Driving Licence

[foxyferret]

Hi, I renewed my driving licence in May 2021 and it’s only valid until 13 July 2022. I will be 70 on 14 July 2022 and have no medical conditions. I am assuming it’s only 1 year because of my age, is this correct? Thank you.

[davebro]

I think you have to renew at 70 & every 3 years thereafter.

[davebro]

PS - I had a paper licence up to age 70 so no renewal needed.

[bhg481]

dave is right. You can apply for your new licence online if you are willing to give up your right to drive large vehicles; you have to apply by post if you need (or want) to retain that right. Either way it's free and your new licence will only be valid for 3 years when you have to repeat the procedure.

[Peter Pedant]

yes
LOOOOOOTS of people in this position - mine was 12 weeks I think and renewal for a new ish one is VEEEEEEEERY easy

gubmint portal - easy because I suppose they have done this to around a million people.

go there are read what you need - passport and NINO I think

[bhg481]

dave - according to the Moneysaving expert you DO have to renew your driving licence at 70, even if it is a paper one. It will be replaced with a photocard licence.
The government website is unclear; it just talks about licence renewal at 70.

[bhg481]

and from Green Flag:

What if I have a paper licence?
If you have a paper licence, and your name and address have not changed, you don’t have to change it to a photocard version, as it remains valid. However, these do expire, usually the day before the driver’s 70th birthday. Once you apply to renew it, a photocard will be issued.

[foxyferret]

Thank you all very much, I am now clear on what I have to do. Can you apply well in advance considering some of the horror stories about how long people are waiting to get a licence?

[THECORBYLOON]

You can apply for your next licence when you're within ninety days of your seventieth birthday.

[bednobs]

"LOOOOOOTS of people in this position - mine was 12 weeks I think and renewal for a new ish one is VEEEEEEEERY easy"
peter, please tell me you don't drive (having previously mentioned your vision problems!)

[bhg481]

You can apply 90 days early for a replacement licence. I've only ever applued online and the replacement licence has come within a few days, as have my wife's. It is legal to continue driving without the licence; the police can access all your details without needing to see a phyical version. You are supposed to return your old licence (cut up) to DVLA but I only do it once I've received the replacement.

[jno]

if you're sure you need a licence at all...

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/jan/28/man-driving-for-more-than-70-years-tells-notts-police-ive-never-had-a-licence

[davebro]

//dave - according to the Moneysaving expert you DO have to renew your driving licence at 70, even if it is a paper one. It will be replaced with a photocard licence.
The government website is unclear; it just talks about licence renewal at 70.//

Yes - I meant I didn't need to renew my paper licence before I reached 70 (card ones need renewing every 10 years?). I have a photocard now.

[bhg481]

dave - nice to know you're not a criminal.

[foxyferret]

Jno that was so funny but glad he never caused an accident or hit anyone.