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Daily Record
31-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Driving licence alert issued by DVLA to car users over 70 years old
The reminder has been issued to all drivers over the age of 70 - here's what you need to know The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has issued a reminder for all motorists aged 70 and above. The Government body, which maintains over 52 million driver records, shared its message on social media just last week. "Are you 70 or over and due to renew your driving licence?" its spokespeople asked on X, formerly Twitter. "Do it for free!...It's easy, quick and secure on Motorists over 70 must bear in mind that their driving licences need renewing every three years, instead of the standard 10. The DVLA will typically send you a notification before your 70th birthday and then each time your permit requires updating. While current rules mean that older drivers don't need to sit their driving test again at 70, they must complete a health declaration before getting their new licence. Those with medical conditions or disabilities may then need an evaluation of their driving abilities. Below, we've tackled some key questions about the present licensing process for the over-70s, using information from the Government's website and Age UK. How to obtain a new driving licence Over-70s can renew their driving permits online via the DVLA website, here. According to Devon Live, this system can also be used by those nearing their 70th birthday within the next 90 days - the process usually takes around seven days. However, the DVLA also automatically sends out 'D46P application forms' to people who will turn 70 within 90 These licence renewal forms can be completed at home and sent back to the DVLA via post. The official advice states: "Use the D1 application for a driving licence form if you haven't got the D46P form. You can pick one up at most Post Offices. Your driving licence should arrive in three weeks. "It might take longer if your medical or personal details need to be checked." Can you drive while the DVLA is processing your licence renewal? Drivers over 70 are allowed to keep driving while the DVLA processes their licence renewal, provided they meet seven key conditions. These include: Your application is less than a year old Your last licence wasn't revoked or refused for medical reasons You're not currently disqualified You weren't disqualified as a high-risk offender on or after 1 June 2013 You have the support of your doctor to continue driving You had a valid licence You only drive under the conditions of the previous licence What documentation is required for an application? For licence renewals, those over 70 will typically require these details: National Insurance number (if you know it) A valid UK passport number (if you want to change the licence photo) An email address Addresses of where you've lived for the last three years Advice from Age UK also stresses that there is no fee to renewing a licence after 70 - regardless of the application method chosen. Nevertheless, it warned: "Make sure you go through the official DVLA website if you're renewing online, as some unofficial websites will try to charge you to renew your licence."
Scotsman
23-07-2025
- Automotive
- Scotsman
Driving license: renewal fine claims for over 70s debunked
Rumours of new driving rules for seniors are confusing - here's what the DVLA actually says 🚗 Sign up to the weekly Cost Of Living newsletter. Saving tips, deals and money hacks. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Confusing online reports falsely claim all over-70s must undergo medical checks to renew licences No new laws or DVLA policies require universal GP sign-off or cognitive tests for older drivers Current renewal process remains unchanged: free, every three years, with self-declaration of fitness Only drivers with certain medical conditions may be asked to provide further medical evidence The widely cited £1,000 fine relates to driving without a valid licence - not failing a medical test If you believe some corners of the internet, UK drivers aged 70 and over are being urged to stay alert to the rules around renewing their driving licences. But despite what some recent headlines might suggest, there has not been a sweeping change to the renewal process. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Recent sensational headlines from a number of websites and blogs, many of them unverified or thinly sourced, have claimed that from July or August 2025, all drivers aged 70 and above will need to provide medical evidence when renewing their licence. The changes, they say, would include needing to obtain a GP-signed certificate; as opposed to the current system of self‑declaration of fitness. Some even suggest that vision and memory tests will be made mandatory as part of a wider shake-up. (Photo: Pexels) | Pexels These articles often imply that these changes have already come into force, or are imminent, and warn that drivers could be banned or fined up to £1,000 if they fail to comply. But a closer look at the official guidance from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and shows these claims are misleading at best – and in some cases, entirely false. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad What are the current renewal rules? The current rules for renewing a driving licence after the age of 70 are long-standing and straightforward: drivers must renew their licence every three years from the age of 70 onwards. The renewal can be done online through the official website, or by post using a D46P form, which is usually sent by the DVLA around 90 days before the driver's current licence expires. There is no charge for this renewal process. As part of the application, drivers must complete a self-declaration confirming that they are fit to drive. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This includes confirming that their eyesight meets the minimum legal standard and that they do not suffer from any medical conditions that would impair their ability to drive safely. If a driver does declare a relevant condition – or if they already have one noted on their record – the DVLA may request further medical information, such as a GP's assessment or a vision report. This is not new, and certainly does not apply to all drivers aged 70 or over. Is anything changing? There is currently no blanket requirement for drivers in this age group to undergo medical tests as part of their renewal, and no legislation or policy announcement suggests that such a measure is being introduced in July or August 2025. