The DVLA driving licence rule that applies to all motorists over 70

The DVLA has warned that all motorists over the age of 70 must renew their driving licence every three years or face fines.

Those who fail to renew their driving licence will no longer be legally allowed to drive after their 70th birthday. And those who continue to drive without getting a new licence will be committing a serious offence, as their licence and insurance will not be valid.

Flouting the rules can result in fines of up to £1,000 and even a ceased vehicle. However, an expired licence does not mean you have to stop driving - all you have to do is to renew it, reports the Daily Record.

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To do this, you can fill in a D46P application form, which the DVLA will send to you 90 days before your 70th birthday - or you can pick one up at a post office. The DVLA reminded drivers about the rule on Twitter and wrote: "After you turn 70, you need to renew your licence every three years. It’s easy, quick and secure to do it online."

The online process is straight forward and the replacement should arrive in one week. You can renew your licence online by logging onto the DVLA website here. First time users will need to register and should have the following:

• an email address
• addresses of where you’ve lived for the last three years
• your National Insurance number (if you know it)
• a valid UK passport number (if you want to change the licence photo)

You will be sent an email confirmation once you have applied. Meanwhile, you can drive while your licence is being renewed if you meet all the following conditions:

• you have the support of your doctor to continue driving
• you had a valid licence
• you only drive under the conditions of the previous licence
• your application is less than a year old
• your last licence wasn’t revoked or refused for medical reasons
• you’re not currently disqualified
• you weren’t disqualified as a high risk offender on or after 1 June 2013

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