Elderly drivers told to use ‘easy’ and ‘quick’ method to make major licence changes
Older people need to inform the DVLA of any medical changes
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Older motorists are being reminded to use a “quick and secure” system to renew their driving licence as they face different rules compared to other road users.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has consistently urged motorists to keep on top of when they need to renew their licence to stay behind the wheel.
A standard driving licence needs to be renewed every 10 years, but once a driver turns 70, it must be done every three years.
There are no laws mandating a cut-off point for when someone must stop driving but motorists must update their details when they renew.
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This can include any changes to their address and, crucially, any changes to their physical wellbeing and whether they have any medical conditions.
Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, the DVLA wrote: “Renewing your licence at 70 is easy to do online, plus it’s quick and secure.”
When applying, elderly drivers will need to answer some medical questions, with the DVLA writing to the driver if they need more medical information from them.
While this can prolong the renewal process, it will ensure drivers and other road users are safe when behind the wheel.
If a driver needs to update their licence, 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.
Drivers can still drive while their licence is being renewed as long as they meet a certain list of conditions.
They can do this if they have the support of their doctor, have a valid licence, only drive under the conditions of their previous licence, have not had their licence revoked for medical reasons, they’re not currently disqualified and if their application is less than a year old.
Older drivers in particular have seen a significant 54 per cent price hike compared to last year.
Some motorists have seen almost £200 added to the cost of their car insurance over the past 12 months as Britons struggle with the cost of living crisis.
The typical car insurance premium cost for a driver aged between 45 and 54 years old was £551 in September 2023.
For drivers between the age of 55 and 79, they can expect to see their coverage rise by 54 per cent, while people over 80 also face an enormous increase of £222 to £645.
Experts have urged motorists to shop around when their policy is ending as another insurer could offer them a much cheaper deal.
Elderly drivers often miss out on these savings because they are more likely to stick with their provider and automatically renew.
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Elderly drivers need to renew their licence every three years
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According to Compare the Market, drivers over the age of 50 could save up to £159 on their insurance when using a price comparison website.