More than 1.5million motorists over 70 may be driving illegally

One in four drivers over the age of 70 – an estimated 1.5 million people – have failed to update their driving licenses in accordance with a little-known law, which could cost them a fine of up to £1,000.

Once drivers reach 70, they must renew their license if they want to stay on the road. According to the regulations, the document must be updated at 70 and then every three years. These rules have been in effect since 1976.

Driving with an expired license could result in an older driver facing a trip to the local magistrates’ court and the prospect of a £1,000 fine.

But research from Scrap Car Comparison found that one in four older drivers is at least four years late replacing their driver’s license after they turn 70. One in five in this age group admitted to not being aware of the rules.

Drivers can renew their license free of charge with the DVLA if they are 70 years of age or older, or will reach that age within 90 days. They should avoid falling victim to copycat websites that want to charge and only use the official DVLA website.

The survey, conducted in April, surveyed a total of 500 UK drivers aged between 70 and 90.

The Department for Transport said there will be 5.8 million drivers aged 70 and over on Britain’s roads by 2022.

Extrapolating the figures from the study indicates that an estimated 1.5 million elderly drivers may be breaking the law and could be at risk of fines totaling £1.5 billion.

Nearly one in ten older drivers admitted never to renew their driver’s license after 70, while half of those aged 70 to 80 claimed it took them at least four years to update essential documents.

Older drivers must renew their licenses on their 70th birthday and every three years thereafter or face prosecution and fines of up to £1,500. One in four drivers in this age group admitted to not being aware of the regulations

More than three-quarters of drivers over the age of 81 said they were unaware of the need to continually update their documents to stay within the law.

David Kottaun, operations manager at Scrap Car Comparison said: ‘It was a shock to discover that so many motorists are not renewing their licenses past their 70th birthday – and as a result are no longer able to legally drive a vehicle, and are at risk of get a fine. a hefty fine if caught.

‘The DVLA should send drivers a D46P application form about 90 days before they turn 70 years old – but if you don’t receive one in the mail, you can obtain hard copies of the form from your local post office.

“Ultimately, the reason for having adult drivers regularly renew their licenses is to ensure the safety of the drivers themselves and everyone else on the road.

The renewal process is quick and easy and drivers can continue to drive while their license is being renewed, as long as: they have the support of their doctor to continue driving, had a valid driver’s license and their last driver’s license has not been revoked or denied for medical reasons – so there is no excuse for not regularly updating this documentation.’

Age UK explains that people can still drive while waiting for their new licence.

It says: ‘When you turn 70 your driver’s license expires – but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to stop driving. If you want to continue, just renew your license. After that, you need to renew it every three years. Renewing is free.’

Older motorists have recently hit out at the council’s increase in use of app and telephone parking payments, which some say penalizes them. Separate research found that older drivers would avoid locations where they would have to pay contactless to park.

The DVLA should automatically send renewal forms to older drivers