DVLA issues urgent driving licence warning to elderly motorists amid threat of £1,000 fine

Felix Reeves

By Felix Reeves


Published: 28/07/2025

- 09:46

Drivers could face a £1,000 fine if they do not have a licence

Older motorists are being warned of potential fines and other consequences if they fail to renew their driving licences, as special rules apply.

Britons are required to renew their driving licence every 10 years until they turn 70, at which point, they must renew every three years.


When a driver approaches the milestone age, they will receive a D46P application form around 90 days before their birthday.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will send these out automatically, with motorists being able to apply for a new licence this way.

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Elderly driver and an older driver's licence application form

Elderly drivers are being encouraged to renew their licences before they expire

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GETTY

Drivers can also use the D1 application for a driving licence form if they have not received the D46P form, which can be picked up at most Post Office branches.

When applying in this way, the driving licence should arrive in three weeks, although this could take longer if medical or personal details need to be checked.

The DVLA and other Government agencies have been working to modernise services, with elderly drivers also being invited to renew their licence in other ways.

Posting on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, the DVLA called on older motorists to take action as part of the #DVLADigital campaign.

It wrote: "Are you 70 or over and due to renew your driving licence? Do it for free!

"Grab a cuppa and renew today at GOV.UK/renewat70. It's easy, quick and secure on GOV.UK."

Drivers can use the online GOV.UK service if their licence has expired or will expire within three months, they are a resident of Great Britain, they meet the minimum eyesight requirement, and they aren't banned from driving.

When applying, they will need an email address, the addresses of where they have lived for the last three years, their National Insurance number and a valid UK passport number.

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Drivers can receive between three and six penalty points for various licence fines, with these endorsements staying on a driver's record for four years.

They include driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, driving after making a false declaration about fitness when applying for a licence, driving a vehicle having failed to notify of a disability, and driving after a licence has been cancelled (revoked) or refused on medical grounds.

Motorists can also be slapped with a hefty £1,000 fine if they are caught driving without a licence, in addition to penalty points.

Experts also warn that drivers could be hit with an unlimited fine if they do not have a licence and do not have insurance.

A man holding a UK driving licence and driving licence application form

Motorists can renew their licence with an application form from the Post Office

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PA
Motorists are still able to drive when the DVLA has their licence, although they must meet all conditions set out by the Government. These include:

  • They have the support of your doctor to continue driving
  • They had a valid licence
  • They only drive under the conditions of the previous licence
  • Their application is less than a year old
  • Their last licence wasn't revoked or refused for medical reasons
  • They're not currently disqualified
  • They weren't disqualified as a high-risk offender on or after June 1, 2013