Elderly drivers warned of £1,000 fines for little-known offence

Elderly drivers have been warned of massive £1,000 fines for failing to renew their driving licences on time. The DVLA has recently warned motorists over the age of 70 that they must renew their driving licences every three years. If they fail to do so, they risk receiving fines of up to £1,000, six penalty points and even a driving ban.The agency added that drivers should renew their licences online to avoid any unwelcome delays.Renewing licences was made easier in the summer of 2022 as the DVLA announced major changes designed to speed up the process.On July 20, the DVLA revealed changes that enable healthcare professionals other than doctors to complete DVLA medical questionnaires.This would take place following any notification of a medical condition that may affect an individual’s driving.READ MORE: Drivers issued with urgent E10 winter warning as cars risk damage Elderly drivers have been warned of huge fines. (Image: Getty)Specialist nurses and opticians are among the healthcare professionals now able to complete DVLA medical questionnaires.This is part of an approach by the DVLA to improve and speed up the medical licencing process.It is hoped that it will also reduce the burden on doctors when filling out medical questionnaires.An amendment to the Road Traffic Act 1988 means a wider pool of registered healthcare professionals, other than doctors, can now be authorised to provide information where a driver has declared a medical condition.DON’T MISS Petrol and diesel drivers warned of £100 daily costs with new CAZ [WARNING] Motorists warned of huge £1,000 fine for simple driving licence error [FINE] Electric car drivers warned of major changes being made in November [INSIGHT]  Drivers over the age of 70 must renew their licences every three years. (Image: Getty) The UK’s most dangerous regions to drive in. (Image: EXPRESS)Julie Lennard, DVLA chief executive, previously said: ‘Drivers looking to renew their licence at 70 and over should use our online service which is secure, free of charge, and also the quickest and easiest way to transact with DVLA.’Customers usually receive their driving licence in just five days. Always remember to always use Gov.uk when using any of DVLA’s many online services.’Reminding drivers on Twitter, the DVLA wrote last month: ‘Renewing your licence at 70 is easy to do online, plus it’s quick and secure.’