DVLA advice as thousands of drivers face £1,000 fine without action
The DVLA is reminding certain driver hat they must renew their driving licence every three years - and may face a £1,000 fine if they fail to do so
Motorists who are 70 and over are being put on alert that they could face a hefty £1,000 fine or have their licence lapse if they don't keep it up to date with DVLA rules. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is issuing older drivers with a reminder that once they celebrate their 70th birthday, it's time to renew their driving licence every three years – and failing to do so could land them in hot water with the law.
The DVLA advises: "You need to renew your licence every 3 years after you turn 70. Do it online – it's easy, quick and secure."
While photocard licences usually have a shelf life of a decade, the rules shift when a driver reaches 70. To stay on the right side of the road laws, they must refresh their licence every three years and verify they're still fit to drive.
Car repair finance experts at Bumper said: "Once you reach the age of 70, renewing your licence every three years is a legal requirement. The renewal confirms you're still medically fit to drive and ensures your records stay accurate.
"Failing to renew an expired licence or driving without one is an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988. If caught, motorists could face a fine of up to £1,000 and risk losing their entitlement to drive."
Drivers may continue driving while their renewal is being processed, but only under certain conditions, as stipulated by the DVLA .
The renewal must be less than a year old, their previous licence must have been valid, they must meet the necessary medical standards, and they must follow the conditions on their previous licence, reports Plymouth Live.
A Bumper spokesperson said: "Many drivers are unaware that their licence may expire automatically at 70 unless action is taken. It's important to check the expiry date and plan ahead to avoid any disruption to your ability to drive."
Renewing your driving licence
The DVLA recommends that motorists renew online via the official GOV.UK website, which is the quickest and most cost-effective method. Online applications cost £14 and are usually processed within five working days.
Postal applications cost £17, and renewals through the Post Office come with a fee of £21.50.
A DVLA spokeswoman added: "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 than keeping it as a form of out-of-date photo ID."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
10 hours ago
- The Independent
Expert shares key red flags to look for in fake DVLA emails
An expert on scams has shared key red flags to look out for to indicate a fake Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) email. Nick Stapleton told BBC Morning Live on Monday (9 June) that scammers sending the phishing emails are 'trying to get you into an emotionally hot state' to 'make you act irrationally'. He advised people to look out for two key phrases which indicate a fraudulent email: 'The enforcement threshold is 72 hours from notice' and 'Do not delay, resolve this today.' Stapleton said this 'threatening' language reminds him of letters sent by the bailiffs, rather than the DVLA. He urged motorists to ignore the phishing emails and instead use the website to check if their vehicle is taxed.
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Wales Online
Drivers who break 10mph Highway Code rule face being fined
Drivers who break 10mph Highway Code rule face being fined The rule has been described as 'crucial' in helping to prevent accidents People could face a fine if they break the rules (Image: Getty ) Motorists are being warned they face a fine if they break a 10mph Highway Code rule. Experts have warned drivers of potential penalties amid an increase in the number of horse riders on the road during the warmer weather. Horses can be unpredictable animals, with sudden noises or movements spooking them, when out on the roads, which could create a dangerous situation for all road users. Car repair finance firm Bumper, a company which allows drivers to split the cost of car repairs with monthly instalments without the upfront cost, has now offered advice to drivers. The company states that drivers should approach horses slowly and cautiously, giving them lots of room, per the Highway Code. A spokesman for Bumper said: "This will help to keep the horse, the rider and drivers safe. "Horses can be unpredictable, and sudden movements or noises can startle them, potentially leading to dangerous situations for the rider and the driver. "Horses are vulnerable road users, and the Highway Code requires drivers to slow down to 10 mph when passing horses, maintaining at least two metres of space. Article continues below "This is crucial to prevent accidents caused by spooked horses, which can react unpredictably to perceived threats. "Most comprehensive car insurance policies will cover the cost of a horse damaging a vehicle, provided it wasn't the driver's fault. "Sudden changes in a driver's behaviour, such as sounding the horn or revving the engine, can cause a horse to panic and move erratically. "Adhering to Rule 215 of the Highway Code by passing wide and slow is essential to ensuring rider and driver safety. "In rural areas, where encounters with horses are more common, it's particularly important for drivers to be vigilant and patient. "Awareness and caution can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and serious injuries." Meanwhile, motorists have also been reminded to plan ahead before they travel on the M4 between junctions 37 and 38 near Pyle as major roadworks are to be carried out to ensure the safety and long-term resilience of the motorway. The works will take place for six months beginning on Monday, June 9. The work involves refurbishment to five bridges on this stretch of the M4 and is being described as "essential to maintain safety and prevent deterioration of the road." Click here to read more. Article continues below
BBC News
2 days ago
- BBC News
DVLA Scams
What is a DVLA Scam?Scam emails, texts and websites which include DVLA logos and branding in an attempt to appear aim of the messages is to encourage you to click on a link leading to a copycat DVLA website that asks for personal and financial Tax Status - Unpaid! ScamOne of the most common DVLA Scams is receiving a fake email that claims your car tax is overdue. Here's an example of what it might sound like..."Your latest vehicle tax payment failed. It appears that some of your billing details have expired. If you don't pay your vehicle tax on time you can be fined up to £1,000 or your details passed to a debt collection agency. Click here to verify your billing details..."Red Flags to Look Out ForCheck the Sender: What email address does the sender use? Any official correspondence from the DVLA will end in . language: Does the email use phrases like: "Do not delay" or "Imminent Enforcement Action"? Inactive links on website: Often, the surrounding links on a fake website don't lead web address - Check the web address at the top, and always use the official website, found here. , externalRequest for financial details: Never enter financial details through following an email link. DVLA will never ask you for your bank account details or ask you to confirm payment details. They will only ask you to confirm your personal details by email or text if you have a live enquiry with To Deal With a DVLA ScamIf you do follow through with the scam and input your financial details, contact your bank immediately. They can help protect your account from further use and potentially recover lost you come across any of these scams or any other suspicious activity, you can play your part in helping the DVLA to help combat fraud by:- reporting phishing emails to the National Cyber Security Centre, external- reporting online scams to Action Fraud, externalTo legitimately check the tax status of your vehicle, click here., external
