2 weeks Ago By Luke Chillingsworth
Older drivers may lose their freedoms and give up their driving licence to follow a simple DVLA law. Although there is no legal age at which older motorists must stop driving, many road users may voluntarily quit if they begin to feel unsafe. A GP or doctor may advise motorists to stop driving over concerns that a health condition could impact their ability to travel safely.
Motorists who ignore this could trigger DVLA intervention with officials likely to force individuals to stop driving on safety grounds. The law states motorists must report any medical conditions to the DVLA which could also lead to an investigation. Officials may then decide to take action out of motorists' hands and impose restrictions or revoke a licence altogether.
The Older Drivers Forum explained: “There’s no legal age at which you must stop driving. You can decide when to stop, but medical conditions can affect your driving and might mean you have to give up your driving licence until you can meet the medical standards of fitness to drive again. “When you decide to stop driving or are advised by your doctor to stop you’ll need to tell DVLA and send them your licence.
” Surrendering a driving licence voluntarily may be in motorists' best interests and could help them obtain their photocard back later down the line. According to GOV.UK , voluntarily handing over a licence will likely “make it easier to apply for a new one”.
However, they confirm that action would likely be taken if unsafe motorists keep refusing to hand over their licence. GOV.UK added: “You must still inform DVLA about any medical condition that affects your driving.
DVLA will carry out medical checks to decide if you can continue to hold a driving licence. As long as your licence is valid, you can drive while they do this unless your doctor has told you not to. “If DVLA decides that it’s not safe for you to drive, your licence will be revoked.
” Drivers who then get behind the wheel without a valid driving licence could face serious consequences. Solicitors want this would likely lead to a fine of up to £5,000 with individuals possibly banned from obtaining a full licence later down the line..
