Elderly motorists could be at risk of losing their driving licence if they disregard a crucial letter from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Once drivers reach the age of 70, their licences automatically expire, meaning they are not legally allowed to drive until they have renewed their licence - this means it'll affect those born in 1955 this year.
Moreover, those aged over 70 must renew their licences more frequently than younger drivers. While those under 70 typically renew every ten years, those over 70 are required to do so every three years.
Typically, the DVLA will dispatch a D46P application approximately 90 days before your 70th birthday. This form contains all the necessary details for renewing your licence and must be completed and returned to the DVLA to ensure you can continue to drive legally.
If you neglect to renew an expired licence, any subsequent driving is effectively unauthorised, constituting a serious motoring offence with severe repercussions, including points on your licence, hefty fines, and potential driving bans.
Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, the offence of "driving without an appropriate licence" could result in up to six penalty points and a fine of up to £1,000.
In certain cases, the police may also have the authority to confiscate the vehicle involved.
For drivers aged 70 or above, or those approaching their 70th birthday in the next 90 days, they can renew their driving licence at no cost via the DVLA. If you prefer to do this by post, you can complete the D46P application form that should arrive in your letterbox.
If you hold a photocard licence, it must also be returned to the DVLA along with the completed form. In certain circumstances, you may need to supply a new passport-style photograph, but this is typically only necessary if the form requests it.
After posting the form, you should expect to receive your new licence within three weeks.
However, renewing a licence through the DVLA's online service can be quicker and simpler, promising delivery of the updated licence within a week of receiving the application.
First-time users of the online service will need to sign up, providing their email address, residential addresses for the past three years, and a valid UK passport number if the photo needs updating. Once the renewal application has been submitted, you are permitted to drive without your current licence, subject to specific conditions.
