Every older driver above 70 hit with October DVLA warning

Every older driver who is above the age of 70 has been issued a new October driving licence warning by the DVLA. Officials have stressed that older road users and pensioners must remember to renew their driving licence once they reach 70. It can be easy to forget while celebrating the milestone birthday, but drivers risk penalties if they don’t renew their photocard when they are supposed to. Younger motorists usually have to renew their licence once every 10 years, although this is reduced to once every three years once drivers pass 70.

Posting on X, the DVLA said: “Know someone who has just turned 70? Let them know they can renew their driving licence online: https://gov.uk/renewat70. It’s easy, quick and secure on https://GOV.UK.”

The DVLA will automatically send a D46P application form 90 days before a 70th birthday or before a driving licence expires. Drivers can also use a D1 application form for a driving licence if they have not got the D46P form in place.

A new driving licence photocard should arrive within three weeks. However, officials warn that this might take longer if any medical or personal details need to be checked.

Despite this, older drivers can still get behind the wheel while your licence as long as they meet certain conditions. Motorists must have the spirit of a doctor to continue driving and should only drive under the conditions of the previous licence.

Individuals can only stay behind the wheel if their last licence was not revoked or refused for medical reasons. The Older Drivers Forum has also warned that road users must inform the DVLA of any medical conditions which could impact their ability to drive.

They said: “You must tell DVLA (or the DVA if you live in Northern Ireland) if you develop a condition that could affect your ability to drive safely (known as a ‘notifiable’ condition) or a disability, or a condition or disability has got worse since you got your licence. This applies to all drivers, no matter how old they are.”