The DVLA has warned that drivers must act immediately to avoid a penalty. The advice applies to all drivers aged 70 and over with them needing to take action every three years
The DVLA has issued a stark warning to all UK drivers who are 70 or older, urging them to renew their driving licences or risk a fine.
Once you hit 70, your licence expires, but that doesn’t mean you have to hang up the keys for good. To keep on driving, simply renew your licence, and remember to do so every three years thereafter. The DVLA warned: “You need to renew your licence when you turn 70. Do it online now it’s easy, quick and secure.”
Age Concern advise: “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.
“It’s a legal obligation for you to declare certain conditions to the DVLA. If you don’t declare a medical condition that affects your driving, you could be fined. And if you have an accident where your health condition may have been a factor, your insurance might not cover you.”
Age UK provided guidance saying: “If you have a photocard licence, fill in the D46P form and return it to the DVLA with your current driving licence photocard. You may also need to include a new passport-type photo the form will tell you if so. If you have a paper licence, fill in the D46P form and return it to the DVLA with an up-to-date passport-type photo enclosed.”
“It can take up to three weeks to renew your licence if you apply by post, so you might prefer to renew online instead. Register on GOV.UK and follow step-by-step instructions on how to renew.”
Age UK also offers support through a free advice line on 0800 678 1602, which is open from 8am-7pm, 365 days a year, reports Birmingham Live. “We also have specialist advisers at over 120 local Age UKs,” the charity adds.
