually takes around seven days.
Nevertheless, the DVLA also regularly sends out ‘D46P application forms’ to individuals who will turn 70 within 90 days. These licence renewal documents can be completed at home and posted back to the DVLA.
Government advice adds: “Use the D1 application for a driving licence form if you haven’t got the D46P form. You can pick one up at most Post Offices. Your driving licence should arrive in three weeks.
“It might take longer if your medical or personal details need to be checked.”
Can you still drive while your licence is being renewed?
Motorists over 70 can indeed remain behind the wheel during the renewal process, provided they meet seven crucial conditions. The criteria are as follows:
- You had a valid licence
- You only drive under the conditions of the previous licence
- Your application is less than a year old
- Your last licence wasn’t revoked or refused for medical reasons
- You’re not currently disqualified
- You weren’t disqualified as a high-risk offender on or after 1 June 2013
- You have the support of your doctor to continue driving
What you need to renew your licence
Typically, to renew a licence, drivers over 70 must supply the following details:
- Addresses of where you’ve lived for the last three years
- National Insurance number (if you know it)
- A valid UK passport number (if you want to change the licence photo)
- An email address
Guidance from Age UK also stresses that there is no fee to renewing a licence after 70 – regardless of the application method chosen. Nonetheless, it warned: “Make sure you go through the official DVLA website if you’re renewing online, as some unofficial websites will try to charge you to renew your licence.”
For more information, head to GOV.UK.
