DVLA issues urgent message to every driver over 70 years old

DVLA chiefs have just issued an urgent message which could affect every older driver above the age of 70. The DVLA has reminded all road users to renew their driving licence once they hit their seventh decade. Rules state motorists must renew their licence every 10 years until they reach 70 and then once every three years in later life.

Failure to renew a licence is against the rules and could see motorists hit with hefty penalties including four-figure fines. The DVLA stressed road users can renew their licence online in no time at all, saving road users the hassle at an important milestone.

They posted on X: “Know someone who has just turned 70?

“Let them know they can renew their driving licence online: http://gov.uk/renewat70. It’s easy, quick and secure on http://GOV.UK.”

Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis has previously warned road users could be slapped with financial penalties for breaking the rules and not getting a licence renewed.

He said: “If drivers don’t have a valid licence, the DVLA warn you could be fined £1,000 and even risk having your vehicle seized. This will be a much heavier price to pay than the cost of updating your licence.”

According to GOV.UK, motorists can get ahead and renew their licence up to 90 days before their 70th birthday,

Once drivers have applied for a licence, a new photocard should arrive in the post within one week of applying.

Motorists applying online will need an email address, previous home addresses over the last three years, and their National Insurance Number.

A valid UK passport is also required if motorists want to change the photograph displayed on their photocard.

However, older drivers who are not familiar with the internet are also able to renew a licence through a postal application.

A D46P application form will automatically be sent to individuals around three months before a 70th birthday.

Motorists without this form can also use a generic D1 application for a driving licence slip. These can be picked up at most Post Office branches on the high street.

However, GOV.UK has warned postal applications will take longer and could arrive up to three weeks later.