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Driving licence renewal after 70

(39 Posts)
Greenfinch Sun 29-Jun-25 20:35:21

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!

Boz Tue 01-Jul-25 14:22:45

Grandmotherto8

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.

I shall do this, I think. Was the electronic signature easy. Did you use a laptop or a phone?

AuntieE Tue 01-Jul-25 15:01:06

What browser are you using?

When some or other official site refuses to accept my forms, I switch to Firefox and fill in the form again, and there is no trouble.

cc Tue 01-Jul-25 16:41:40

I just sent mine off and got it back pretty quickly, I didn't need to send a photo - and I don't have a passport. I'm starting to think I'd better get a passport again as you seem to need ID for more and more purposes now.
An ID card would probably be cheaper, but I'm not sure if many places accept them, though I've sometimes been able to use my Freedom Pass as ID in the past.

cc Tue 01-Jul-25 16:46:16

David49

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.

Possibly his doctor was not aware that he was still driving? If he wanted to continue driving he may have avoided mentioning that he still drove.
I agree that some people are driving who really should not be on the road, but I doubt that GPs would agree to getting involved in any assessments of driving capability. It would be very time consuming, and they'd probably want to charge for the letter.

win Tue 01-Jul-25 17:02:54

Boz

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?

Yes they are very particular with the photos they even refused one the Photo Booth had accepted so had to another one in Tesco. Got it done free

4allweknow Tue 01-Jul-25 17:07:03

Never had to supply a new photo. I do have a chuckle at my bus pass photo, not renewed in 18 years.

BazingaGranny Tue 01-Jul-25 17:33:07

Hi, I had to do a postal application because my passport and driving licence don’t exactly tally re my place of birth, as the name of the country I was born in has changed!

I rang the Driving Licence office and they were v helpful. I went to Sainsbury’s photo booth to get the photo (quite expensive, was shocked!). I photographed my driving licence for safety, the. Posted the actual driving licence and paperwork and got new licence back in 8 days.

cc Tue 01-Jul-25 17:54:03

4allweknow

Never had to supply a new photo. I do have a chuckle at my bus pass photo, not renewed in 18 years.

The photo on my bus pass is truly awful, I almost hope that people think that it isn't me to be honest. How can I look like that, even on a bad day?!

TiggyW Tue 01-Jul-25 17:56:47

I have just renewed my driving licence at 70. If I’d chosen my passport photo it would have arrived very quickly, but I decided that my passport pic was awful! I received a form on the post from DVLA and sent in a new photo. (Not sure if it’s any better or not!). I was instructed to cut up my old paper licence (from 1979 when I married), and send it back to Swansea. Job done. 👍

TiggyW Tue 01-Jul-25 17:58:50

cc - I use my bus pass for everyday ID, like collecting parcels or receiving concession discounts.

Etoile2701 Tue 01-Jul-25 18:35:53

I renewed mine easily online but only for ID purposes. I haven't driven for over 30 years and wouldn't want to. I am due to be 80 next year.

JennyCee Wed 02-Jul-25 09:25:16

I applied about a year ago - dont have a car now - and they came back, quickly, to ask me for a photograph. I was nearly 80 and had red hair so……..

Greenfinch Thu 03-Jul-25 10:28:38

Thanks for all your replies. I have tried again online but no luck. They say I need to change my driving licence photo as they cannot confirm my identity online from my passport. Have I changed that much ?😒