licence renewal at 70

Deadsfo

Guest
I have just received the necesary forms to apply for the renewal of my driving licence as I will be 70 in november ,maintaining my c1 rights.I would like any advise,tips etc to help me get a smooth transition,i.e. the eye test in the memberships experience is it a case of just popping into a specsaver,Tesco ,Asda opticians type place make an appointment turn up with the forms and expect them to know all about it or is it a case of getting absolutly clued up on it and leading them by the nose thro, the required fields on the form. I have no health issues so would expect my Doctor to be able to fill in the health form without to much trouble,if not he can google it ,thats how he deals with any illness you confront him with. I think I read somewhere that there are independent doctors set up to do the required form filling ,or is going thro' your own Doctor the best way ,heres hoping for some usefull info.
 
We use the doctor as we were limited on the times available for the mobile doctors service.

Big tip is to double check and then check again the form that the doctor has completed. Our doctor made two mistakes and the DVLA picked them up one at a time which is seriously delayed the reissuing of the C1 licence.
At our doctors, we had to book long in advance for the appointment as James needed a double appointment with one of the partners.

Otherwise it should be straight forward.
 
The form lays out all the information required by the optician and doctor. Just book a test but inform them it is for an HGV equivalent test. It is more than just a normal eye test for me as I have restricted vision in one eye. I wouldn't pass a D or C test but I am OK for C1 D1 not for hire and reward. Doctors can also make mistakes, as happened in my last test which caused an 11 month delay that was only resolved by the intervention of my MP. DVLA blamed lack of staff on the delay.
 
Specialist

Maybe the mistakes GP's keep making is another reason to go with a specialist company for a driver's medical.
A GP may only do the occasional medical for licence purposes but the specialists are doing probably half a dozen or more a day therefore more likely to understand the requirements of the DVLA.
 
Like others, I recommend using a specialist centre rather than your GP and optician. Not only is it cheaper but they can arrange a medical within a couple of days, all the tests can be done by one person in one visit and they have specialist knowledge so that your completed form is unlikely to be rejected. When I had my test in January, it took about 30 minutes and cost £50. If you google it, several specialist centres will pop up. I chose mine on the basis that they seemed to have the most doctors in my area - therefore the choice of location was wider.

PS prior to the medical, order the D2/D4 pack online from the government website. It will take about 5 days to arrive.
 
Doctorsonwheels.co.uk You can ring up and get appointments- travel to nearest place they are going. online ones were full rang up and got one next day about 40 miles from us. They do the eye test as well and have forms you need. £55.
 
Private said:
Maybe the mistakes GP's keep making is another reason to go with a specialist company for a driver's medical.
A GP may only do the occasional medical for licence purposes but the specialists are doing probably half a dozen or more a day therefore more likely to understand the requirements of the DVLA.
Click to expand...

My GP claimed he could detect heart murmurs that others couldn't. He claimed I had one and that caused my 11 month delay. Every test they did showed nothing but his claim meant DVLA medical had to keep writing to specialist and the doctor requesting repeated proof over and over again and due to short staffing this took an unwarranted time. Only when my MP intervened without any further proof my licence appeared.
 
I used a drivers type company and the Doctor was in a normal practice. She new her way round the forma and triple checked every entry as she had experience of how the DVLA work.
 
On behalf of my cousin (He's one of my rescuers should the worst happen) I have just recently gone
through the paperwork side of the C1 @ 70 palaver;

Although I ordered the required forms D2 and D4 direct from the DVLA, a day later I happened on a Post Office
and got them there, about a week later the forms from the DVLA arrived.

D4 Medical is valid for up to 4 months prior to birthdate, I made an appointment with D4DriversMedicals
with Sunday booking, which took place at a fairly local Premier Inn. They list the things to take along
ie urine specimen, specs if needed for the eyesight test plus the relevant eyesight prescription etc. I gave
my cousin a copy of D4 just in case the doc had forgotten his, just as well because apparently he
needed 2 goes. In and out in less than 10 minutes, I know because I hadn't enough time to finish
my coffee whilst waiting! £50.

D2 Form should be sent in no more than 90 days prior to birthdate. Giving the DVLA permission to
access your Passport details and obtain your mugshot saves a bit of faffing.

