Renewing your driving licence at 70 and over

Why do I have to renew my driving licence after age 70? 

Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, all drivers licences automatically expire on your 70th birthday, regardless of your driving history or when you last renewed your licence. 

Once you turn 70, you need to renew your licence every three years if you want to keep driving. This is to make sure that you're in good health and meet the minimum eyesight standards. 

If you meet the requirements set out by the DVLA, you can keep renewing your licence for as long as you feel able to drive safely. There’s no upper age limit, but you are required to complete the renewal process every 3 years.

How much does it cost to renew my licence at 70? 

For people that hold a standard Group 1 licence, which applies to cars and motorcycles, renewing your licence is free to do via the official GOV.UK website. 

However, if you choose to complete the process by post, your local Post Office may charge a fee for using their "check and send" service.

The only cost you may have to cover is the price of getting a new photo for your licence if you need one. In some instances, you may have to pay for a medical report from your general practitioner (GP) if your health has significantly declined. 

How and when should I start the renewal process? 

You can start the process of renewing your licence up to 90 days before your 70th birthday. 

To initiate the process, the DVLA will send you a D46P application form in the post. So, if you’ve recently changed addresses, it’s a good idea to update the DVLA (or the DVA in Northern Ireland).  

Then, you can either complete the D46P form and return it via post. Or, if you want to speed up the process, you can choose the paperless option and renew your drivers licence online. 

What medical information must I declare on the application form? 

When you go to renew your drivers licence, you’ll need to confirm that you are able to drive safely.

This involves declaring any medical conditions you may have, such as: 

• Dementia
• Diabetes (if it’s insulin-treated)
• Parkinson’s 
• Epilepsy
• Any chronic neurological condition, such as multiple sclerosis 
• Any condition that affects both eyes, or total loss of sight in one eye

If you have any doubt about your fitness to drive, or you’re unsure whether something that affects your health needs declaring, you can view the DVLA’s list of medical conditions. Or, seek further advice from a medical practitioner. 

What are the eyesight requirements for drivers over 70? 

During the renewal process, you'll also be asked to declare that you can read a standard number plate from 20 metres away in good daylight. 

This can be with glasses or contact lenses if you normally wear them. However, it’s worth visiting an optician if you’re not feeling confident or you think you need a change in your prescription. 

How do I renew my driving licence if it has already expired? 

If you’re over 70 and your licence has expired, you can renew it free of charge either online or by filling out a D46P form. 

There’s no penalty for having an expired drivers licence, but driving while it’s expired is illegal and carries a fine. So, if you’re planning to be on the roads, it’s best to start the renewal process as soon as possible. 

Can I continue driving while waiting for my new licence to arrive? 

Yes, in many cases you can. Under Section 88 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, you’re allowed to drive if your licence renewal application is pending, as long as you meet the following conditions: 

• Medical Fitness: Your doctor agrees you are fit to drive and your last licence wasn't taken away for medical reasons.
• Application Status: You sent a full, correct renewal to the DVLA in the last 12 months.
• Licence History: You are only driving vehicles you were previously allowed to drive and you still follow any old licence restrictions.
• No Bans: You aren't currently disqualified. Specifically, you weren't banned as a "high-risk" drink-driver on or after 1 June 2013.
• Professional Drivers: If you drive buses or lorries, your entitlement must be in good standing (not suspended or refused).

Where should I send my old photocard driving licence? 

You can post it directly to the DVLA address, or, if you renewed your licence via your local Post Office, they may be able to send it back for you. 

It’s important you only do this after your new drivers licence arrives, and you should cut your old photocard in half before putting it in the post. 

If you’ve lost or misplaced your old photocard, don’t panic. There won’t be any penalties for failing to return your old licence. 

It’s also worth taking a copy of your old driving licence categories before sending it off. While it’s unlikely, it has been known for categories, such as full motorcycle licence, to go missing in error during licence replacements. 

Do I need a medical examination to renew my licence after 70? 

No, it’s not a requirement for you to get a medical examination in order for you to renew your licence after 70. 

Usually, a declaration that you are fit to drive - meaning meet the eyesight standards and don’t have any medical conditions that would affect your ability to drive safely - is all that’s needed. 

However, there are circumstances in which you may need a medical examination. For example, if you’ve developed a health condition or disability that impacts your driving, or you have a condition that’s worsened. 

Getting a medical examination doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be able to get your licence renewed. In many cases, you may just need extra guidance or require certain adaptations to be made to your car. 

How can I retain my HGV (Group 2) licence entitlements? 

From age 65 onwards, Group 2 licences must be renewed annually, depending on meeting the required medical standards, according to GOV.UK.

To retain your HGV entitlements:

1. Fill out a D2 application form - this is the official form you need to apply for or renew your Group 2 licence.
2. Provide a completed D4 medical report - an approved doctor must examine you and certify that you meet the medical standards for driving heavy vehicles.

Annual renewal ensures you remain eligible to drive vehicles covered by your Group 2 categories.

Is my car insurance affected when I turn 70?

Typically, car insurance premiums increase for drivers over the age of 70. This is because car insurance providers view drivers above this age as higher risk. 

However, building and maintaining a no-claims discount, paying for your insurance annually, and getting a multi-car insurance policy if you have multiple cars, can all help to keep costs low.  

Whether you stay with your current provider, or use a comparison tool to get cheaper car insurance, it’s important to be upfront about any medical conditions that may affect your ability to drive safely. 

This way, you’ll have peace of mind that you’ll be covered if something goes wrong. 

What happens if I decide to stop driving? 

If you have a medical condition preventing you from driving safely, or wish to stop driving for another reason, you can voluntarily surrender your licence to the DVLA. 

To do this, you’ll have to fill out a Declaration of Voluntary Surrender form, if it’s for medical reasons. Or, if your choice is not health related, you can simply send your photocard to the DVLA along with a cover letter saying you wish to surrender your licence. 

While it can be a difficult decision to stop driving, it can come with benefits. For example, you may be entitled to a Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) refund if you’ve paid your car tax in advance.

Plus, you may qualify for other travel benefits, such as a concession railcard or free bus pass.