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The speculation appears to have stemmed from online articles that misrepresent either individual cases or discussions around possible future reforms, often without citing any official source. If any such changes were to be introduced, they would be subject to a public consultation process and widely publicised via trusted sources, including the website and major news outlets. While it is true that some people may be required to submit a medical report completed by a GP or specialist, this is case‑specific, not a universal measure, and only applies if you report a notifiable medical condition (e.g., dementia, vision impairment). Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Do I need to worry about fines? The '£1,000 fine' that is frequently referenced in these alarmist articles refers not to failure to complete a medical review, but to the broader offence of driving without a valid licence. If a driver over 70 continues to drive without renewing their licence when required, they could be fined up to £1,000 and may be uninsured in the event of an accident. This has always been the case and is not connected to any supposed changes in the medical review process. Are you struggling to make ends meet as costs continue to rise? 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Scotsman
23-07-2025
- Automotive
- Scotsman
Driving license: renewal fine claims for over 70s debunked
Rumours of new driving rules for seniors are confusing - here's what the DVLA actually says 🚗 Sign up to the weekly Cost Of Living newsletter. Saving tips, deals and money hacks. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Confusing online reports falsely claim all over-70s must undergo medical checks to renew licences No new laws or DVLA policies require universal GP sign-off or cognitive tests for older drivers Current renewal process remains unchanged: free, every three years, with self-declaration of fitness Only drivers with certain medical conditions may be asked to provide further medical evidence The widely cited £1,000 fine relates to driving without a valid licence - not failing a medical test If you believe some corners of the internet, UK drivers aged 70 and over are being urged to stay alert to the rules around renewing their driving licences. But despite what some recent headlines might suggest, there has not been a sweeping change to the renewal process. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Recent sensational headlines from a number of websites and blogs, many of them unverified or thinly sourced, have claimed that from July or August 2025, all drivers aged 70 and above will need to provide medical evidence when renewing their licence. The changes, they say, would include needing to obtain a GP-signed certificate; as opposed to the current system of self‑declaration of fitness. Some even suggest that vision and memory tests will be made mandatory as part of a wider shake-up. (Photo: Pexels) | Pexels These articles often imply that these changes have already come into force, or are imminent, and warn that drivers could be banned or fined up to £1,000 if they fail to comply. But a closer look at the official guidance from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and shows these claims are misleading at best – and in some cases, entirely false. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad What are the current renewal rules? The current rules for renewing a driving licence after the age of 70 are long-standing and straightforward: drivers must renew their licence every three years from the age of 70 onwards. The renewal can be done online through the official website, or by post using a D46P form, which is usually sent by the DVLA around 90 days before the driver's current licence expires. There is no charge for this renewal process. As part of the application, drivers must complete a self-declaration confirming that they are fit to drive. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This includes confirming that their eyesight meets the minimum legal standard and that they do not suffer from any medical conditions that would impair their ability to drive safely. If a driver does declare a relevant condition – or if they already have one noted on their record – the DVLA may request further medical information, such as a GP's assessment or a vision report. This is not new, and certainly does not apply to all drivers aged 70 or over. Is anything changing? There is currently no blanket requirement for drivers in this age group to undergo medical tests as part of their renewal, and no legislation or policy announcement suggests that such a measure is being introduced in July or August 2025. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The speculation appears to have stemmed from online articles that misrepresent either individual cases or discussions around possible future reforms, often without citing any official source. If any such changes were to be introduced, they would be subject to a public consultation process and widely publicised via trusted sources, including the website and major news outlets. While it is true that some people may be required to submit a medical report completed by a GP or specialist, this is case‑specific, not a universal measure, and only applies if you report a notifiable medical condition (e.g., dementia, vision impairment). Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Do I need to worry about fines? The '£1,000 fine' that is frequently referenced in these alarmist articles refers not to failure to complete a medical review, but to the broader offence of driving without a valid licence. If a driver over 70 continues to drive without renewing their licence when required, they could be fined up to £1,000 and may be uninsured in the event of an accident. This has always been the case and is not connected to any supposed changes in the medical review process.
