Over 70 with a medical condition - can I continue to drive?

My licence was due for renewal in June 2021. As I am 72 years old with a medical condition I am issued with a new licence every two years. I could not do an online renewal in June as my medical condition had changed since last renewal. I sent in a paper renewal request along with additional requested documents in June 2021. I have heard nothing from DVLA since then.

Phoning the DVLA is pointless as the queues are very long and after an hour in the queue I get cut off and have to redial, this puts me at the end of the queue again. Emails receive a standard non helpful reply.

I am currently driving with an out of date licence. DVLA site says this is OK if my renewal is with DVLA. The police say I must have a current licence and goodness knows what my insurance company would say.

Am I legal to drive, and how do I contact the DVLA?

Asked on 21 December 2021 by Geoff G

Answered by Sarah Tooze
While your application is being processed you should be able to continue to drive, provided you have not been told by your doctor or optician not to. I would suggest reading this guide: www.gov.uk/government/publications/inf1886-can-i-d...a

The DVLA is currently processing applications from October 7 but does advise that there may be additional delays if medical investigations are needed as part of your driving licence application.

I suggest that you continue to try contacting their call centre. They are likely to need your driving licence number and application number to track down your application.
Similar questions
I am a UK citizen and recently returned resident. My foreign driving licence expires soon. I applied to the DVLA for a new licence six weeks ago but have heard nothing. Am I allowed to drive while awaiting...
I was reading an answer to a question about over 70s driving licence renewals from your latest newsletter which prompted me to check mine. It is over 12 months out of date, but I never received any reminder....
I'm 71 and my licence says it expires June 2022. Am I still allowed to drive if over 70?
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer