A DVLA rule affecting older drivers has been called out by frustrated Britons. Motorists over the age of 70 will automatically lose the freedom to drive certain heavier vehicles on their driving licence when they reach the milestone birthday.
This is because those aged 70 and over lose their C1 and D1 entitlements on their driving licence. It means older road users will not be able to get behind the wheel of models weighing over 3,500kg, including minibuses or HGVs. Drivers have vented their anger, with one even suggesting they were being “persecuted”.
Express reader @Dodgerrrr was among those reacting negatively to the news, typing: “The persecution of pensioners continues.”
@mrjon added: “It makes absolutely no sense at all. Are we now supposed to believe, seeing as the state retirement age will shortly be age 67, but a mere three years later everyone is too feeble of mind and body to drive a vehicle? Are people living longer or not? Which is it?”
@brightspark added: “Funny they keep raising the retirement age, then expect to take away the means of accessing employment. Talk about disconnected thinking but we all know the real reason.”
Motorists who wish to keep driving heavier vehicles after the age of 70 will need to complete a D2 (Application Form) and a D4 (Medical Examination Report).
Road users are likely to need to take a test to get access to the higher categories to prove they are safe behind the wheel. However, some Express readers appeared to back the move, suggesting the law was only in place to protect the safety of older drivers.
One reader added: “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.”
Express reader @llamudos added: “Fair enough to change the law to verify older drivers are still capable to drive safely but they are [not] the threat on our roads. Youths driving out of control cause the majority of issues.”