Warning to drivers turning 70 this spring over crucial paperwork
Drivers who are set to turn 70 are being urged not to delay on filling out crucial paperwork when it arrives in the post this month.
Motorists who are reaching the age of 70 are required to renew their driving licence at this age and then every three years after that.
Those turning 70 in May 2025 should receive a D46P form from the DVLA this month and it's up to the driver to declare on this form that they are still fit and able to drive safely.
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The Older Driver's Forum said it is up to the individual to judge this. They advise that if you are not confident you can make the judgement yourself you can take professional advice from a Driving Mobility Centre.
But they have also warned that motorists should not delay in filling out the forms. On their website they stated: "DVLA is currently very slow in renewing licences."
You can renew your licence in three ways:
1. Online using the GOV.UK web site. Only use the GOV.UK website to renew your licence – Click here to go to this website
2. Renew using the D46P form sent you by the DVLA
3. Renew by using a D1 form obtained from the Post Office
The Older Driver's Forum has also clarified that you can continue to drive in the time the renewal form is with the DVLA. However this is based on meeting all the criteria in Section 8. This section includes the following:
You meet the medical standards of fitness to drive. If you have a medical condition and have been told not to drive by a doctor or healthcare professional, you should not do so. If your doctor or healthcare professional is unsure about how a medical condition affects driving, they should refer to ‘Assessing fitness to drive – a guide for medical professionals’ at www.gov.uk/dvla/fitnesstodrive
You have held a valid driving licence - this licence can be a full GB licence, a GB provisional licence, a European Community licence, a Northern Ireland licence, a British external/British Forces licence or an exchangeable licence - and only drive vehicles you have applied for on your current application and were entitled to drive on your previous licence.
If you hold a Group 2 (bus or lorry) licence, your entitlement has not been suspended, revoked or refused by a traffic commissioner.
You meet any conditions that were specified on your previous licence that still apply.
DVLA has received your correct and complete application within the last 12 months.
Your last licence was not revoked or refused for medical reasons.
You are not currently disqualified from driving by a court.
You were not disqualified as a high risk offender on or after 1 June 2013 (a high risk offender is a driver convicted of a serious drink driving offence).
Section 88 cover is valid until you receive your new driving licence, the application is refused or your licence is revoked by the DVLA or if your application is more than a year old.
Section 88 does not cover you if you have been disqualified since the application was sent to the DVLA.
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