The law says that driving safely is your responsibility, whatever your age.
As you get older, it’s up to you to ensure you are driving within your capabilities and that your car is safe to drive.
Is your eyesight good enough to drive safely? Read more about eyesight and driving.
Have you got a medical condition which might affect your driving? Read more about medical conditions and older drivers.
Self declaration
- When you turn 70, the DVLA (DVA in Northern Ireland) will send you a form to renew your licence for three years.
- You need to declare on this form that you are still fit and able to drive safely.
- It's your responsibility as the licence holder to inform the DVLA of any medication or medical condition that may affect your driving.
- It's also your responsibility to fill in this self-assessment questionnaire honestly and factually.
Failure to tell the DVLA about your medical condition, or that it has changed, is a criminal offence and you could be prosecuted.
If you’re unsure about whether your medication or medical condition impacts on safe driving, or whether your driving abilities continue to meet a safe standard, get professional advice from a mobility centre. These are run by Driving Mobility. Find your nearest mobility centre.
A personal MOT
When renewing your licence and filling in the required form, it's also a good time to think about a personal MOT to help you carry on driving safely for longer:
- Make sure you have regular eyesight tests with an optician. Read more about driving and eyesight.
- Visit your doctor and get medical advice about any medicines you take which may affect your driving. Check that you've notified the DVLA/ DVA of any medical conditions you've developed. Read more about driving and medical conditions.
- When was the last time someone looked at your driving? You could go for a voluntary appraisal of your driving with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). Read more about this at the Older Drivers Forum website and the Institute for Advanced Motorists (IAM).
- Some county councils may offer services for older drivers. The Older Drivers Forum has more about this.
A driving appraisal can be a great way to brush up on your skills and carry on driving safely for longer. It can be interesting, even fun, and can help build your confidence, so why not give it a go?
More information
Find your nearest mobility centre for advice and assessment
Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM)
Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
Driver and Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland (DVANI)
GEM Motoring Assist - Still Safe to Drive
Disabled Motoring UK - supporting Blue Badge holders