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Driving Licence for Over 70s

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).

Medical Issues

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 a 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.


Disclaimer: The information in the article is for general purpose information only and should not be constituted as legal advice. This article has been produced by a third party and Jardine Motors does not take any responsibility for the completeness, accuracy, or reliability with respect to the website or the information provided. Article last updated March 2016.