DVLA scam warning to drivers aged 70 and over as fears many are caught out
The DVLA has issued important advice to drivers over the age of 70. Millions of elderly motorists are at risk of being scammed by third-party companies when they try to renew their licences after their milestone birthday.
Drivers must renew their licences every three years once they turn 70 and in a social media post earlier this week, the DVLA reminded motorists that they can renew their driving licences completely free of charge and without paying. It's previously been reported that several third-party websites are charging older drivers for licence renewals, despite the official service being completely free to do on the official Government website.
According to recent data, there are around six million drivers over the age of 70 in the UK, highlighting that many people are at risk of being caught out.
According to the Express, data shows that hundreds of motorists fall foul of third-party sites every year, and the problem has become a serious issue for all road users.
The DVLA posted on X, formerly Twitte r, "Are you 70 or over and due to renew your driving licence? Do it for free! Grab a cuppa and renew today at http://gov.uk/renewat70. It's easy, quick, and secure on http://GOV.UK."
Third-party sites can charge drivers fees for 'administration' or 'services' but this is not illegal. Some services charge drivers up to £60, while others advertise their products for over £80.
Scarily, many third-party copycat sites mimic GOV.UK portals, meaning motorists with little internet experience, could be caught out. These sites then simply pass the details over to the DVLA for free and pocket the fee for themselves.
The Older Drivers Forum has previously warned drivers that they were at risk from third-party sites and urged them to check that they were liaising with official channels.
They said: "Please be aware there are many companies advertising on the internet, offering to renew your licence for you and charge you for doing this. It is always best to do it yourself by applying directly using a D46P or D1 form from the post office, or using the link above direct to the DVLA. Renewals at 70 are free of charge."
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Data from the DVLA reveals 803 drivers over the age of 70 had renewed through a third-party back in 2021.
Julie Lennard, DVLA Chief Executive, has previously said: "Drivers looking to renew their licence at 70 and over should use our online service which is secure, free of charge, and also the quickest and easiest way to transact with DVLA.
"Customers usually receive their driving licence in just five days. Always remember to always use GOV.UK when using any of DVLA's many online services."
Motorists aged 70 and over could soon face mandatory eyesight and cognitive assessments to retain their driving licences, as mounting pressure builds on the Labour Government and the DVLA.
Siobhan Thomas, a Partner in the Serious Injury Team at law firm Hugh James, has led the campaign advocating for these stricter requirements.
The proposed changes aim to ensure that older drivers remain safe and capable behind the wheel, tackling concerns about age-related decline in driving abilities.
She stated: "Depending on your responses to the self-assessment questionnaire, you may be required to undergo a medical assessment to assess your fitness to drive.
"These assessments are conducted by healthcare professionals, often your GP or a designated medical practitioner.
"Medical assessments may include vision tests, cognitive assessments, and discussions about specific health conditions that could affect your ability to drive safely."
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