Driving licence renewal after 70

I'm pretty sure that you don't have to send another photo when you renew. They will reuse the same photo as before (from your passport)

I’ve had to renew twice. I’ve never had any problem with the online application and my passport photo has always been used.
Are you definitely using the official DVLA site for your application?

Yes I am using the Gov UK site as advised but the trouble could be that my passport photo is not the same as my current driving licence photo..

Do make sure it's the genuine website. I nearly got caught out the last time I renewed, but realised when they started asking for money. I've renewed mine online 3 times since I turned 70. They have always used the photo from my old licence and I've not had any problems.

I have also never had any problems and will not have any in the future because I made the decision two weeks ago to surrender my licence and sell my car. Both have been done successfully. I am 81 and I wanted to make the decision and not have it made for me.

I suggest that you ring them. There is a phone number buried in the website somewhere. I used it when I had a query some time ago. It was answered surprisingly quickly and the person I spoke to was very helpful. It’s worth a try.

Charleygirl5 well done you.
Sad but also very sensible.

Greenfinch

Does anyone know whether I have to send a photograph to renew my license? The instructions seem contradictory and for some reason it would not accept my online application and passport photo. Totally confused!

I did have to get a new photo but that was because I let my passport expire and I haven't renewed it. It's near impossible to do anything government managed online without a current passport.

But if you have a current passport you should be ok?

(I do wonder how those without either a driving licence or a passport can get anything done!)

I also had a problem I tried to renew on line but had a message they needed more information and sent me a form which I re submitted my passport number and sent back. After two weeks I have heard nothing more! I wasn’t sure either whether I needed to send a further picture it was contradictory in places but I didn’t ….

Frustrating isn’t it GrannyIvy? If I renew by post my form tells me to enclose my driving licence which I am loathe to part with. I may try ringing them but I haven’t found them very communicative in the past. Thanks to all who have taken the trouble to reply.

OH was reading an article recently which stated that revised legislation means we have to have a GP letter confirming we are fit to drive each time we renew……….has anyone any knowledge of this or is it just scaremongering?

I am just about to renew mine. I should hope to take a selfie with my phone and add to online application form. Anyone had a problem with this?

Astitchintime

OH was reading an article recently which stated that revised legislation means we have to have a GP letter confirming we are fit to drive each time we renew……….has anyone any knowledge of this or is it just scaremongering?

I renewed mine a month ago and there was no GP letter mentioned.

I think GP's have enough to do without writing a letter for every over 70 renewing their licence!

ferry23

Astitchintime

OH was reading an article recently which stated that revised legislation means we have to have a GP letter confirming we are fit to drive each time we renew……….has anyone any knowledge of this or is it just scaremongering?

I renewed mine a month ago and there was no GP letter mentioned.

I think GP's have enough to do without writing a letter for every over 70 renewing their licence!

I totally agree with you……this is supposedly forthcoming legislation apparently and not in action already so it wouldn’t have affected you.
I was asking if anyone else had read the article, that’s all.

I do not think age is any indication of whether you should stop driving or not.

I have had friends whose driving started deteriorating in their early 70s. I have also travelled quite confidently, sitting in the front passenger when the driver was over 90.

The main cause of accidents with older people is failing eye sight or dementia and that could be resolved by requiring a renewing driver to provide evidence of an up to date eye test and there is a very quick screening dementia questionnaire they use in A&E departments in hospitals that takes less than 5 minutes to administer, that could be used to screen renewing drivers. Score less than 7/10, or whatever, and you have to undergo a more extensive test and your licence could be revoked.

Astitchintime

OH was reading an article recently which stated that revised legislation means we have to have a GP letter confirming we are fit to drive each time we renew……….has anyone any knowledge of this or is it just scaremongering?

No current legislation, but apparently discussions happening on eye and cognitive testing according to Google.

Jaxjacky

Astitchintime

OH was reading an article recently which stated that revised legislation means we have to have a GP letter confirming we are fit to drive each time we renew……….has anyone any knowledge of this or is it just scaremongering?

No current legislation, but apparently discussions happening on eye and cognitive testing according to Google.

I hadn't read this but I think it would be absolutely the right thing.

Those selfish enough to drive with inadequate eyesight, or, sadly, are descending into dementia, do a lot of damage to the reputation and insurance costs of those older drivers, who are sound in eye and mind and are still capable of driving safely and well.

You have to consider physically disabled drivers, there are many that cannot control their car as a fully able person would.
I knew one man, he struggled on sticks but his reaction ability was much slower than normal, one day he entered a roundabout in town, but for some reason carried straight on to the pavement injuring several pedestrians, one very seriously.

He must have been under close medical supervision, there should be a point where doctors call for a driving review.

M0nica

I do not think age is any indication of whether you should stop driving or not.

I have had friends whose driving started deteriorating in their early 70s. I have also travelled quite confidently, sitting in the front passenger when the driver was over 90.

The main cause of accidents with older people is failing eye sight or dementia and that could be resolved by requiring a renewing driver to provide evidence of an up to date eye test and there is a very quick screening dementia questionnaire they use in A&E departments in hospitals that takes less than 5 minutes to administer, that could be used to screen renewing drivers. Score less than 7/10, or whatever, and you have to undergo a more extensive test and your licence could be revoked.

Sensible post.

I read that from ?Oct next year a GP letter would be needed for over 70s renewals.
Also a cognitive and sight test.
Every 3 years I think.

I didn't scrutinise it beyond vaguely wondering how much GPs would charge for the letter.

welbeck

I read that from ?Oct next year a GP letter would be needed for over 70s renewals.
Also a cognitive and sight test.
Every 3 years I think.

I didn't scrutinise it beyond vaguely wondering how much GPs would charge for the letter.

Excellent news.

I renewed my passport (for the third time) about six months ago. I had to have my GP’s written agreement that I was fit to drive, I think because I have MS. Anyway, I passed and all is well. It did take a while for the examination to be arranged, but I could drive in the meantime.

I've just renewed for the 3rd time. It was a new procedure that was being trialled, and was very easy. Had to do an electronic signature via a photo taken on my phone then cropped and uploaded and that too was simple. Within an hour I had confirmation that all was ok and I was ok for another 3 years.

Greenfinch.
I had exactly the same problem renewing online, apparently because my passport has an electronic signature,
But!! I filled in the form; photo was from a booth in Tesco which has a special thing for driving licences and passports, countersigned by friend and posted.
Back with 10 days. No problems and photo cost about a tenner.
All worries unfounded.