DVLA accused of 'persecuting pensioners' as people born after this year lose 'two freedoms'

A DVLA rule means people over a certain age will see major changes to their licence which restricts their freedoms on the roads

People who are about to mark a big birthday might find they have one less thing to celebrate as they will see a major change to their driving licence. Those born in 1954 will be turning 70 this year but the date also means they lose two freedoms when it comes to what they can drive.

Under DVLA rules affecting millions of motorists those turning 70 could end up on the wrong side of the law if they don't realise two restrictions which come into force. According to the Older Drivers Forum there are two categories people will automatically lose when they hit 70.

It says drivers will "automatically lose" their C1 and D1 driving licence categories when they are 70. This will stop anyone of that age driving bigger vehicles or minibuses.

The organisation said: "Around 90 days before you turn 70, the DVLA will send you a D46P form to renew your licence for a maximum of three years. You need to declare on this form that you are still fit and able to drive safely, so it remains your responsibility to judge this."

It added: "Once you renew your licence at 70 years of age you will automatically lose the C1 (Medium sized vehicles between 3500kg and 7500kg) and D1 (Minibuses) categories on your licence. If you wish to still hold these you will need to complete a D2 (Application Form) and a D4 (Medical Examination Report).

"Once you renew your licence at 70 years of age you will automatically lose the C category on your licence, if you wish to continue having this category on your licence you will need to do another test again.

"Drivers holding a category B+E licence before their licence expired at age 70 can continue to drive a vehicle weighing up to 3.5 tonnes with a trailer up to a maximum combination weight limit of 8.25 tonnes, once renewed."

People have taken to social media to complain at the move which has been dubbed "persecution of pensioners". Mike wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "More and more persecution of older drivers."

And writing on The Express @MiniMIner added: "I find it incredible that we are gradually moving the state retirement age towards 70 and yet we seem to also be saying that come 70 we are all decrepit and need to be checked. What about all those from 17 to 70?"