No doubt this is all over the place but have just seen it on The Northern Echo
What changes are happening?
Licence Renewal Every 5 Years for Drivers Aged 55–69:
Currently, most UK drivers renew their licence every 10 years. From October 2025, drivers aged 55 to 69 will need to renew every 5 years instead.
Mandatory Health and Vision Self-Assessment:
At each renewal, drivers over 55 must complete a simple health and eyesight self-assessment form. Those reporting specific medical conditions (like diabetes, epilepsy, or heart issues) may be asked for a GP confirmation.
Digital-First Renewal System:
Renewals will be encouraged through the DVLA’s online portal , allowing faster approvals and fewer delays. Paper-based renewals will still exist but may take longer to process.
Optional “Fitness-to-Drive” Certificates for Professional Drivers:
Those working as delivery drivers, bus drivers, or taxi operators can opt for an additional “fitness-to-drive” certificate — confirming medical and vision clearance. This could help with employer insurance requirements.
Garbage, apparently and this has been withdrawn and replaced
A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that new changes had been brought in for drivers over 55s, but this error has now been corrected.
At this current time, UK drivers must renew their photocard driving licence every 10 years.
However, drivers over the age of 70 have a shorter renewal period of every three years and must also declare any medical conditions that could affect their driving.
I had to declare on my last couple of renewals that my sight was OK.
I have type 2 diabetes but that is OK as I don't use insulin.
The much younger bloke over the road also has to renew his licence every three years as he is type 1 and does use insulin.
Indeed, the Northern Echo has retracted that original piece
A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that new changes had been brought in for drivers over 55s, but this error has now been corrected.
At this current time, UK drivers must renew their photocard driving licence every 10 years.
However, drivers over the age of 70 have a shorter renewal period of every three years and must also declare any medical conditions that could affect their driving.
I’m just over 73. My old licence expired at 70. 3 months before reaching 70 I got a letter and I could reapply for a 3 year license. It’s free. The rules say that you can continue to drive even if the new licence hasn’t arrived provided you have submitted a valid application, I applied as soon as I could and used the online process and it arrived very quickly. As part of the application I had to submit a ticket box self evaluation saying, among other things, that I met the eyesight standards which is the same as for the driving test, read a number plate from x metres away. As I approached 73, repeat, so my licence is valid to age 76.
There is cross party support for a change, as far as I know not yet before parliament, which will require an opticians certificate instead of a self declaration at each renewal after 70. It might be fine, but for me it depends on how avaricious the opticians are, do they charge £lots to sign it off, how does it fit with the routine tests most of us already have, funded by NHS every 2 years but licences are on a 3 year cycle, and is there enough capacity in the profession to do the work when needed. Will there be “ mission creep” - not just opticians but doctors sign off perhaps.
Meanwhile the less responsible elements of the press and lazy journalists put out false stories to discredit Government, just like false claims that vegan diets will be compulsory. I will wait to see the white paper before I make up my mind and write to my MP.
This page, from the House of Commons library, describes the current position,
I never got the reminder at 76, three points and £100 fine plus insurance up to £6,760
Gave my car to my son, he uses it more than me anyway, and I am on as second driver.
I have set reminders in my Google calendars for my next one.
