Elderly drivers will lose these motoring freedoms when they hit the age of 70 due to a crucial DVLA driving licence rule.
Older drivers above the age of 70 could lose two freedoms on the road (Image: Getty)
Older drivers will lose two crucial road freedoms when they reach 70 years of age in a major blow to UK state pensioners. According to motoring experts, road users will not be able to automatically retain their DVLA C1 and D1 driving licence entitlements when they reach the milestone birthday.
These are specific vehicle weight restrictions, with the C1 entitlement allowing road users to get behind the wheel of medium-sized lorries between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes. Meanwhile, the D1 entitlement will allow road users to drive minibuses of between 9 and 16 passenger seats.
C1 and D1 driving licence entitlements will be lost at 70 (Image: Getty)
Motorists who passed their standard Category B car driving test before January 1, 1997 will retain these rights until they reach the age of 70.
MoneySuperMarket said: “If you use the standard form, you’ll lose your entitlements. To retain these, you’ll need to have a D4 medical examination report every three years.
“The D4 form has to be filled in by a doctor. This could be your GP (although an optician might need to fill in the section about your eyesight), or a private firm specialising in drivers’ medical exams. Be aware that your doctor, optician or a private firm can charge you.”
Rules have since changed, with younger motorists passing their tests after 1997 only allowed to drive vehicles with up to 8 passenger seats, with stricter maximum authorised mass (MAM) limits.
The Older Drivers Forum has previously raised concerns, stressing that road users will need to complete additional forms or undertake a further test to still enjoy the entitlement and get behind the wheel of larger vehicles.
They said: “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).
“Once you renew your licence at 70 years of age you will automatically lose the C category on your licence, if you wish to continue having this category on your licence you will need to do another test again.”