The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has introduced stricter procedures for drivers between the ages of 55 and 69, responding to a noticeable rise in age-related medical conditions. The Department for Transport has flagged concerns around issues such as slower reaction times, chronic illnesses and eyesight deterioration in older drivers.
As part of the reform, licence holders in this age group will now need to renew their driving licence every five years, rather than every ten, with new health declaration requirements introduced during each renewal.
Mandatory reporting of medical conditions linked to road safety
Drivers aged 55 and above are now subject to more rigorous checks around their medical fitness to drive, with the DVLA enforcing updated rules surrounding “notifiable” health conditions. According to the DVLA, these are any conditions that could impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely on public roads. The changes follow evidence of an increase in age-related medical diagnoses that may compromise driving.
There are seven key health conditions that are categorised as notifiable and must be declared to the DVLA under all circumstances. These include diabetes (especially if treated with insulin), heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation or pacemaker use, epilepsy, stroke, glaucoma, syncope (fainting) and sleep apnoea. Failing to report any of these could result in a fine of up to £1,000, and in more serious cases, prosecution if the condition contributes to an accident.
In addition to the mandatory conditions, the DVLA maintains an extended A-to-Z list of 188 conditions that may require reporting if they impact driving ability. These range from common mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression, to rarer diagnoses like motor neurone disease or severe visual field defects. Not all require automatic notification; many depend on how the condition affects day-to-day function behind the wheel.
According to official DVLA guidance, drivers must surrender their licence if their doctor advises against driving for three months or more, or if their condition fails to meet legal driving standards. The DVLA may also issue short-term licences, valid for 1, 2, 3 or 5 years, following a medical review.
Renewals and assessments for drivers over 55
The most notable administrative change involves the renewal cycle. From now on, drivers aged 55 to 69 will need to renew their licence every five years, rather than the standard ten. According to the DVLA, this shift is designed to ensure more frequent health assessments, as the risk of developing new medical issues increases with age.
For those aged 70 and over, the existing three-year renewal cycle remains in place. However, all renewals—regardless of age—now come with an obligation to declare any notifiable medical conditions. Applications that raise concerns may prompt the DVLA to consult with a GP or request an independent driving assessment or eyesight test.
In some cases, adaptations to a driver’s vehicle may be required, and these must meet specifications outlined by the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers. Drivers who disagree with a DVLA decision may submit further medical evidence or appeal the outcome in court.
DVLA officials stress that these new measures are not intended to penalise older drivers, but to balance personal mobility with public safety. Drivers are encouraged to use the online A-to-Z medical conditions service to check if they need to report a diagnosis.
With road safety under growing scrutiny, the updated guidance seeks to establish a more dynamic approach to driver fitness. As the UK population continues to age, the DVLA’s approach appears focused on maintaining confidence in the licensing system—without compromising safety for anyone on the road.
