Drivers in a single age group set to lose 4 freedoms beneath new DVLA guidelines
Older drivers over 70 are set to lose four key freedoms under new DVLA rules including mandatory eye tests, licence renewal every three years, and automatic loss of lorry and minibus driving entitlements
It’s a big blow
Motorists over the age of 70 could face significant changes to their driving rights under a proposed Labour Party government shake-up. The Road Safety Strategy suggests that once drivers reach their 70th birthday, they may lose certain motoring freedoms.
New regulations would require older drivers to undergo mandatory eye tests from the age of 70 and renew their licences every three years, as opposed to the current ten-year renewal period. Additionally, it may become more challenging for older drivers to operate larger vehicles such as lorries, minibuses, and motorhomes.
The Older Drivers Forum clarified: “Once you renew your licence at 70 years of age you will automatically lose the C1 (Medium-sized vehicles between 3500kg and 7500kg) and D1 (Minibuses) categories on your licence.”
They added: “If you wish to still hold these you will need to complete a D2 (Application Form) and a D4 (Medical Examination Report). Once you renew your licence at 70 years of age you will automatically lose the C category on your licence.”
To maintain this category on their licence, drivers would need to retake the test. With the addition of these new checks and licence renewal requirements, the total number of freedoms lost by drivers over 70 amounts to four, reports Birmingham Live.
There’s no legal age at which you must stop driving. You can decide when to stop, but medical conditions can affect your driving and might mean you have to give up your driving licence until you can meet the medical standards of fitness to drive again.
When you decide to stop driving or are advised by your doctor to stop you’ll need to tell DVLA and send them your licence.
The DVLA previously explained: “Drivers with C1 and D1 entitlements are required to renew these categories when they reach the age of 70, ensuring they meet the higher medical standards required to operate larger vehicles.”
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