Elderly drivers have been handed a lifeline to stay on the roads after an agreement to continue offering key motoring services at Post Office branches around the country.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has awarded Post Office Ltd a contract to provide certain services following a period of reviewing the role.
The new changes will be welcomed by millions across the country who use the services if they cannot get proper access to online or phone services.
There had been fears that the services would no longer be available after an agreement could not be agreed upon earlier this year.
The new changes will help older drivers stay on the road
PA/GETTY
The contract will start on April 1, 2024, and will last for one year. There is also the potential for 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.
In June, there were fears that elderly drivers would be required to use online services, which they may not be familiar with, to renew their licences.
This is even more pertinent to motorists over the age of 70, who need to renew their licence every three years, compared to every 10 years for other age groups.
The terms of the existing contract, which runs until March 31, 2024, will see the Post Office provide International Driving Permits (IDPs) to those who need them to travel abroad.
IDPs are not included in the new contract and are subject to a separate ongoing procurement exercise, with the outcome of this expected in January.
The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) said the move would be welcomed by the organisation and drivers.
BVRLA members rely heavily on Post Office services to tax vehicles which cannot be taxed in bulk online, including HGVs, electric vehicles and any vehicles over 43 years old.
However, the new changes have failed to address underlying concerns from the industry about the lack of a bulk service from the DVLA to tax these vehicles.
The BVRLA confirmed that it would continue to work with the DVLA and other organisations to get this introduced “as soon as practical”.
According to the Post Office website, motorists can renew their photocard driving licence at one of its branches for a cost of £21.50.
Drivers will need to bring their current photocard driving licence and their renewal reminder to ensure that the process runs smoothly.
The Post Office will take the driver’s picture and are able to capture their signature and submit a change of address if applicable.
The DVLA charges £17 for the process of renewing a driving licence, with a further £4.50 cost to take the photo for a total of £21.50.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Motorists are able to renew their licence at the Post Office
PA
Motorists will normally wait for three weeks to get their new licence sent to them, with the Post Office taking care of the old driving licence, sending it back to the DVLA in the process.