What age do you have to retake your driving test?

When do you have to retake your driving test?

There is no specific age at which you have to retake your driving test in the UK and there is no legal age limit at which you must stop driving.

There’s a common misconception that older people need to retake their test, but this is not the case – they just need to renew their licence when they reach 70 and then again every three years.

The most important thing is that you are confidence and competent in your ability to drive.

There may be other reasons why you can no longer drive – for example, you may have to retake your test if you have a medical condition to prove that you meet the necessary requirements, or if you’ve been disqualified for a driving offence.

Do older drivers need to retake their test?

No, older drivers to not need to retake their driving test in the UK.

The number of older drivers in the UK is continuing to increase year on year, with over six million UK drivers currently over 70 according to the DVLA – a figure that has risen by over 50% in the last decade. But do older drivers have to retake their test?

Reports show that drivers over the age of 70 are in fewer reported accidents overall, especially compared to younger age groups. However, when accidents do happen, the risk of injury or fatality tends to be higher, due to frailty and slower reaction times.

With the aim of increasing road safety for drivers, passengers and pedestrians alike, the government has recently unveiled major new proposals that will affect drivers over 70, including mandatory vision checks.

The proposals were announced after a coroner in Lancashire, Dr. James Adeley, described the UK’s licensing system as the ‘laxest in Europe’ in April 2025 after four inquests into deaths caused by drivers with poor eyesight.

What are the new proposals?

A new road safety strategy is expected to be published by the government in autumn 2025 following concerns about current safety messaging.

For example, the UK is currently one of only three European countries that relies on drivers self-reporting visual conditions that could affect their ability to drive.

One of the changes proposed is, therefore, making eye tests compulsory for over 70s when they renew their licence every three years.

The new proposals also include more comprehensive health checks – so anyone with new medical conditions or disabilities could potentially have their driving capabilities assessed.

Do you have to retake your driving test at 70?

In short, no. However, when you reach the age of 70, your licence expires, so if you want to continue driving, you need to reapply for your licence and then again, every three years thereafter.

Renewal is free of charge and, if you don’t apply for a new one, you won’t legally be allowed to drive.

Importantly, there is no requirement to take a test, but applicants must declare that they are fit and healthy to drive and their eyesight meets the minimum requirements for driving via self-assessment.

How do I know if I'm fit to drive?

The renewal form is a self-assessment, however, if you have been advised not to drive by a medical professional, then you should adhere to their advice. Some medical conditions can interfere with your driving ability at any age. The DVLA has devised an A to Z of medical conditions that are considered to affect driving ability.

If you are unsure of your driving ability, you can arrange for an independent assessment of driving skills to determine whether or not you are fit to drive. You can arrange this through your GP or another health professional.

Is there a legal requirement to stop driving at a certain age?

There is no upper age limit to driving in the UK. As long as you are fit and able and you have renewed your licence, you are legal to drive.

How to renew a driving licence at 70?

Usually a renewal form (D46P) will be sent from the DVLA 90 days before you turn 70, which you can complete and return to them.

Or you can renew your licence online on the government website using your Government Gateway ID. There is no fee for renewing the licence.

If you don't renew your licence after you turn 70, you will be unqualified to drive, even if you are fit and able to.

Can I still drive while I wait for my renewed licence?

You can drive while your licence is being renewed, but only if you meet the following conditions:

• You’re not currently disqualified.
• You weren’t disqualified as a high-risk offender on or after 1st June 2013.
• You have the support of your doctor to continue driving.
• You had a valid licence.
• You only drive under the conditions of the previous licence.
• Your application is less than a year old.
• Your last licence wasn’t revoked or refused for medical reasons.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there is no legal upper age limit for driving in the UK – as long as a person is fit and able to drive and has a valid, renewed license. However, new government proposals could introduce mandatory vision and health checks for drivers over 70.

We all know that, as we get older, some things can become more difficult, and driving might be one of them. Certain aspects of driving, such as gGetting in and out of a vehicle and, being able to crane your neck to see while manoeuvring, can all be a more strenuous task as you age.

There are specialist adaptations you can have made for your car with equipment designed to make driving easier. Even better, if you qualify for Motability, you can have this done when you order your vehicle as part of the scheme.

It's a good idea when it's time to renew your car that you think about the future and how long you are likely to be driving the car, as you'll want one that is flexible for any age and easy to get in and out of.