Older drivers to lose these freedoms at 70 due to DVLA rule in major blow to millions

The DVLA has confirmed that older drivers will lose certain freedoms once they reach their 70th birthday. Officials have explained motorists will lose C1 and D1 entitlements on their driving licence when they reach the milestone in a blow to elderly road users.

It means millions of pensioners will automatically be unable to get behind the wheel of certain heavier vehicles above 3,500kg.This mainly includes Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) but could also impact some motorhomes in a blow to retirement plans. Instead, individuals who wish to hold onto their entitlements may need to undergo further testing to ensure they are safe.

A DVLA spokesperson said: "Drivers with C1 and D1 entitlements are required to renew these categories when they reach the age of 70, ensuring they meet the higher medical standards required to operate larger vehicles."

According to officials, the rule ensures those at the age of 70 are brought up to date with younger road users. Rules changed back in 1997, with C1 and D1 categorised as group 2 entitlements from 1 January.

This meant that drivers who passed their car driving test on or after 1 January 1997 had to pass further driving tests and meet higher medical standards to obtain their C1 or D1 entitlement.

However, drivers who passed their driving test before 1 January 1997 were automatically granted entitlement to drive category C1 and restricted D1 vehicles.

It means that many middle-aged road users have more freedoms than others, possibly without even knowing. The DVLA warns that older drivers who do not renew their entitlement for C1/D1 vehicles at the same time will not be allowed behind the wheel of certain vehicles.

However, those who decide not to renew their entitlement as part of their ordinary car licence can do so at a later date. Older drivers have to renew their driving licence photocard every three years past the age of 70, more often than the 10-year gap for anyone under 70.

The Older Drivers Forum explained: "Once you renew your licence at 70 years of age you will automatically lose the C1 (Medium-sized vehicles between 3500kg and 7500kg) and D1 (Minibuses) categories on your licence.

"If you wish to still hold these you will need to complete a D2 (Application Form) and a D4 (Medical Examination Report)."