DRIVERS over the age of 70 will be banned from two vehicles if they don't change their licence – here's how to avoid being caught out.
A little-known DVLA policy means two entitlements will automatically vanish from the licenses of those over 70.
When drivers reach 70, three things happen to their license.
Firstly, they must renew them.
Secondly, they must continue to renew them every three years.
Thirdly, they automatically lose their C1 or D1 entitlements.
C1 allows users to drive medium-sized vehicles with a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of between 3,500kg and 7,500kg.
While D1 entails users can drive minubuses with no more than 16 passenger seats.
They must be a maximum length of eight metres and have a trailer of up to 750kg.
However, there are measures over 70s can take to regain their entitlements.
HOW TO AVOID BEING CAUGHT OUT
The DVLA will send you two forms 56 days before your driving licence runs out.
This includes an “application for renewal of lorry and bus entitlement” (D47P) and a “medical examination report” form (D4).
It's free to renew or change a bus or lorry licence.
Next, complete form D47P.
Then, ask a doctor to fill out the medical examination report.
You can also get an optometrist or optician to fill out vision assessments.
As part of the application, elderly drivers must complete a D2 application form with a D4 medical examination report.
Charges may apply and processes differ in Northern Ireland.
Then, send the completed forms by post to the DVLA.
This change does not apply to renewing licence photos.
You can find out how to renew your licence,here.
