Drivers over 70 are not legally “allowed to drive ” if they don’t meet a key DVLA requirement.
Experts are warning drivers born before 1954 that they must renew their drivers licence every three years, in order to stay on the road.
Individuals who don’t renew their license when it’s due may find themselves in trouble, as driving without a valid license is viewed as a significant breach of motoring regulations. People in this situation are likely to face penalties.
This could lead to many older drivers receiving motoring fines or even penalty points this autumn, reports the Express.
Age UK, a charity that helps older people live their lives to the fullest, explained: “If your licence expires and you don’t apply for a new one, you won’t legally be allowed to drive.”
Legal experts from Cartwright King warn that driving without a license could result in fines of up to £1,000 and three to six penalty points. The Older Drivers Forum emphasised that failing to renew a license on time may invalidate insurance coverage.
Drivers caught without valid car insurance could face a hefty fine of £5,000, along with six to eight penalty points. Additionally, courts may force further restrictions on future driving licenses.
The Older Drivers Forum expressed: “If you do not renew your licence, you will not legally be allowed to drive after your 70th birthday.
“If you carry on driving, your driving licence and motor insurance would not be valid, and you would be committing a serious offence which carries stringent penalties, which could include a heavy fine and having your car seized by the police.
“When you receive your new licence, don’t forget to dispose of your expired licence and keep the new one in a safe place.”
Drivers can renew their driving licence online or by sending application forms via the post to the DVLA. For anyone curious, renewing your license is entirely free for those aged 70 and older.
Drivers wont be forced to retake a driving test, but must report any medical conditions to the DVLA when they renew their licence. However, drivers with health conditions or disabilities may need to have their application evaluated before receiving a new licence.
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