Philip Schofield opens up about elderly father giving up driving licence
More than one in four (27 percent) elderly drivers are waiting longer than four years to renew their driving licence after they turn 70, new data has found. This is the equivalent of 1.5 million motorists on UK roads who could be breaking the law and may receive huge fines.
The DVLA requires everyone who turns 70 to renew their driving licence every three years, rather than every 10 years for anyone younger.
A new study, which surveyed 500 drivers between 70 and 95 years of age, found that 22 percent of drivers were unaware of this law.
This could potentially put thousands of drivers at risk of receiving a £1,000 fine for having out-of-date documentation.
David Kottaun, Operations Manager at Scrap Car Comparison, commented on the data, saying it was surprising that so many mature drivers were unaware of the laws.
He added: “It’s been a shock to discover that so many motorists are not renewing their licences following their 70th birthdays.
“Therefore, [they are] leaving themselves no longer able to legally operate a vehicle, and at risk of receiving a big fine if caught.”
Around 90 days before their 70th birthday, drivers should receive a D46P application form from the DVLA detailing what they need to do to get a new licence.
If they do not receive one through the post, they can visit their local Post Office to obtain a paper copy if they choose.
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Data from the Department for Transport shows there were 5.8 million drivers aged over 70 years or older on UK roads in 2022.
With the £1,000 fine available for those who drive without a valid licence, this could mean up to £1.5billion in fines, based on the survey.
A staggering 52 perfect of those aged between 70 and 80 years old admitted to renewing their licence every four years or more.
This total rises to 48 percent of those over 81 and older also leaving a longer amount of time between renewals.
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Eight percent of mature drivers do not renew their licence at all after turning 70, which can also leave them vulnerable to massive fines.
Mr Kottaun added: “Ultimately, the reason behind getting mature drivers to regularly renew their licence is to ensure the safety of the drivers themselves, and everyone else on the roads.
“The renewal process is quick, easy and motorists can continue to drive while their licence is being renewed.”
This comes with conditions, however. Drivers must have the support of their doctor to stay on the roads and have a valid licence.
They must also ensure that the previous licence was not revoked or refused for medical reasons.
David Kottaun concluded, saying: “So there is no excuse to not be regularly renewing this documentation.”
Age UK states that drivers must declare a number of medical conditions to the DVLA including dementia, Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy among others.
The DVLA will then make a decision about whether they can continue to drive based on the information they provide or contact someone’s GP with their permission.
In extreme cases, they may ask them to take a driving assessment, driving appraisal or eyesight test.
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