Elderly drivers are being warned of the need to renew their licence more often than other motorists with a massive update earlier this month providing them with a further lifeline.
Motorists over the age of 70 are required to renew their driving licence every three years, rather than every 10 years for younger age groups.
This is done so that elderly people can update the relevant authorities about any changes to their health in the event that a medical condition could affect their ability to drive.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has taken to social media to remind motorists of the need to renew their licence or they could face penalties.
Elderly drivers were handed a lifeline earlier this month with the Post Office update
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Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, the DVLA called on people over 70 to renew their licence.
It suggested that motorists should choose to complete the renewal process online, calling it “easy, quick and secure”.
When renewing their driving licence online with the DVLA, people over the age of 70 will not need to pay a fee, with the photocard usually arriving within one week.
Drivers who are about to turn 70 will also be sent a reminder about completing the process around 90 days before they reach the milestone age.
To complete the renewal process online, drivers will need an email address, the addresses of where they have lived over the last three years, their National Insurance number and a valid UK passport number if they want to change their licence photo.
Motorists who want to remain behind the wheel while their licence is being renewed can do so, although this is reliant upon a number of conditions.
They will need the support of their doctor to continue driving, they must have had a valid licence, they can 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 are not currently disqualified and they weren’t disqualified as a high-risk offender on or after June 1, 2013.
Customers looking to renew their licence will be able to use their online service throughout the Christmas and New Year period, although contact centre opening times will be affected.
There were fears that services would be discontinued after the two parties could not reach an agreement on whether the Post Office would continue to provide DVLA services.
However, the DVLA confirmed that the partnership would continue, with a new contract starting on April 1, 2024, and will last for one year.
Following the initial contract length, there is the opportunity for the DVLA and Post Office to agree to two further one-year extensions.
Under the new contract, customers can choose to visit relevant Post Office branches to tax a vehicle or renew a 10-year photocard driving licence.
Many elderly drivers use the service to renew their licence and stay on the roads as this is often more convenient for them.
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Post Office branches will continue to provide DVLA services
PA
It also provides a vital lifeline for those who are not able to access online services and may not be able to renew without an in-person visit to a Post Office.