The very second a British driver becomes a septuagenarian, their driving licence automatically expires and to continue driving legally it is mandatory to renew it
Motorists in the UK aged 70 and over are being urged to take immediate action after the Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) issued a clear warning.
Failure to renew your driving licence upon reaching 70, and every three years thereafter, means you will no longer able to drive legally, and could even result in a fine of up to £1,000, the authority says.
When a British driver first becomes a septuagenarian their driving licence automatically expires. To continue driving legally it is mandatory to renew the licence. Thankfully the DVLA sends out reminders and forms as drivers approach their 70th birthdays, as well as at each subsequent renewal period.
If a licence is not renewed, the individual is no longer legally allowed to drive, and doing so would mean driving without a licence or insurance — both of which are serious offences that can lead to prosecution.
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The DVLA even took to social media to spread the warning, posting on X: “You need to renew your licence every 3 years after you turn 70. Do it online now it’s easy, quick and secure.”
The DVLA recommends renewing online via the official Gov.uk website, with applications costing £14 and typically processed within five days. For those who prefer not to use the internet, postal renewals are also available for £17 and take around three weeks. It is also possible to do it at the Post Office for slightly more expensive fee of £21.
As part of the renewal process, drivers must declare any medical conditions that could affect their ability to drive safely. Failing to do so can also result in a fine of up to £1,000, and in the event of an accident could lead to prosecution.
The DVLA may request further information from a driver’s GP, or possibly require a driving assessment and eyesight test before making a decision on the renewal. This could lead to them being issued with a licence that is valid for a shorter period of time, or if a driver is found unfit, their licence renewal may be refused altogether.
Drivers can continue to drive while their renewal is being processed, provided they meet certain conditions — they must have the support of their doctor, their previous licence must have been valid, and the renewal application must be less than a year old.
A DVLA spokesperson explained: “We encourage customers to use Gov.UK as applying online is the quickest and cheapest way to renew their photocard driving licence. If you stop driving altogether, you should inform DVLA and return your licence rather keeping it as a form of out-of-date photo ID.”
Driving without a renewed licence after the age of 70 is a serious offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988. Not only does it carry the risk of a £1,000 fine, but can even result in your vehicle being seized by the police. With over 5.6 million people over the age of 70 holding a valid UK driving licence, the DVLA’s warning is clear: act promptly to stay on the road legally and safely.