I posted the completed forms along with cousins old licence cut in half off to the DVLA relevant
dept. and my cousin got the new license 10 days later, but dated unfortunately from when the
DVLA processed the application, so the new licence is nearly 3 months short of the 3 years. I
think things went smoothly due to my cousin having no detrimental medical conditions,
but we didn't take chances on leaving it to the last minute nevertheless.
Now I'll be geared up for when I have to do this again in 3 years time for myself, probably
change the rules between now and then!
 
Last edited:
@Byronic The same thing happened to Joan. We contacted DVLA and they sent a replacement licence , dated from the correct date. My renewal took 11 months so they renewed it from the date they processed it on, so I have mine now for 11 months after my 76 birthday. I contacted DVLA (always in writing or email) and they confirmed my licence was still valid past my 76 birthday. I had also been driving for 11 months on the expired licence legally, as DVLA were process the application.
 
John, yes 11 months is a big chunk to lose on a 3 year licence. I suppose I
could get my cousin to return the licence and request validity from his actual
birth date, but as I pointed out to him there would be a small risk of DVLA cock
up occurring so he'll live with it as is, can live with 10 weeks shortfall.
When I get round to making my application I may well accept the status quo as
above to do otherwise may leave me in a state of limbo in that I may well be
waiting for an amended licence at the very time I would be overseas, I
recognise that the DVLA state that it's OK to drive in the interim without being in actual possession of a licence, but there's some doubt as to whether Plod
overseas will be in agreement! I will try an accompanying letter though explaining the situation on application, they may date from birth date worth
a try.
 
Byronic said:
John, yes 11 months is a big chunk to lose on a 3 year licence. I suppose I
could get my cousin to return the licence and request validity from his actual
birth date, but as I pointed out to him there would be a small risk of DVLA cock
up occurring so he'll live with it as is, can live with 10 weeks shortfall.
When I get round to making my application I may well accept the status quo as
above to do otherwise may leave me in a state of limbo in that I may well be
waiting for an amended licence at the very time I would be overseas, I
recognise that the DVLA state that it's OK to drive in the interim without being in actual possession of a licence, but there's some doubt as to whether Plod
overseas will be in agreement! I will try an accompanying letter though explaining the situation on application, they may date from birth date worth
a try.
Click to expand...

dvla as was used to send you a letter explaining your licence was being renewed . and it was ok here and anywhere in the eu. had one every time i renewed my hgv /psv licence . always went to the medical section due to my disability . have been stopped in france spain and portugal . there was different languages on the reverse of the letter always no probs .
and like john i gain very often an extra 10 -12c months every time .
the system really is daft.
 
I'd rather travel overseas with an original current licence in my pocket, even if
it's one my 3 other full licences, just for the sake of applying in good time. I see no reports from people showing that the bit of paper they have been issued from the DVLA in the interim will be recognised overseas. Certainly not if
they intend renting a vehicle.
 
Can I drive?

This is the info I received from DVLA regarding driving while licence is being renewed.

Can I drive?

There is a provision in the law, under Section 88 of the Road Traffic Act, which could allow you to continue driving while your licence is being renewed, as long as you are able to satisfy all of the following criteria:

• DVLA is in receipt of a valid application, which is less than 1 year old
• you’ve held a GB/EU driving licence previously
• you’re not currently revoked/refused for medical reasons
• you’re not currently disqualified by a court
• you were not disqualified as a high risk offender on or after 1st June 2013
• you drive under the conditions of the licence applied for (e.g. provisional categories/entitlements, where a provisional licence was held)
• you would not be refused a licence for medical reasons

You can check the current medical standards of fitness to drive in our ‘Assessing Fitness to Drive’ guide for medical practitioners. Your GP or consultant will be able to help you if necessary.

B]Please note: When driving outside the UK, Section 88 may not be accepted. Before you travel, check with the country’s Licensing Authority for advice on driving there.[/B]

I carried this with me until my licence arrived. Note this applied only during the first year, if it takes longer then you can't drive, so would need to apply for a licence without C1 to continue. After that you would have to have C1 reinstated if they approve you to drive C1. You would have to seek an similar concession from any other countries you wish to drive in until your UK licence is renewed. You just can't drive abroad without this.
 
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