The DVLA will send out a D46P application around 90 days before your 70th birthday
Older drivers could face losing their driving licence if they disregard a crucial letter from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Once motorists reach 70, their licences expire automatically, which means they cannot lawfully drive until they’ve completed the renewal process.
Furthermore, those over 70 must renew their licences more frequently than younger drivers. Whilst under-70s generally renew every ten years, the over-70s are obliged to do so every three years.
Typically, the DVLA will dispatch a D46P application form approximately 90 days before your 70th birthday. This document will include all the information you require to renew your licence and must be completed and returned to the DVLA to enable you to continue driving legally.
What happens if you don’t renew?
Should you fail to renew an expired licence, any subsequent driving is essentially without proper authorisation, which constitutes a serious motoring offence with severe penalties, including points on your licence, hefty fines, and possible driving bans.
Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, the offence of “driving without an appropriate licence” could result in as many as six penalty points and a fine of up to £1,000. In certain instances, police may also possess the authority to confiscate the vehicle concerned.
How older drivers can renew their licence
If you’re 70 or over, or approaching your 70th birthday in the next 90 days, you can renew your driving licence for free via the DVLA. To do this by post, simply fill out the D46P application form that should arrive in your letterbox.
Those with a photocard licence will need to send it back to the DVLA along with the completed form. In some instances, you may also be asked to provide a new passport-style photo, but this is typically only if the form requests it.
After sending off the form, you can expect to receive your new licence within three weeks. However, renewing your licence online through the DVLA’s service can be quicker and simpler, promising delivery of the updated licence within a week of receiving the application.
First-time users will need to sign up, providing their email address, residential addresses from the past three years, and a valid UK passport number if the photo needs updating. Once the renewal application has been submitted, you’re permitted to drive without your current licence, subject to certain conditions.