driving licence renewal for over 70's

As I am approaching this milestone, I decide to do this much before the due date.

I did it all on line, the process was very streamlined; even my passport picture was automatically pulled acroos.
No costs involved and a turn around of 3 days! I am amazed (pleasantly).

I only had a panick moment when I read C&D categories will disappear. I could keep these but it involved a lengthy (paper form) and costly process.
It looks it needs to be renewed every 3 years

 

That’s great, I guess the c+d categories are just small goods and buses? But you can still ride bikes right?

 

D & D1 are PCV's (D category) and Minibuses (D1)

C applies to smaller HGV 2's and below.

A D1 Minibus is 16 seats and over 3.5 tonnes unladen weight

At aged 70, you have to opt in to keep these licences, but....You are required to complete the same medical as you would for an HGV1 or PCV licence, and this has to be done every 3 years at licence renewal.

One of our guys at work has just gone through the process (we are a Community transport charity) where we all have to hold a D1, and it cost him £125 for the 2 minute joke of a medical and he had to wait about 6 weeks to boot to get the thumbs up. He is considering dropping it at next renewal.

A D1 licence is only held by licence holders who passed their test prior to 1997 or if they have paid the silly money to take the separate course/test. A minibus can be driven on a B licence (car ticket) providing it has an unladen weight of under 3.5 tonnes and carries no more than 8 passengers.

Understandably many like you are choosing not to renew their D, D1 or C licence which is causing problems for charities and community bus schemes recruiting new drivers..

 

Yes this is how I understood it although the website did not provide information about them, had to do some searching before I decided I didn’t need those categories.
Categories A& B’s as well as fklnpq remain

 

I still have my paper licence and been told if you send it in to DVLA make sure you have pics showing motorbike pass as some are coming back without it on, then you have to redo your test

 

Do it all online.

Quicker, safer and reduces the chance of categories going missing because you still hold the original document

 

My mate was going to buy a new bike and they asked to see his license and his motorcycle had gone, so he had to resit his test
I always take a picture now

 

Just curious, why did they ask to see his license?

 

Are they not responsible if things go wrong when they sell to someone not holding the right docs? I heard that somewhere but it’s a bit vague.
I was asked to send my paper copy back after getting my card at 70 as it was my first card type. Not likely. Mine’s a bit like the Dead Sea scrolls. The faces they made at the French car rentals. .!!

 

I don't know if paper licences can be done online as they have no records

 

I believe you can.DVLA site says it should come within a week if done online and three if you use snail mail.

 

You can - they have had computers for a while now!
https://www.gov.uk/exchange-paper-driving-licence
But if your circumstances have not changed you can carry on using the paper one.

 

There was something in MCN a few years ago about missing bike categories on peoples licenses when returned, DVLA wouldn't put them back on .
I have to renew mine every 5 year because of my HGV category so I always take a picture

 

I don’t know

 

Let my HGV lapse, not missed that or working, I think work is far overrated, I am probably in the category the gov classes as should be working but I am retired

 

my previous renewal was back in 2014 and was done with paper forn, cheque, post etc. That was when some people lost their entitlement. DVLA took no responsability and the onuse was for you to prove the entitlement of the old license. If they didn't, then would loose some of the categories like A.
At the time, I made sure I has a scan of the back of my old photo license.
My paper part has not expired and I guess I will receive one when it does so

 

Your paper copy became redundant in 2015, and will not be replaced when you update your photo license. It has just been taking up space if you carry it around.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/driving-licence-changes

 

thanks IAin. Didn't know about this

 

Mine is the original pink paper licence, shame they will not let you use it for gov ID, Also I don't have a passport ( living in Yorkshire who could ask for more ) so unless I have to I won't pay for a licence, but it is a pain as I can not go online for tax

 

you should frame it & austion it. isn't photo not legally required these days?
for road tax you only need V5 form or the remiber & credit card