Older drivers in England, Scotland and Wales must renew their driving licence at 70 and then every three years, and they must tell the DVLA about any medical condition that affects their driving. A written answer to Parliament on 14 October 2026 showed that DVLA decisions in medical cases are taking an average of 62.3 working days so far in 2026/27, so families in Berkhamsted helping a parent are wise to start the paperwork early.
To talk anything through with someone local, our Berkhamsted team is on 01442 954 137.
Driving often means far more than getting from A to B. For a parent in Berkhamsted, Northchurch or Potten End, the car can be the link to the weekly shop, the surgery, church and friends.
That is why licence renewal can feel loaded. A calm plan, made well before the deadline, takes much of the worry out of it for everyone.
What the DVLA figures mean for older drivers
On 14 October 2026 the Department for Transport answered a written question about waits for medical licence decisions. The answer, published on the UK Parliament written questions site, said that "the average number of working days to make a licensing decision in medical cases is 62.3 working days" so far in 2026/27.
The answer explained that cases needing medical investigation or information from third parties, such as doctors, can take longer. It also said the DVLA has introduced a new casework system and a digital medical services portal, is trialling text message updates and is recruiting more staff.
The same answer confirmed that the DVLA sends renewal reminders 90 days before expiry to drivers renewing at 70 and to those holding short-period medical licences.
Renewing a driving licence at 70
According to the GOV.UK page on renewing at 70, "Once you reach 70, you must renew every 3 years." Renewing online with the DVLA is free, and you can apply online if you are 70 or over, or will be 70 in the next 90 days.
The key points from GOV.UK are:
- The DVLA sends a D46P application form 90 days before a 70th birthday or before the licence expires.
- Online renewal needs sign-in details, and you may be asked to prove your identity, usually with photo ID.
- If applying by post, use the D46P form, or a D1 form from most Post Offices if you do not have it.
- GOV.UK says a postal licence "should arrive in 3 weeks", but it may take longer if medical or personal details need checking.
- To be eligible, you must meet the minimum eyesight requirement.
GOV.UK also sets out when someone can keep driving while an application is with the DVLA. Conditions include that their doctor supports them driving, they had a valid licence and they only drive under the conditions of their previous licence. The full list is on the page.
Declaring medical conditions and eyesight
The GOV.UK page on health conditions and driving says you need to tell the DVLA about some medical conditions, as they can affect your driving. It states: "You can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving."
Car and motorcycle licence holders can check and report a condition online. GOV.UK also lists times to give up a licence voluntarily, such as when a doctor advises stopping for 3 months or more.
Eyesight has its own rules. The GOV.UK driving eyesight rules say you must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away, wearing glasses or contact lenses if you need them to meet the standards of vision for driving. You must tell the DVLA about any eyesight problem affecting both eyes, or your remaining eye if you have sight in one only.
We are not able to advise on whether a particular condition affects driving. That is a question for your parent's GP, optician or specialist, and for the DVLA. Our article on driving with FND looks at one condition in more detail.
Why older drivers should start early
With medical licensing decisions averaging 62.3 working days so far in 2026/27, roughly 12 to 13 weeks, a renewal that needs medical checks may take a while. Starting the moment the 90-day reminder arrives gives the most room.
A few steps help a family stay ahead:
- Note the licence expiry date in a shared calendar.
- Gather photo ID and sign-in details before starting online.
- Book an eye test well before the renewal date.
Talking with a parent about driving
The conversation about driving is often harder than the paperwork. It often goes best when it is framed around staying independent, not around taking something away.
Choose a quiet moment, not the car journey after a near miss. Ask how driving feels now: at night, on busy roads, in rain. Listen first, and let the GP or optician be the voice on any health question.
Some older drivers decide for themselves to drive less, perhaps only in daylight or on familiar roads. Others choose to stop. Either way, the decision feels easier when there is already a plan for getting about.
Keeping life going if driving stops
Giving up the car does not have to mean giving up the routine. In Berkhamsted, the HertsLynx Dacorum service is an on-demand bus with no fixed timetable. According to Intalink, it has virtual bus stops across Dacorum, including Tring, Berkhamsted and Hemel Hempstead.
Intalink lists its core hours as 07:00 to 19:00 Monday to Saturday, and 10:00 to 16:00 on Sundays and bank holidays. According to Intalink's booking page, journeys can be booked through the HertsLynx app, online or by phone on 01992 555513.
Family lifts, a neighbour's help with the shopping and online grocery deliveries can all fill the gaps.
How companionship and home care can help
Our later life care helps people keep the shape of their week when driving becomes harder. Our carers accompany clients on shopping trips, to appointments and to social activities.
We work with familiar carers and consistent visit times, under a care plan agreed with the family. We are a CQC-regulated home care provider. Visiting care is from £34 an hour, and live-in care is from £255 a day, or from £295 a day for couples. A price is agreed after an assessment.
Our local team covers Berkhamsted and the surrounding villages, as set out on our Berkhamsted home care page. You can reach our Berkhamsted team on 01442 954 137 or at berkhamsted@starlinghomecare.co.uk.
Common questions about older drivers in Berkhamsted
Do you have to renew your driving licence at 70?
Yes. GOV.UK says that once you reach 70, you must renew every 3 years. The DVLA sends a D46P form 90 days before a 70th birthday or before the licence expires, and renewing online is free.
How long does the DVLA take with medical cases?
A written answer to Parliament on 14 October 2026 gave an average of 62.3 working days for licensing decisions in medical cases so far in 2026/27. Cases needing medical investigation or third-party information can take longer.
What happens if you do not tell the DVLA about a medical condition?
GOV.UK says you can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell the DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving. Car and motorcycle licence holders can check and report a condition online.
What are the eyesight rules for driving?
GOV.UK says you must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away, wearing glasses or contact lenses if you need them to meet the standards of vision for driving. You must tell the DVLA about any eyesight problem affecting both eyes, or your remaining eye if you have sight in one only.
Driving later in life is a personal matter, and every family handles it differently. Knowing the rules, acting on the reminder and having a plan for getting about means the decision, whenever it comes, can be made calmly and together.
Details checked against UK Parliament written answer UIN 33579, GOV.UK pages on renewing at 70, health conditions and driving and driving eyesight rules, and the Intalink HertsLynx Dacorum and HertsLynx booking pages on 19 October 2026. Our prices are starting rates, checked on the same date.
Arranging Care Is Simple
Starting care can feel like a big step. We keep it calm and straightforward, and we are here to guide you from your very first call.
1. Talk to us
Get in touch by phone or request a callback. We will listen, answer your questions and help you understand the options, so you can decide what feels right in your own time.
2. A home visit and initial consultation
We arrange a visit to understand your routines, your home and what matters most to you. Together we agree an initial consultation and shape the support that feels right.
3. Your care begins
A small, familiar team starts your care, arriving at the agreed times and staying involved as your needs change. We remain your trusted adviser throughout.
Whenever you are ready, we are here to help.