You must renew your driving licence when you reach the age of 70 – plus you must tell the DVLA about any medical issues – and this year, it affects those born in 1954
Drivers nearing the age of 70 are being nudged to take crucial steps if they want to keep their car and stay on the roads.
You must renew your driving licence when you reach the age of 70 – plus you must tell the DVLA about any medical issues. This year, it affects those born in 1954. The DVLA aims to be helpful by sending out a renewal form 90 days before the big day, giving you plenty of time to sort it.
After that, renewals are due every three years. Charity Age UK gave further details in a blog post. It wrote: “When you reach the age of 70, your driving licence expires – but this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to stop driving. If you want to continue, you just need to renew your licence. You’ll need to renew it every three years after that. Renewal is free of charge.
“You don’t have to retake your driving test at 70, but you do have to make a health declaration when renewing your licence. And if you have a health condition or disability, you may have to have your driving ability assessed. The DVLA should send you a D46P application form 90 days before your 70th birthday.
“Don’t forget to apply for any extra categories of vehicle covered on your old licence if you still want to be able to drive them. There might be extra costs for these but if you don’t apply for these extra categories you’ll only be able to drive a car in future. If your licence expires and you don’t apply for a new one, you won’t legally be allowed to drive.”
The DVLA charges £14 for online renewals, while renewals at the Post Office cost £21.50. Drivers also have the option to renew their licences through the post, however, this costs £17, plus postage – and forms need to be picked up at participating Post Offices.
