Motorists born before 1954 are being urged to take immediate action or risk arrest, as those over 70 must renew their driving licence every three years. The DVLA issued a fresh alert today on X, the platform that has replaced Twitter, stating: "After you turn 70, you need to renew your licence every 3 years. It's easy, quick and secure to do it online."
Failure to renew a licence while continuing to drive means operating a vehicle without valid insurance, which is a serious offence with severe consequences, including hefty fines and potential car seizure by police. Drivers are also required to disclose any new medical conditions and confirm their eyesight meets necessary standards. The RAC emphasises the importance of honesty regarding health when renewing a licence, as failing to declare a condition affecting driving ability can result in fines up to £1,000.
Conditions that must be declared include dementia, diabetes requiring insulin, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, sleep apnoea, and any physical or visual impairments.
The RAC has issued guidance on the matter of eyesight for drivers, stating: "When you fill in the form to renew your licence, you'll be asked to declare that you meet the minimum eyesight standard for driving. It's illegal to drive if you can't read a standard number plate from a distance of 20 metres, either with or without glasses.
"You also need to have an adequate field of vision and visual acuity must be at least decimal 0.5 on the Snellen scale (this is the opticians' test where you read rows of letters from big to small).
"To make sure you meet the eyesight standard for driving, it's recommended you have an eye test at least every two years. Any condition that affects your eyes, apart from long and short sightedness and colour blindness, should be reported to the DVLA.
For those looking to renew their licence, the RAC's advice is available here. The DVLA provides a swift online renewal service which can be accessed here.
If you apply online, your new licence is expected to arrive within a week, whereas postal applications may take up to three weeks.
