Older motorists are being urged to renew their driving licences as soon as possible, or they could be slapped with a hefty fine and be taken off the road.
Elderly drivers need to be more aware of their driving licence expiring as they are required to renew it every three years once they turn 70.
While all drivers under the milestone age only need to renew every 10 years, older motorists need to take action every three years. Failure to do so could lead to a massive £1,000 fine.
Posting on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) advised that people use its digital services to renew their licences.
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Older motorists are being urged to renew their licences once they turn 70
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They posted: “Know someone who has just turned 70? Let them know they can renew their driving licence online. It’s easy, quick and secure on GOV.UK.”
The DVLA frequently updates its social media accounts to ensure all motorists are aware of any changes they need to make to their licence or tax accounts.
Motorists can use the GOV.UK service to renew their driving licence if they are 70 or over, or will be 70 in the next 90 days.
Drivers must ensure their licence is expired or will expire within the next three months, they’re a resident of Great Britain, they meet the minimum eyesight requirement, and they aren’t prevented from driving for any reason.
To renew, motorists will need an email address, the addresses of where they have lived for the last three years and their National Insurance number.
Motorists are able to change the licence photo at the same time as renewing their licence, although they will need a valid UK passport number.
Older drivers can also renew their licences through the post with a D46P application form, which will automatically be sent to them 90 days before they turn 70.
While some elderly drivers may prefer this option to renew their licence, the DVLA warns that it usually takes around three weeks to arrive.
However, it may take longer if their medical or personal details need to be checked and verified as part of the renewal process.
According to Age UK, there are 5.6 million people over the age of 70 around the UK with a driving licence – a significant jump of 1.1 million compared to 2016.
Further research from the RAC Foundation shows there are 1.6 million drivers over the age of 80, as well as 510 people licence holders over the age of 100.
The Older Drivers Taskforce, of which Age UK is a member, has called for compulsory eye tests to be included for licence renewals from the age of 70.
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Older motorists need to renew their licence more frequently once they turn 70
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It states that elderly drivers should not be treated differently in the licence renewal process unless there is strong evidence to support a different approach.
The RAC Foundation has also backed such measures, noting that there is a “strong case” for compulsory eye tests at regular intervals for all drivers.
