Any over 70`s out there?

[tejbat6]

Turn 70 at the end of the year
T2 on insulin and metfartin
have been trying to find definitive info on my licence status at 70+
been on the dvla, camping and caravanning club sites, plenty of gobledegook
as well as trawling through this section on this site
I passed my tests in the very early 1970`s so currently have a `full` licence that allows me to tow a caravan and ride a motorbike A,B,BE,B1,f,k,i,n,p
current "diabetic 3 year" licence expires 27-01-15
Expect to get the 70+ forms any time from August onwards..has been 6 weeks or so for the D renewals and usually doesn`t get sorted `till xmas or later after I return the forms with enclosed printouts of previous submissions and a request for them to open your bl**dy eyes..please
So I am planning early for this one

Questions:-
1 is over 70 renewed yearly or what/when?
2 how do I keep my BE status ?
not too bothered about the motorbike licence as I can knock enough lumps out of myself on my road/touring bikes.
3 will there be a conflict of interest as it were between the 70+ bods and the D beasts at DVLA?

ps got a sore throat, had the camera down into stomach trying to find my ex caping ferrits 😱 its on another bit of the site, couldn't resist it 😛

pps not holding my breath

 

[Pumper_Sue]

Does this help? https://www.gov.uk/renew-driving-licence-at-70

 

[tejbat6]

Nope !!!..................................

 

[Pumper_Sue]

New link removed as Copepod has rightly pointed out it applies to NI.
Thank you for you kind response in your previous post.

 

[Copepod]

Tejbat6, as you've tried all internet resources, and there don't appear to be any other members in your situation able to post just now, how about phoning Diabetes UK helpline - see http://www.diabetes.org.uk/How_we_help/Talk-to-someone/Careline/ 0345 123 2399 Mon to Fri 9am to 7pm

One of the example questions is "What's the law about driving?" so I'm pretty confident they'll be able to help when it opens in less than 30 minutes from now.

 

[silentsquirrel]

I'll be interested to hear the outcome of this as I may be in the same situation in 6 years time - my 3-yearly renewal comes up just a few weeks before my birthday.
In theory, I suspect the medical renewal should override the over 70 renewal, but would not be surprised if left hand of DVLA does not know what right hand does......
Hope the process goes smoothly, Tejbat, keep us posted!

 

[Pumper_Sue]

I'll be interested to hear the outcome of this as I may be in the same situation in 6 years time - my 3-yearly renewal comes up just a few weeks before my birthday.
In theory, I suspect the medical renewal should override the over 70 renewal, but would not be surprised if left hand of DVLA does not know what right hand does......
Hope the process goes smoothly, Tejbat, keep us posted!

There is a 2nd link where all info is provided 🙂
Obviously the medical side of things comes first.

 

[cherrypie]

Once you reach 70 then your licence has to be renewed every three years. You have to declare that you are medically fit to drive when you fill in the renewal forms..

Never towed a caravan but this may help the OP, it seems to depend on weight of the vehicle being towed..
http://www.caravantalk.co.uk/commun...ence-regulations-when-you-reach-70-years-old/

 

[Copepod]

Actually, Pumper_Sue's second link applies to Northern Ireland, only. Without knowing in which part of UK Tejbat6 lives, it's not possible to know whether they deal with DVLA or DVA.

It's a slightly complex than usual issue, that's why I suggested Diabetes UK helpline. Plus, it helps to alert DUK if advice on government websites are unclear, so they can use their influence,

 

[tejbat6]

Thanks for `all` your replies and links

www.caravantalk.co.uk
just joined it as its a mine of information

On the thread subject

D UK passed me to DVLA medical 0300 790 6806

DVLA
I keep my current licence and entitlements so can just continue as now towing caravan
Towing vehicle to be 3500kgs or less. Any trailer/caravan to be within the towing vehicle manufactures towing limit
Self assessment health form filled and returned is all that is required provided I have not had hypos requiring outside assistance .. same question that seems to catch people out on D licence form
Am not required to send licence back as it is still valid
"It is just a paper exercise then"
Quote "YES"
That's sorted then

3yr D licence
Renew as usual when it expires 27-01-15

It was explained that it had the C1 removed when first D licence applied for
Would need to go through the usual hoops to get it back
wont be bothering as do not intend getting a Large Motorhome or drive `owt similar

So there we are

Carry On regardless

How did you know my name was Regardless?

the `owd uns are the best 🙄

 

[cazzy73]

Hi this one caught my eye. I joined here for my Mum & partly myself. But my Dad turned 70 last month he has a few ailments high bp and a some arthritis in one knee. No diabetes. Buthe cconvinced himself that once he turned 70 they won't let you drive, & you have to have a full medical. People said you only have to fill in a tiny form. Got himself in a right state.

 

[tejbat6]

Hi this one caught my eye. I joined here for my Mum & partly myself. But my Dad turned 70 last month he has a few ailments high bp and a some arthritis in one knee. No diabetes. Buthe cconvinced himself that once he turned 70 they won't let you drive, & you have to have a full medical. People said you only have to fill in a tiny form. Got himself in a right state.

should have had a self assessment form from DVLA before he turned 70 is my understanding. I await mine with relish before November
fill it out
send it back
no need to return current licence if it is valid unless they specifically ask for it
I take it he is on meds to control his High BP ??

 

[trophywench]

Aren't you limited to the weight of trailer (or caravan) you can tow as well?

 

[tejbat6]

Aren't you limited to the weight of trailer (or caravan) you can tow as well?

Yes, goes without saying 🙂
vehicle makers towing limit........... it will be in your handbook

got my match checked via CC Club....

See some awful looking unit matches these days
Just `cos its 4wd don`t necessarily mean you can tow the biggest twin axle `van you can find. probably why they creep along at 40 on a Mway
Tail wagging dog eh! 😱

 

[Archemedes]

Over 70

If it's any help to you I'm male, over 70, Type 2 and a caravanner.
The only difference between us I think is that I use Linagliptin and am not Insulin dependant.
Under normal circumstances your over-70 driving licence renewals should come at three year intervals, and if you had B+E on your licence previously, then this would automatically be renewed on your new licence.
What you do lose are your C and D entitlements which allowed you to tow heavy loads over 3500kg.
Most caravanners can get away with B+E as there are few cars or caravans weighing more than 3500kg. In any event, the C and D categories would only be needed if you wanted to drive something like a motorhome weighing-in at more than 3500kg.
When I enquired, the DVLA told me that I could get my C and D entitlements back at any time after a taking a D1 medical.
My doctor did tell me that if I ever did have to go onto Insulin then I would have to inform the DVLA, but he did not say whether once they were involved the 3 year reapplication for my licence would still apply, or reduce to say a renewal every year.
If you are unsure of your position I would advise a call to the DVLA who should be in a position to explain things to you.

 

[Highlander]

Well I am a mere 72. I notified DVLA when I started insulin when I was 69. I had to fill in a form, which you have to read the questions very carefully, and got a three year licence, however they extended it to my 73rd birthday next February. The main concern is if you have a hypo and need assistance, in which case you could loose your licence.