When a driver reaches the age of 70 their driving licence must be renewed.
If you wish to renew your driving licence at 70 you must complete the necessary paperwork and return it to the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) well in advance of your 70th birthday. It is recommended that you do at least 90 days in advance.
The relevant forms you will need to complete and return are the: D46P (for paper licences) or the D46 (for photocard licences). Either of these applications can be sent to you prior to the expiry date on your licence and you should fill them out and return them including the necessary photographs and payment as soon as you can.
You generally only need to send photographs if you have never held a photocard licence. The fee for Photocard Renewals, is currently £20.
Change of Name
If you have changed your name since your licence was first issued - for example if you married or divorced and reverted to using your maiden name - you must make this known to the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency).
If you have for any reason been under the care of a doctor or consultant for reasons of ill health you must declare this to the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). The DVLA can - if they feel there is need to do so - petition your doctor for information and if it is discovered that you have not declared any illness or condition which would prevent you from driving, your licence can be revoked.
If you are suffering from ill health that you should surrender your licence if the condition either prevents or makes it difficult for you - and consequently dangerous for you - to drive.
You must include with your application a declaration of your health status and if you are unable to do so - the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) may request information about your health without informing you.
Can I Continue to Drive?
Yes, you can continue to drive whilst you await the arrival of your new licence. If there are any circumstances such as a previous Disqualification to take into account, then you are not permitted to drive legally until the licence is returned to you. Driving without a licence while you're waiting for a renewal is permitted but you may find that if you are stopped by the police then the process can be slowed down while they check your details. Always carry your driving licence number with you.
You can pick up the relevant forms - D46P (for paper licences) and D46 (for photocard licences) from your local post office or local DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) office or you apply online via the direct gov site: www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring.
my father is 77 but never got a reminder to renew his license at 70.. can he get into trouble not having a renewal? What will he have to do now?
garysgran - 31 January 2012 @ 6:39 PM
Is there a restriction on the type of vehicle I can drive when I reach 70
Dodger - 29 January 2012 @ 2:20 PM
my father is 72 and has asked me about renewing his licence every 3 years i throught it was every 10 years ? regards ian
boy - 6 January 2012 @ 9:50 PM
my father is 75 but never got a reminder to renew his license at 70.. can he get into trouble not having a renewal? He also takes Warfrin to thin his blood for angina problems... should he have let his insurance and the dvla know about this condition?
many thanks
missieren - 6 January 2012 @ 12:03 AM
I am 70 in January, 2012 and renewed my licence on line in November.When my licence arived the issue date is shown as 8.11.11 but the new expiry date is shown as 10.07.13.
Why is the new licence valid for only 21 months?
I would appreciate an exlanation asap to this question
deedle - 9 December 2011 @ 11:07 AM
I shall be 70 in february 2012 and sent for renewal of my licence as required. The application form showed reneal period of 10 years but my licence arrived today valid only till 2015, which is only 4 years and it also states "Provisional entitlement" . Can you please explain?
Gil - 5 December 2011 @ 5:53 PM
I was 70 on November 9th of this year.My PCV licence was not renewed last May as I imformed DVLA.They told me they would contact me before my 70th,but never got back to me. What do I need to do to renew my normalphotocard licence.
Journeyman - 29 November 2011 @ 3:16 PM
Hi I will be 70 in April 2012 and think that older people should take a driving test. I was wondering how I go about finding out about doing this.
Many Thanks
Marj Picton
Marj - 26 October 2011 @ 5:28 PM
my father is aproaching 70 and is a keen caravaner . Can he still tow his caravan after 70 and is there a cut off agemany thanks Paul
paul - 3 October 2011 @ 6:04 PM
when is the earliest you can fill out a D46P as my father in law is out of the country for much of the year. he is 70 july 2012 when is the earliest he could get this organised.
Thanks
mart
mart - 1 October 2011 @ 9:05 PM
I will not be renewing my licence due to ill health, can my car insurance carry on with another named driver?
brac - 28 September 2011 @ 9:35 AM
I passed my driving test April 2010 at the age of 68..My 2 year probationary time is not yet up until April 2012 ...will I then have to renew my License as I was 70 this July 2011?????
Normal regulations are for anyone reaching 70 must renew their license ..but mine is so recent!!!!!!!! Thankyou..Beverley martinez
Bev - 22 September 2011 @ 11:54 AM
I have a Kent County CouncilApproved minibus Driver Licence which run out 2013 and I also driver for the Sea Cadets I will be 70 in Oct you have sent me my .D2
Do I still have to have a Medical And what happens about my K.C.C. Mr C. Ash
cadet - 26 August 2011 @ 5:02 PM
Once the DVLA has received your valid application you can drive before you receive your licence as long as you:
*Have held a GB or NI licence issued since 1 January 1976 or another exchangeable licence.
*Aren't disqualified from driving.
*Haven't been refused a licence for medical reasons or for failing to comply with medical enquiries.
*Wouldn't be refused a licence for medical reasons (if in doubt, check with your doctor).
*Keep to any special conditions which apply to the licence.
YourDrivingLicence - 12 August 2011 @ 12:05 PM
I am73 and did not receive a prompt from the DVLA that my licence was due for renewal. It was valid until June 8th, and is now out of date. I have filled in a D1 form and sent it off with a new photo on 11/08/2011.Can I drive my car? Without waiting 3 weeks for my new licence?
Mick Wright - 12 August 2011 @ 10:05 AM
I am 70 and have a French driving licence - am I now forbidden to drive in the UK
