Driving Licence renewal at 70 - preserving C1 & D1 entitlement

Iceweasel

You shouldn't lose any of your 2-wheel entitlements at 70 - at least I didn't.

If you had AM, A1, A2 and A on your licence before you ought to still have them.

The only categories which are 'lost' are C1 &C1+E and D1 &D1+E and then only if you choose not to undergo the medical which is needed every year.

I reckon this is another of the frequent DVLA errors in renewing licences for us over 70s.

AdrianC

Iceweasel said:

I reckon this is another of the frequent DVLA errors in renewing licences for us over 70s.

There were some instances of categories going missing in the transfer from old computer systems to new around the time of the introduction of photocards... but EVERYBODY, even if still on a paper licence, was moved over years ago. If categories were going missing, that was when it would have happened.

The easy solution is just to... check!

https://www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence

If you've got a category on there, it'll still be there after renewal, unless entitlement is lost at 70.

Iceweasel

Might moped not also come under categories p and q these days?

Quad bikes under AM ?

Ectophile

Just checked on my licence, and the web site https://www.gov.uk/driving-licence-categories

AM is moped or quad bike.  A1 and A2 are lower power motorbikes.  A is any bike.  I have A on my licence, but with restriction 79(3), which means I can ride motor trikes only.  I think car drivers have always had that, but the codes have all changed.

Iceweasel

I reckon the traditional under 50cc moped comes under category p

jimmy55

I see my mistake now. They are just showing 2025 as my license renewal date  ( age 70... eek! ). There is no expiry date next to A1 and A2 as my test was pre test for those classes. Its all a bit theoretical as the bike hasnt left the workshop for about 3 years, but we live in hope!

Jaybee_16

Ganga said:

Your lucky, I not only had a paper one but before that a little red book ( you might have to google that one ) my father told me he never passed his test but drove all his life ( he was in the army from 1939 till 1945 and was taught their way to drive ,I think you obtained a civilian one that way ) I do not if what he told me was true ,I have a lot of his army records,photos etc even his fuel ration card but he has passed away so cannot ask him.

My dad was the same. When called up in 1939/40 he learned to drive Army vehicles and was given a driving licence. He never took a proper driving test.

user1977

Jaybee_16 said:

Ganga said:

Your lucky, I not only had a paper one but before that a little red book ( you might have to google that one ) my father told me he never passed his test but drove all his life ( he was in the army from 1939 till 1945 and was taught their way to drive ,I think you obtained a civilian one that way ) I do not if what he told me was true ,I have a lot of his army records,photos etc even his fuel ration card but he has passed away so cannot ask him.

My dad was the same. When called up in 1939/40 he learned to drive Army vehicles and was given a driving licence. He never took a proper driving test.

My gran got her licence before tests were even introduced. If you ever spotted her driving around town, you could kinda tell...

Crater

Hi. I am dubious that I will try and retain my C1 and D1 when I turn 70 soon, but in case - I am finding contradictory info about how often you have to go throught he medical process if you do. Dot Gov seems to be saying every 3 years over 70 (along with t the 'normal' renewal of course - but it's not clear if they are differentiating the normal from the C1/D1 here), but another source says you need to have a medical check every year to keep D1. Can anyone update me from experience?  Thank you for any enlightenment.