UK hits senior drivers over 70 with potential road bans

Seniors aged 70 and over, may be required to pass compulsory eye tests as part of the government's latest road safety measures.

By Emma Ajayi

This August, retired seniors aged 70 and beyond could be banned from driving if they fail mandatory examinations testing their competence to drive. These examinations include eyesight and cognitive tests.

This comes as a new road safety measure laid out by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency to limit road risks. (DVLA)

There are more than 5.6 million drivers over the age of 70 in the UK who will now be required to provide more detailed medical information mentioning any health conditions that could affect their driving.

Stricter vision standards will also be enforced, ensuring that such drivers are able to read a number plate up to 20 meters away, while additionally testing their peripheral vision. Cognitive ability tests will also occur more regularly, to check memory and decision-making skills.

From 70 years old, driving licenses automatically expire. Licenses must then be renewed every three years after this point.

Prior to the 70th birthday, the DVLA sends out a renewal form 90 days beforehand. The application to apply for a new driving license can be done either online or by post. After the application, the license can be expected within a week if done online, or three weeks if done by post.

Drivers over 70 also automatically lose their access to drive vehicles that are classified in the C1 category, which includes medium sized vehicles weighing between 3,500 to 7,500 tonnes, as well as minibuses with a maximum up to 16 seats, which are placed in the D1 category.

To register for a license renewal using the online process for the first time, applicants will need their email address, their home addresses from the last three years, national insurance, and a valid British passport number.

If applying online, the application can be sent up to three months before the 70th birthday, and if minimum eyesight requirements are met. License photos can also be changed during the renewal process. However, C1 and D1 renewals must be done via post.

To continue driving such vehicles, these senior drivers must complete a D2 application together with a D4 medical exam report.

From age 70, 'grandfather rights,' allowing drivers who passed their driving test before the year 1997 to drive vehicles under 7,500 tonnes, also expire.

To learn more information on how to renew a drivers licence as a driver over 70, check the official government website.