In the UK, drivers must renew their driving licence at the age of 70. This process is designed to ensure that motorists remain medically fit to drive and that their eyesight continues to meet legal standards.
Unlike earlier licence renewals, renewal at 70 is free of charge but comes with additional responsibilities for the driver.
When Do You Need to Renew?
Your driving licence expires on your 70th birthday. The DVLA usually sends a reminder form shortly before this date, but it is the driver’s responsibility to renew on time. Driving with an expired licence is illegal and may invalidate your insurance.
Once renewed at 70, your licence must then be renewed every three years.
How to Renew Your Licence
Drivers can renew their licence in two ways:
- Online: Using the official DVLA service (the fastest method).
- By Post: Using the reminder form sent to you or a D1 application form available from the Post Office.
You will need:
- Your National Insurance number (for online applications)
- Your current driving licence
- A recent passport-style photo if renewing by post (online renewals usually use existing passport photos)
Medical Declaration and Fitness to Drive
When renewing at 70, drivers must complete a medical self-declaration confirming their fitness to drive. This includes declaring any medical conditions that could affect driving, such as:
- Vision problems
- Heart conditions
- Neurological conditions
- Diabetes (if treated with insulin)
- Conditions affecting concentration or mobility
If a relevant condition is declared, the DVLA may ask for further medical information, contact your GP or specialist, or issue a shorter licence/apply restrictions. Failing to declare a medical condition can result in fines and may lead to prosecution if an accident occurs.
Eyesight Requirements
All drivers must be able to read a standard car number plate from 20 metres. While no mandatory eyesight test is currently required during renewal (though this may change), drivers are legally responsible for ensuring their vision meets this standard at all times.
Regular eye tests are strongly recommended, especially as eyesight can deteriorate gradually without apparent symptoms.
What Happens If You Don’t Renew?
If you do not renew your licence:
- You must stop driving immediately.
- Your insurance may become invalid.
- You could face fines and penalty points if caught driving.
If your licence has expired, you can still apply to renew it, but you cannot drive until it has been approved.
Key Things to Remember
- Licence renewal at 70 is mandatory.
- Renewal is free, but must be completed on time.
- Medical conditions must be declared honestly.
- Licence renewals after 70 are required every three years.
- It is always the driver’s responsibility to remain fit and legal to drive.