The DVLA has issued an important statement affecting all motorists above the age of 70.
Elderly drivers have been issued a crucial warning from the DVLA (Image: Getty)
The DVLA has issued a crucial message to every driver above the age of 70 in a major warning. The motoring experts issued a reminder that motorists must renew their driving licence every three years once they reach the major milestone.
Younger motorists only have to renew their driving licence photocard once every 10 years, but this is reduced to every 36 months after 70. Older motorists have to renew their licence more often as the DVLA needs to ensure individuals are still medically fit to drive.
Driving licences must be renewed every three years after 70 (Image: Getty)
Renewing a licence will allow DVLA chiefs to consider any age-related health changes that could see motorists have their licence stripped.
Posting on social media site X, the DVLA said: “If you’re 70 or over, you need to renew your driving licence every 3 years. Do it online – you’ll get your new licence within a week!”
Under the rules, motorists tend to self-assess their health conditions, reporting to the DVLA if there is any reason why they may not be allowed on the roads. However, this system has been recently called out, with Coroner Dr James Adeley stressing that the UK’s driving licence system was the “laxest in Europe”.
He stressed that the “self-certification” process when applying to stay on the roads was a major gap in the system and called for changes. The Department for Transport (DfT) is currently consulting on introducing mandatory eyesight checks for motorists above the age of 70.
The new rule is still in a consultation phase until May, but stricter assessments could be introduced soon after. Older motorists can renew their driving licence online through GOV.UK in just a matter of minutes.
Road users can renew their licence if they are already 70 or over, or will be 70 in the next 90 days. Motorists can apply by post using the D46P application form. But road users can also use the D1 application for a driving licence if they don’t have the D46P form.
However, older drivers must renew their licence through the post if they want to renew a C1 (medium-sized vehicles) or D1 (minibus) entitlement.
New driving licences should arrive within three weeks of an application. However, licences might take longer if your medical or personal details need to be checked.