Shocked motorists have claimed the DVLA is “targeting” older drivers after many learned that road users lose freedoms once they hit 70. Once motorists hit the milestone, road users no longer enjoy access to the C1 and D1 entitlements on their driving licence.
It means road users will automatically lose the right to drive heavier vehicles above 3,500kg, such as minibuses and motorhomes. Motorists who wish to retain these allowances have to complete application forms and may need to undergo a medical exam to prove their safety behind the wheel. Express readers vented their frustration at the rule with many suggesting DVLA chiefs were introducing tougher rules aimed at the wrong demographic.
One reader posted: “OK, will go along with this, however, instead of ALWAYS targeting our senior drivers, the DVLA should target drivers under the influence of drugs. Ban them for life holding a licence, the same for drink drivers. AS for untaxed, no insurance or MOT minimum ban 10 years. It’s time to get tough on the above irresponsible drivers.”
Express reader @Upnorth added: “A lot of these restrictions could be, should be, applied to ALL drivers. There are a lot shouting for older drivers to be retested. God help them if ten-year re-tests were adopted for all drivers. Many seem unable to grasp the significance of the old speed limits – and stick to them, never mind the new ones.”
Meanwhile, Express reader @europe posted: “So HGV drivers and bus drivers won’t be able to work. Which means that you can’t put retirement past 70!”
One individual claimed heading away for the weekend in their motorhome had become more difficult later in life due to the rules.
@kgtrucker said: “Now I am being made to carry on having these medicals just so I can carry on driving my motorhome whenever I want to go away it just seems like the government has just got to put the boot into the elderly at every turn.”
However, some seemed to support the DVLA’s stance around larger vehicles with one road user confused at the reaction over what they described as a simple renewal.
Express reader @Adenough said: “You just need to fill a form in and take a medical to keep or renew a C1 or C licence. No retest. I’ve retained my other licenses by filling in the appropriate paper form. You just don’t keep them by default if you apply online. Most over 70s HGV drivers have had enough anyway.”
According to the DVLA, drivers who passed their car driving test before 1 January 1997 were automatically granted entitlement to drive category C1 and restricted D1 vehicles. From 1997 the law changed, with C1 and D1 categorised as group 2 entitlements meaning road users have to pass further medical standards.
In a statement to Express.co.uk, the DVLA said: “Drivers with C1 and D1 entitlements are required to renew these categories when they reach the age of 70, ensuring they meet the higher medical standards required to operate larger vehicles.”