Motorists could lose certain freedoms to drive once they reach 70 years of age due to a simple driving licence rule.
Older drivers could lose some of their rights to drive after they hit 70 (Image: Getty)
Older drivers above the age of 70 will lose their “right to drive” certain vehicles on UK roads, according to experts. Motorists must renew their driving licence every three years once they reach the milestone birthday to stay behind the wheel.
However, once motorists reach 70, they typically lose their C1 and D1 entitlements, preventing them from driving larger vehicles such as small lorries or minibuses. C1 entitlements allow road users to drive medium-sized vehicles weighing between 3,500kg and 7,500kg, while D1 entitlements cover minibuses with up to 16 passenger seats.
Elderly drivers will ned to reapply to retain C1 and D1 entitlements at 70 (Image: Getty)
However, once road users reach 70, drivers who want to keep these entitlements must complete additional forms and some medical checks.
Darren Miller, spokesperson for BigWantsYourCar.com, said this means that drivers aged 70 and above are being warned they could “lose the right to drive certain vehicles” unless they take action.
Darren explained: “Many drivers assume renewing their licence at 70 is just a simple online form, but there are extra steps if you want to keep certain vehicle entitlements. If you want to continue driving vehicles covered under C1 or D1 categories, you’ll need to complete the relevant renewal forms and pass a medical assessment.”
Experts have warned that drivers must fill out the D47P form to renew their lorry and bus entitlements. Road users who want to retain their entitlements will also need to complete a D4 medical report. This requires a doctor to carry out a medical examination.
BigWantsYourCar explained that in some cases, an optician or optometrist may be required to complete an eyesight check. Experts stressed that drivers are usually contacted by the DVLA 56 days before their licence expires, but motorists can start their renewal process up to 90 days before their 70th birthday.
Darren said: “It’s important to start the process early so there’s plenty of time for medical checks and paperwork before your licence expires. Most drivers won’t need these entitlements, but for those who rely on larger vehicles for work, volunteering or community transport, it’s important to make sure the correct forms are submitted.”
However, motorists with the B+E licence entitlements are understood to be unaffected once they reach the age of 70.
The Older Drivers Forum stressed that older drivers can continue to drive a vehicle weighing up to 3.5 tonnes with a trailer up to a maximum combination weight limit of 8.25 tonnes once their licence is renewed.