Daily Record
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
DVLA warning as millions of drivers face £1,000 fines
You could also have your car seized, and void your insurance Millions of UK driving licence will become void if drivers do not act, due to a lesser-known rule that comes into force once motorists reach a certain age. Drivers over 70 need to renew their licences every three years, or risk harsh penalties. If you don't renew, you won't legally be able to drive, and recent figures estimate there are almost six million motorists aged 70 or older in the UK. DVLA said on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday: "If you're 70 or over, you need to renew your driving licence every 3 years. "Do it online – you'll get your new licence within a week! Get started by going to If a person continues to drive without a valid licence they are committing a serious offence. Not only would this void your insurance, you could be fined up to £1,000 and even have your vehicle impounded. Upon reaching 70, drivers must renew their licence. This can be done by filling out a D46P application form, which the DVLA will send out 90 days before one's 70th birthday, or by collecting one from a local post office. To renew your licence online, visit the DVLA website here. If you're a new user you'll need to register, and you should have your email address, National Insurance number and home address/es for the last three years handy. If you want to change the photo on your licence you'll also need a valid UK passport number. You can continue to drive while your renewal is process, provided: you only drive under the conditions of the previous licence you weren't disqualified as a high risk offender on or after June 1, 2013 you have the support of your doctor to continue driving you're not currently disqualified your last licence wasn't revoked or refused for medical reasons you had a valid licence your application is less than a year old
Wales Online
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Over 70s are 'not legally allowed to drive' if they commit licence mistake
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Drivers over 70 who fail to renew their licences are being warned that they are "not legally allowed to drive". Age UK emphasised that the DVLA is supposed to dispatch a D46P application form 90 days before one's 70th birthday, to ensure the continuity of lawful driving. If you let your licence lapse without applying for a renewal, be aware that you won't be legally entitled to drive. The charity advises: "Don't forget to apply for any extra categories of vehicle covered on your old licence if you still want to be able to drive them." Moreover, they caution: "There might be extra costs for these but if you don't apply for these extra categories you'll only be able to drive a car in future." The guidance has been issued amid discussions that seniors should have routine MOTs and health checks. Sign up now for the latest news on the North Wales Live Whatsapp community It has also sparked some frustration among drivers, with one saying: "Look, I already have annual eyetests every November. Is it suggested I would need yet another one 4 months later when my licence needs renewal and just how is it the responsibility of the opticians to report their findings to the DVLC, and who pays for that," reports BirminghamLive. "Much better idea, carry out regular stop and search checks and pick off the no licence? No insurance cover? and the many drug taking drivers. Who incidentally are unlikely to be fed 70 plus." Driving safety standards were also put into question by Dr James Adeley, HM Senior Coroner for Lancashire, who labelled the current visual legal requirements as "ineffective and unsafe" following four separate deaths. He added: "Doing nothing means the risk of more avoidable deaths and life-changing injuries remains, caused by people whose quality of vision means they should no longer be driving." Dr Adeley said: "The four fatalities shared the same feature that the driver's sight was well below the standard required to drive a car." He added: "The current system for 'ensuring' drivers meet the visual legal standards is ineffective, unsafe and unfit to meet the needs of society as evidenced by the deaths of Marie Cunningham, Grace Foulds, Anne Ferguson and Peter Westwell where the DVLA continued to provide licences to drivers who had failed to meet the legal sight requirements." Find out what's happening near you
