The short answer
- Your licence expires on your 70th birthday, then every three years: at 73, 76, 79 and so on.
- Renewing is free online or by post, and you can apply up to 90 days before.
- You must meet the eyesight standard and tell the DVLA about relevant medical conditions.
- There is no driving test or medical at 70; you declare that you are fit to drive.
The renewal rules
Car and motorbike licences in Great Britain are issued until your 70th birthday. At 70 you must renew to keep driving, and each renewal lasts three years. The DVLA sends a reminder, form D46P, about 90 days before, but you can renew without it.
Separately, the photo on a photocard licence must be updated every 10 years. Under 70, that costs £14 online. From 70 a new photo is included in the free renewal when you need one.
Example renewal dates
| Date of birth | Renew at 70 | Apply from | Next renewal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 March 1956 | 10 March 2026 | 10 December 2025 | 10 March 2029 |
| 15 June 1957 | 15 June 2027 | 17 March 2027 | 15 June 2030 |
Someone born on 20 January 1950 is 76 and next renews on 20 January 2029, aged 79.
How to renew
- OnlineGOV.UK, free
Usually the fastest. You need your address history for 3 years and your National Insurance number.
- By postThe D46P reminder or a D1 form
Free. Send a new passport-style photo if asked.
- AfterwardsNew licence in about a week online
Postal applications take longer. You can usually keep driving while the DVLA deals with it.
Use GOV.UK only
Some websites charge to “help” you renew. Renewal at 70 is free on GOV.UK.
Health and eyesight
When you renew, you declare that you meet the eyesight standard and list any medical conditions that could affect your driving. You must be able to read a car number plate from 20 metres, with glasses or contact lenses if you need them, and have adequate field of vision.
Conditions you must report include certain heart conditions, diabetes treated with insulin, epilepsy, glaucoma, dementia and conditions that affect both eyes. The DVLA may ask your doctor for information or ask for an eyesight test before deciding.
Proposed compulsory eye tests
In January 2026 the government’s road safety strategy proposed making eyesight tests compulsory for drivers aged 70 and over at each renewal, instead of relying on self-declaration. It consulted on how this would work. Until any change becomes law, the current self-declaration rules apply. A regular eye test is still a good idea: they are free on the NHS for people aged 60 and over.
What you can drive after 70
- Cars
- Category B
- Motorbikes
- If you already had them
- Minibuses, larger vans
- Categories C1 and D1
- How
- D4 medical report with the renewal
Insurance and older drivers
Insurers may ask about your age, health and licence status. Driving with an expired licence can invalidate your insurance, so renew in good time. Premiums often rise from the late 70s; shopping around and comparing specialist insurers can help.
Deciding when to stop driving
There is no upper age limit for driving. Many people drive safely into their 80s and 90s. Signs it may be time to think again include near misses, getting lost on familiar routes, or difficulty judging gaps. A driving assessment from a mobility centre gives independent advice. If you stop, you can surrender your licence to the DVLA, and many areas offer free bus travel from State Pension age.
Common mistakes
- Missing the reminder. If you do not get a D46P, you still need to renew.
- Paying a third-party site. Renewal is free on GOV.UK.
- Not declaring a condition. This can lead to a fine and invalidate insurance.
Tips for a smooth renewal
- Apply as soon as the 90-day window opens, so there is time if the DVLA needs medical information.
- Have your National Insurance number and addresses for the last three years ready if renewing online.
- Get an eye test first if you have not had one recently, so you can declare your eyesight with confidence.
- Keep a note of your next renewal date: the calculator shows every date from 70 to 100.