DVLA issues urgent warning for Britons to check driving licences with older motorists more at risk

Taking to social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency reminded motorists that they needed to renew their driving licence every 10 years.

It suggested that drivers should reapply using the digital services, which should ensure that they receive their licence in an "easy, quick and secure" way.

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Once they have finished applying for their new driving licences, motorists will generally receive their new licence within a week.

If drivers are not as technologically savvy, they can also apply to renew their licences at select Post Office branches and also apply by post.

However, drivers should expect to receive their licence within three weeks, with further delays if their medical or personal details need to be checked.

Elderly drivers need to renew their licence every three years once they turn 70, potentially leaving them more at risk of being hit with fines.

Since motorists under the age of 70 need to renew every 10 years, drivers could be caught out when their licences switch to needing to be renewed every three years.

When applying online, drivers will be charged £14, although elderly drivers looking to renew their licence will not be charged.

Motorists can use the online DVLA service if their licence is expired (or will expire within 90 days), they are a resident of Great Britain, they meet the minimum eyesight standards and they aren't prevented from driving for any reason.

Drivers are required to renew their licence every three years, given that they could be more susceptible to having medical conditions that could force them off the road.

Under the terms of the Road Traffic Act 1988, it is an offence to "drive on a road a motor vehicle of any class (otherwise than in accordance with) a licence authorising him to drive a motor vehicle of that class".

Drivers can receive between three and six penalty points and a £1,000 fine if they are caught without a valid licence on the road.

In some circumstances, motorists can receive an unlimited fine if they are also caught behind the wheel without valid insurance.

Between 2016 and 2020, the number of older people with a full driving licence increased to 5.6 million, making up 13.6 per cent of all people with a licence.

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During the same period, the older population also increased by 12 per cent to almost nine million, whilst the percentage of older people with a full driving licence jumped to 62 per cent.