DVLA alert as it tells drivers over 70 to do one thing 'for free'

Drivers of a certain age are urged to carry out an “easy” task online. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) reminded motorists aged 70 and over they may need to renew their licence.

This is because drivers aged 70 and above need to renew their licences every three years - more frequently than the 10-year period for younger people.

Luckily, the service is free and shouldn’t take long to do.

On a post made to social media platform X, the DVLA said: “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.”

You can renew your driving licence online with DVLA for free if you’re 70 or over – or will be 70 in the next 90 days. Your licence should arrive within one week if you apply online.

You can use this service to renew your British driving licence if you’re 70 or over, or will be 70 in the next 90 days, and:

• Your British licence has expired – or it’s going to expire within 90 days
• You’re a resident of Great Britain (there’s a different service in Northern Ireland)
• You meet the minimum eyesight requirement
• You aren’t prevented from driving for any reason

You can change the licence photo at the same time as renewing your licence. However, you cannot use this service to renew a C1 (medium-sized vehicles) or D1 (minibus) entitlement - you must do this by post.

If you haven’t used this service before, you need to register with:

• An email address
• Addresses of where you’ve lived for the last three years
• Your National Insurance number (if you know it)
• A valid UK passport number (if you want to change the licence photo)

The DVLA will send you a confirmation email once you’ve applied. You might be asked to take part in research by email, but you can opt out.

You can still drive while your licence is being renewed if you meet all the following conditions:

• 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
• 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 can apply by post using the D46P application form. The DVLA will automatically send you this form 90 days before your 70th birthday.

You can 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.