Everything to consider when renewing your driving license at 70

Whilst there is no legal maximum age limit for drivers, those who wish to continue driving after they turn 70 must apply to renew their driving licence, and then every three years thereafter. In January 2026, the Government launched a consultation proposing mandatory eyesight tests for drivers over 70, which could be introduced alongside licence renewal in the future.

When do I need to renew a driving licence?

The DVLA will send a reminder letter along with a D46P application form around 90 days before a driver’s 70th birthday. Applications can then be made any time during that 90-day period.

If you do not receive a reminder, you are still responsible for renewing your licence before it expires.

What happens if I do not renew my licence at 70?

A driving licence automatically expires on your 70th birthday and, as long as an application has been submitted before your birthday, you may continue driving until the DVLA has made a decision on your renewal. Driving without a valid licence is illegal.

Do I have to retake my driving test at 70?

No, there’s no requirement to resit a driving test when renewing your licence at 70. However, for drivers who want reassurance about their ability or confidence, there are optional assessments available:

Driving Mobility has 20 centres throughout the UK offering driving assessments in your own car.
IAM RoadSmart offers a 60-minute Mature Driver Assessment with an approved assessor.

These assessments can be helpful if you want to check your driving is still safe, or refresh your knowledge of road rules.

Discussing driving ability with older relatives

It can be difficult to talk to a parent or relative about their driving ability, especially after illness or as they get older.

Encourage open conversations and consider professional assessments if there are concerns. Being prepared and supportive can make the process easier. You can read one person’s experience of having a driving assessment after a stroke, and the importance of being prepared for it.

Medical conditions and driving over 70

Research by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) shows that drivers over 70 are not inherently more likely to have accidents – but they are more likely to have health conditions that need to be reported to the DVLA.

You must declare any medical condition that could affect driving. Non-declaration is a serious offence and can result in a fine of up to £1,000, or prosecution if the condition contributes to a crash.

Common conditions include (but are not limited to):

Dementia
Insulin-treated diabetes
Parkinson’s disease
Epilepsy
Multiple sclerosis (MS) or other chronic neurological conditions
Loss of vision in one or both eyes

This is not an exhaustive list. For a full guide, see the GOV.UK medical conditions and driving page.

Declaring a condition does not automatically prevent licence renewal and the DVLA may request further information from your GP, a specialist, or ask you to take a driving assessment.

It is also important to inform your car insurer about any medical conditions.

Our guide to knowing when to stop driving safely has some great advice and tips on what to consider.

Eyesight standards

There is a legal eyesight requirement for all drivers. You are allowed to wear glasses or contact lenses to meet the standard, as long as they are worn while driving. Drivers requiring corrective lenses will have a code 01 on their licence.

Some drivers may continue to drive safely with vision in only one eye, if the field of vision and sight in the remaining eye are sufficient. However, any significant change in eyesight must be reported to the DVLA.

For detailed standards, see GOV.UK eyesight requirements for drivers.

The Royal National Institute for the Blind explains that it can take a person up to three months to adjust to the loss of sight in one eye. More advice and guidance about driving with vision issues is available in the resource bank below.

Planned changes under the Government Road Safety Strategy (Jan 2026)

In January 2026, the UK Government published a new Road Safety Strategy that includes a consultation on improving eyesight checks for older drivers. As part of this, the Department for Transport is inviting views on requiring drivers aged 70 and over to take a mandatory eyesight test as part of their licence renewal every three years.

Currently, older drivers only make a self-declaration about their eyesight when renewing, but the consultation proposes that a formal eyesight test could replace or supplement the current system, to help ensure vision standards are met.

This proposal isn’t yet law. The current renewal process remains unchanged until any legislation is passed. Drivers and organisations can respond to the consultation while decisions are being made.

Read the consultation on GOV.UK.

Eligibility to renew at 70

To renew your driving licence at 70, you must meet the following criteria:

Your existing or previous British licence is expiring or has expired
You are a resident of Great Britain (Northern Ireland has a separate system)
You meet the minimum eyesight requirement
There are no other medical or legal reasons preventing you from driving

How to renew your driving licence at 70

Applications can be made online or by post. The DVLA reminder letter explains the process and includes the D46P form for postal applications.

Renewing online

Visit the GOV.UK page for renewing a driving licence at 70
Log in with a Government Gateway ID (you can create one if needed)
Provide:
- A valid email address
- Addresses where you have lived in the past three years
- Your National Insurance number
- A valid UK passport number (if updating your photo)

Processing is typically within one week and a confirmation email is sent once the application is complete.

Renewing by post

Complete the D46P form from the DVLA reminder letter, or pick one up at your local Post Office
Include an authorised photo if required (online applicants with a valid passport may not need to submit one, even if they have an ‘old style’ paper licence)

Postal applications can take up to three weeks to process.

Cost

Renewing a driving licence at 70 is free of charge, and subsequent renewals every three years after 70 are also free.

Continuing to drive after 70

If you submit your renewal application before your 70th birthday, you may continue driving until the DVLA makes a decision. Ensure that:

Your doctor supports your continued driving
You only drive under the conditions of your previous licence
Your application is less than a year old
Your last licence was not revoked or refused for medical reasons
You are not currently disqualified from driving
You weren’t disqualified as a high risk offender on or after 1 June 2013

Deciding to stop driving

Choosing to stop driving can be difficult, but there are alternatives to maintain independence, such as public transport, community transport schemes, or taxis.

The Older Drivers website has resources and a cost calculator to help plan for stopping driving.