Over 70s risk breaking key DVLA rule with experts left 'shocked'

Older drivers above the age of 70 are at risk of breaking one of the most important DVLA rules by making a crucial mistake. Below the age of 70, road users have to renew their driving licence every ten years but this is lowered to every three years when individuals reach the milestone.

A poll from Scrap Car Comparison found that one in four (27%) of over-70s were leaving it four years or more to renew their licence, above the three-year cut-off. Of bigger concern, just over one in five (22%) didn’t even know that they needed to renew their licence every three years after turning 70. A closer look at the statistics found 38% of those aged 70 – 80 years old were not aware, but this changed in later life, with 76% of motorists aged 81+ being aware of the law.

According to Scrap Car Comparison, searches for “UK driving licence rule change” surged by over 4,800% on Tuesday. Meanwhile, interest in “over 70 driving licence renewal” has doubled in the past week.

David Kottaun, Operations Manager at Scrap Car Comparison, stressed road users could be hit with “big fines” if caught out.

David explained: “It’s been a shock to discover that so many motorists are not renewing their licenses following their 70th birthdays – and therefore leaving themselves no longer able to legally operate a vehicle, and at risk of receiving a big fine if caught.

“The DVLA should send drivers a D46P application form around 90 days before they turn 70 years old – however if you do not receive one through the post, paper copies of the form can be obtained from your local Post Office.”

Motorists who fail to renew their driving licence could be slapped with a £1,000 fine. However, road users who continue to drive when their licence has expired could face tougher penalties. This could see road users hit with a £5,000 fine and charged with driving without a valid licence.

David added: “Ultimately, the reason behind getting mature drivers to regularly renew their license is to ensure the safety of the drivers themselves, and everyone else on the roads.

“The renewal process is quick, easy and motorists can continue to drive while their license is being renewed as long as: they have the support of their doctor to continue driving, had a valid license and their last license wasn’t revoked or refused for medical reasons – so there is no excuse to not be regularly renewing this documentation.”