Drivers who are 70 years of age and older must be mindful that their licences need renewing every three years, not the standard 10-year period. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will normally post a reminder prior to your 70th birthday and subsequently each time your licence requires renewal.
Whilst current regulations state that elderly motorists don’t need to retake their driving examination at 70, they must complete a health declaration before a fresh licence can be granted. Anyone with any new medical conditions or disabilities may subsequently require an assessment of their driving capabilities.
We’ve addressed several important queries about the current licensing procedure for those over 70 below, summarising information from the government’s website and Age UK.
How to apply for a new driving licence
Those over 70 can renew their driving licences digitally through the DVLA website. This online platform is also available to anyone approaching their 70th birthday within the next 90 days – the procedure typically takes approximately seven days.
Nevertheless, the DVLA also routinely dispatches ‘D46P application forms’ to people who will reach 70 within 90 days. These licence renewal documents can be filled out at home and returned by post 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 by the DVLA?
Seniors over 70 can indeed stay behind the wheel during the renewal process, provided they satisfy seven essential conditions.
The criteria are as follows:
- 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
- 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
What’s required for the renewal application?
Generally, to renew a licence, individuals over 70 will need to provide the following details:
- An email address
- 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)
Advice 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.