Motorists aged 70 and over are being reminded by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) that they must renew their driving licence every three years after reaching that age. Failure to do so means driving without a valid licence or insurance, which can lead to prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.
The DVLA has issued the warning as more than 5.6 million people over 70 hold a valid UK driving licence. Renewal is mandatory once a driver turns 70, and reminders are sent before birthdays and at each subsequent renewal period. If the licence is not renewed, the individual is no longer legally allowed to drive.
Renewals can be completed online via Gov.uk for £14, with applications typically processed within five days. Postal applications cost £17 and take about three weeks, while the Post Office charges £21. As part of the process, drivers must declare any medical conditions that could affect safe driving; failing to do so can also result in a fine of up to £1,000 and potential prosecution.
In some cases, the DVLA may request further information from a driver’s GP or require a driving assessment and eyesight test before deciding on renewal. This could lead to a shorter licence validity period or, if the driver is found unfit, a refusal of renewal altogether.
Drivers can continue driving while their renewal application is being processed, provided they have their doctor’s support, their previous licence was valid, and the application is less than a year old. A DVLA spokesperson said: “We encourage customers to use Gov.UK as applying online is the quickest and cheapest way to renew their photocard driving licence.” Driving without a renewed licence after 70 is an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and can also result in the vehicle being seized by police.
