Older motorists in the UK could lose key driving rights at 70 due to DVLA rules. The Older Drivers Forum warns that “once you renew your licence at 70 years of age you will automatically lose the C1 (medium-sized vehicles between 3,500kg and 7,500kg) and D1 (minibuses) categories on your licence.”

To keep these rights, drivers must complete extra paperwork, including a D2 application and D4 medical exam. In some cases, they may also need to retake a driving test. Experts caution this could affect retirees who rely on larger vehicles for travel.

The forum explained: “When you renew your licence at 70, many of the other entitlements to drive vehicles of other categories will be lost unless you apply for them.” This means rights to drive motorhomes between 3,500kg and 7,500kg could also be suspended until medical clearance is provided.

Motorists under 70 can still apply for provisional C1 entitlement with a full car licence, but higher categories usually require a separate test regardless of age.

These changes may disrupt retirement travel plans, particularly for those planning staycations in larger motorhomes. The rule ensures older drivers meet stricter health and safety standards before operating heavier vehicles.