Asked by: Baroness Jolly (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government, following the reduction of Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency services due to COVID-19, what steps they are taking to support people over the age of 70 to renew their driving licences by post.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton
The quickest and easiest way to renew a driving licence at the age 70 and over is to use the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)’s online service.
If drivers are unable to use the online service they should submit a paper application in the normal way. However, paper applications will take longer to process in the current circumstances. Some drivers may be able to continue to drive while their application is being processed, provided they have a valid licence and they have not been told by a doctor or optician not to drive.
The department is considering what can be done to help drivers who are unable to use the DVLA’s online service, and will provide more information when available.
Asked by: Baroness Jolly (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of COVID-19 on people’s ability to see a doctor to confirm their fitness to drive, and thereby to fulfil the criteria of section 88 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 so they can continue driving.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton
It is a driver’s responsibility to ensure that they meet the criteria for driving under the provisions of Section 88 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 while their application is being considered.
While there is no specific requirement to visit a doctor for these purposes, if a driver has been told not to drive by a doctor or optician, they should not do so.
Asked by: Baroness Jolly (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many people over the age of 70 have applied to renew their driving licence (1) online, and (2) by post, in each of the last five years for which figures are available, broken down by age of applicant.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton
The table below shows the number of applications received from those renewing their driving licence at the age of 70 and over either online or by post in the last five financial years. It has not been possible in the time available to break this down by age of applicant.
| Online applications age 70 and over | Postal applications age 70 and over |
2015-2016 | 720,152 | 1,068,060 |
2016-2017 | 843,947 | 1,079,017 |
2017-2018 | 897,577 | 990,243 |
2018-2019 | 907,005 | 1,117,544 |
2019-2020 | 1,128,344 | 1,012,176 |