DVLA issues warning to drivers whose licences could lapse 'without action'

The driving licences of individuals could lapse once they reach the age of 70 unless they take specific actions. The Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency has advised older drivers, via Twitter, on how to avoid this situation.

Their tweet stated: "You need to renew your licence every 3 years after you turn 70. Do it online now it's easy, quick and secure." One user responded with a concern: "My father did this in March, new license has not appeared, unable to contact anybody to find out if it has been posted out."

Another driver expressed their predicament: "Hello. I've applied for my provisional license and have not gotten it for over 2 months. I've checked the website, and it says issued, but I've not received it ever since. My BIOMETRIC RESIDENT PERMIT is the document used, and I need it to be returned urgently. Thanks".

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For residents of Great Britain who are either approaching or over the age of 70, or those whose British licences have expired or is due to expire within the next 90 days, the DVLA service can be utilised to renew their driving licences. This also applies if you meet the minimum eyesight requirement or aren't prevented from driving for any other reason.

It should be noted that there is a separate service available in Northern Ireland. Once you hit the age of 70, it's mandatory to renew your licence every three years. You can also update your licence photo during this renewal process.

To do so, you'll need an email address, a record of your addresses for the past three years, your National Insurance number (if known), and a valid UK passport number (if you wish to change the licence photo).

After applying, the DVLA will send you a confirmation email. They may invite you to participate in research via email, but you have the option to decline.

You're allowed to continue driving while your licence is being renewed under certain conditions: you must have your doctor's approval to keep driving, your previous licence was valid, you adhere to the conditions of your old licence, and your application is less than a year old.

Additionally, you must ensure that your last licence wasn't revoked or refused due to medical reasons, you're not currently disqualified from driving, and you weren't disqualified as a high-risk offender on or after 1 June 2013

DVLA advised that they make licensing decisions as quickly as they can but where further information is required from third parties, for example doctors or other healthcare professionals, they would be wholly reliant on receiving this before a decision on whether to issue a licence could be made.