Elderly motorists are being reminded of driving licence rules that could impact their ability to remain behind the wheel, with experts calling on road users to check their eligibility, especially if they own classic cars.
Once drivers reach an advanced age, they will need to make changes to their habits to ensure they are legally allowed to stay on the road, most notably licence rules.
The Historic and Classic Vehicles Alliance warned that drivers could be hammered by licence rules which they may not be aware of.
In a post on their website, the HCVA stated: “Please be aware that if you renew your driving licence after your 70th birthday, the DVLA are now removing your automatic existing right to drive a number of vehicle types.
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Elderly drivers have been issued with an urgent reminder
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“This may affect members with car transporters etc. You will need to follow the process outlined to ensure you retain your entitlements.
“If you have renewed your licence and drive a larger vehicle please check your categories!”
If someone is over 45 or older, the DVLA will send them two forms before the driving licence expires, especially if they frequently transport classic cars across the country.
They will receive an “application for renewal of lorry and bus entitlement” (D47P) form and a “medical examination report” (D4) form.
As part of this process, a doctor will need to complete the D4 report, although an optometrist or an optician can also be used if the doctor cannot complete the whole report.
The DVLA frequently updates its social media to remind drivers of key motoring details they need to keep on top of, as well as informing them of any new changes.
In its most recent post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the DVLA called on those over 70 to renew their licence online, calling it “easy, quick and secure”.
The agency added that once they have turned 70, they will need to renew their licence every three years, rather than every 10 years for other age groups.
Britons should use the GOV.UK website to renew their licence if they are over 70, or will turn 70 in the coming 90 days.
As part of this process, they must ensure their licence has expired or is expiring, they are a resident of Great Britain, they meet the minimum eyesight requirement and they are not prevented from driving for any reason.
If they have not yet used to GOV.UK website, they will need an email address, the addresses where they have lived over the last three years, a valid UK passport number and their National Insurance number.
Motorists are able to stay on the road even while they are waiting for the DVLA to process their new licence, although they must meet certain conditions.
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The HCVA warned that the rules could cause particular issues if they frequently transport classic cars
PA
This includes:
- they have the support of their doctor to continue driving
- they had a valid licence
- they 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
- they weren’t disqualified as a high-risk offender on or after June 1, 2013
