Elderly drivers may have to pay 'a much heavier price' in licence renewal error
Elderly drivers must renew their licence every three years
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Elderly drivers are being urged to ensure they know the new guidance they need to follow when it comes to renewing their licence.
When a person turns 70 years of age, motorists must renew their licence every three years, rather than 10 years for younger drivers.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) frequently posts on social media, reminding drivers of the change in renewals once people reach an advanced age.
Motorists are also urged to use online services, with the DVLA highlighting how its service is quicker and more secure than other methods.
Older people are always urged to ensure they are renewing using DVLA services
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Richard Evans, head of technical services at webuyanycar, warned drivers of what they are required to have to ensure they can renew their licence.
He added: “To drive anywhere legally, drivers must hold a valid driving photocard licence which has the most up-to-date and correct details of your name, date of birth and full address.
“Generally, drivers need to renew their licence once every 10 years, however, those over 70 must renew once every three years in order to continue driving.”
Research has found that almost one in 10 (eight per cent) motorists are unaware that they would need to renew or update their driving licence.
In the event that drivers do not have a valid licence, they could be hit with a £1,000 fine by the DVLA.
If this were to happen, they could even have their vehicle seized as the police could argue a motorist is not driving in accordance with their driving licence.
Mr Evans continued, saying that there will be a "much heavier price to pay" for motorists if they are caught without a licence, with elderly drivers not having to pay a fee to renew their licence.
He added: “If drivers know their licence is about to expire, or their personal details have changed, it’s crucial they update their licence.”
When renewing, older people will need to register with 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.
There have recently been calls for elderly drivers to undergo “refresher courses” which would help them brush up on their motoring skills.
Industry experts have raised concerns about road safety for people of advanced age, as they may not have sufficient reaction time in the event of an accident.
Some motorists have even suggested implementing a maximum age of driving or cut-off date which would restrict elderly road users from being behind the wheel.
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The DVLA urge drivers to renew using their online services
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Speaking on GB News earlier this week, Seb Goldin, CEO of RED Driver Training, said: “Should there be an age cut-off? We don’t think so. There could be someone in their early 80s who is far more capable and a lot more competent than someone far younger. It very much depends on how people do."