DVLA statement issued to drivers born in late 1954 or early 1955

Drivers born in late 1954 or early 1955 have been issued with a new message by the DVLA. Motorists born in this period who have just turned 70 years of age - or will do shortly - are being alerted to guidance on what to do.

The agency has just posted a message on X, formerly Twitter, to reach out to drivers who have just had their 70th birthday, or are preparing for it. Take note - the info is useful - and what it tells you to do is all free, and pretty quick to sort.

The message states: "Know someone who has just turned 70? Let them know they can renew their driving licence online: http://gov.uk/renewat70 It’s easy, quick and secure on http://GOV.UK."

The link then provides more information in both English and Welsh. It says you can renew your driving licence online with DVLA for free if you’re 70 or over – or will be 70 in the next 90 days.

If you renew online, your licence should arrive within one week. The website says drivers can use this service to renew a British driving licence if they are 70 or over, or will be 70 in the next 90 days - and:

• you’re a resident of Great Britain (there’s a different service in Northern Ireland)
• you meet the minimum eyesight requirement
• you aren’t prevented from driving for any reason
• your British licence has expired – or it’s going to expire within 90 days

Drivers must renew every three years once they reach 70. Officials at the DVLA say you can change the licence photo at the same time as renewing your licence.

But be aware - you cannot use this service to renew a C1 (medium-sized vehicles) or D1 (minibus) entitlement. "You must do this by post," says the DVLA.

What you need to renew your driving licence online

• your National Insurance number (if you know it)
• an email address
• a valid UK passport number (if you want to change the licence photo)
• addresses of where you’ve lived for the last 3 years

The DVLA state: "DVLA will send you a confirmation email once you’ve applied. You might be asked to take part in research by email, but you can opt out."

You can drive while your licence is being renewed (and you can find out more here ). To do so, however, you must meet all the following conditions:

• you weren’t disqualified as a high risk offender on or after 1 June 2013
• 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 had a valid licence
• you have the support of your doctor to continue driving