Driving advice
When you reach 70 years old, your driving licence expires. You don't have to retake a driving test but you do need to renew your licence.
How to renew your licence
90 days before your 70th birthday, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) should send you a D46P form - application for renewal of a driving licence. This can be returned by post or by the DVLA's online service to renew your licence.
If you have a C1 or D1 entitlement (for minibuses or towing vehicles) and you intend to renew this as well, you must enclose a D4 medical examination report. This must be completed by a doctor.
Keep a watch on your health
You must inform the DVLA of the onset of any medical condition or if a current condition worsens that may affect your ability to drive safely. The medical conditions are listed in the DVLA's leaflet "What you need to know about driving licences" and include:
- certain eye conditions
- diabetes
- epilepsy
- heart conditions
- Parkinson's disease
- problems using limbs in a way that will affect the ability to drive
It is illegal to drive if you can't read a number plate from 20.5 metres / 67 feet away. If you wear glasses, you need to make sure that your prescription is up to date.
Are you still a good driver?
You can book an Experienced Driver Assessment with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). This costs £50.00 and is not a 'test'. You will be assessed by a RoSPA qualified driver who will give you a report on your driving and advise on how you can improve your skills or drive more safely.
You know best
Driving can be a lifeline to many older people, which allows them to get on with their lives. If you find that you have trouble driving, you don't feel as confident or safe, then public transport is reliable, convenient and cheap.
This page was last updated on 29 July 2011
