When a driver reaches 70 years of age, they are required by law to renew their driving licence every three years. When they do renew, it is free of charge and all people approaching the advanced age will be sent a letter reminding them to renew before their 70th birthday.
The GOV.UK website states that drivers looking to renew will need an email address, the addresses of where they’ve lived for the last three years, National Insurance number and a valid UK passport number.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency frequently uses its social media channels to inform motorists of any licence changes they may need to make.
Last week they tweeted: “After you turn 70, you need to renew your licence every three years. It’s easy, quick and secure to do it online.”
According to the DVLA, there are over 5.7 million drivers over the age of 70 still on the road across the UK.
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Research also shows that older drivers above 70 are significantly less likely to have a road traffic accident than younger drivers between 17 and 24.
Louise Yasities, Elderly Safety Expert at Taking Care Personal Alarms, said: “Unfortunately, as we reach an older age, driving laws can change.
“It is important for us to keep our independence, especially when it comes to being able to complete regular day-to-day tasks alone.
“At the age of 70, your driving license automatically expires, meaning you will need to renew it if you want to continue driving. After that, you will need to continue to renew it every three years.
“This can sound a little daunting, but it is important to note that every renewal will be free of charge.”
Elderly motorists can also apply for a new driving licence by post using the D46P form which will automatically be sent to them 90 days before their birthday.
It should take around three weeks for the driving licence to arrive, although may take longer if the medical or personal details need to be checked.
Louise Yasities added that drivers should get their eyesight checked regularly, especially since eye conditions are more prevalent at older ages.
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This could include cataracts, glaucoma, and presbyopia, which can all have a dramatic impact on vision and how well they can see the road ahead of them.
Ms Yasities added: “It is best to make sure you are up to date on your eye tests when planning on continuing to drive after 70.
“You should also notify DVLA of any new or outstanding medical conditions such as dementia or an Alzheimer diagnosis.
“This could result in your driving license being revoked, however safety for yourself and others is the most important thing here.”
Elderly people are also often targeted by criminals, taking advantage of their lack of technical ability and could even use their cars as an excuse.
Grandparent scams are one of the most common types of “elder fraud”, with fraudsters tricking older people into giving them money.
Scammers will often pose as a grandchild and fool them into sending money urgently for emergencies, like car repairs or rent payments.
They will usually ask the older person to be secretive about the cash transfer, with one case seeing an American woman scammed out of $20,000 (£15,986) in 2019.
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