I gave up driving two years ago. I am nearly 85.

Lovetopaint037

I have renewed it but my goodness what a performance. It is no longer the really easy thing I have done several times for myself and dh. It now involves downloading an app after scanning a Q code. Scanning the passport’s digital whatnot,
Then the details plus a Face ID which took awhile to fit what looked like a character from a horror film.So part done on phone thenback to iPad. It didn’t end then as it disappeared
By this time I was thinking that I would give up but after several attempts involving repeating the procedures again. The words saying I was successful arrived and I couldn’t believe it. It has always been so easy before. I kept thinking how do they expect someone in their eighties to do this. Dh says it’s to discourage us!!! Anyway folks it is done !!!!

It doesn't have to be a palaver to get your 70+ driving licence, you do not have to enter the digital age to do so - simply complete the form that arrives through the post with your Reminder (it is not a separate form if I recall correctly) - there is not a great deal to fill in - and send it off in the post. Husband and I did this only very recently - our driving licences were back with us a week/10 days later. We are endeavouring to keep the dehumanising, digital age at bay for as long as possible.

TheSunRisesInTheEast

If you're sure you never want to drive again, and if it costs money to renew, I wouldn't bother. Surely you could use your old driving licence for ID purposes, it still shows who you are, regardless of it being out of date.

I'm afraid not, if the licence is out of date it will not be accepted for ID. The same goes for passports

Renew and then up to you if you use it but for ID purpose coujd bdd we useful.

Just apply. You don't need to drive...just use it as ID

Definitely renew it. I am not longer driving as a consequence of Menieres Disease and havent driven now for almost two years but a driving licence is invaluable for purposes of ID.

Charleygirl5

I bought a mobility scooter but where I live is quite hilly and the pavements, cracked, slope towards the road. I have used it around 4 times but fell off it so that was the last. Also, my hall is narrow so it was a faff getting it in and out.

I can at present, with difficulty walk to my local bus stop. Fabulous service, every 4-5 minutes. The local tube is not step free access.

My house and shed are full of unused mobility equipment.

Poor you, falling off your mobility scooter 😱, I hope you weren't hurt.

It's useful that the buses run regularly, at least you can get about.

Maybe you could donate the mobility equipment to your nearest charity shop, free up some space in your house and shed. My mum uses a four wheeled rollator with a seat and shopping basket, she finds that really handy, she walks better with the support and can sit down if she's in a queue 😀.

A good case for national digital ID

PS I keep a valid driving licence as it is useful for identification.

I gave up driving when I moved from Kent to Bristol to be nearer my daughter, after DH died.
I am only just 78, but it was a good thing. I never enjoyed driving. I walk, take the bus, get a lift, take the occasional taxi...

I have renewed both my driving licence and my passport. I don't intend to drive for much longer and I won't be making many trips abroad.
I did feel both of them could be useful for identification purposes.
I also felt quite attached to the idea of keeping a passport. I got my first one about 60 years ago!

It is such a pfaff to get one of those ID cards, and not everyone acknowledges them.

I am an election poll clerk and many folks who cannot drive, even one blind lady, use driving license as ID for voting and for the bank.

I bought a mobility scooter but where I live is quite hilly and the pavements, cracked, slope towards the road. I have used it around 4 times but fell off it so that was the last. Also, my hall is narrow so it was a faff getting it in and out.

I can at present, with difficulty walk to my local bus stop. Fabulous service, every 4-5 minutes. The local tube is not step free access.

My house and shed are full of unused mobility equipment.

I renewed mine even though I don't drive at the moment. I am considering getting some refresher driving lessons in case I ever want to drive again.

In your case, I would definitely renew it.

I hate driving but it is a necessity where we live. I have a hybrid car which is very easy to drive but these days I don’t drive more than 50 kms or so which might sound a lot but it is very local for us. It’s a bloody big country.

So sorry for you Charleygirl. I suppose you haven’t got access to local transport. We have buses and trains so not too bad. Do hope you can find somebody who could help you to get out and about from time to time.

Charleygirl5

I surrendered mine last year when I was 81. I wanted to do it rather than be forced to do it because my eyesight was deteriorating. I had to surrender my licence, couldn't keep it for ID. Life has been hell since. I can't go far because of the price of mini cabs.

That's such a shame, Charleygirl.

Have you considered getting a mobility scooter? At least you could still get about to shops/clubs/friends without having to use taxis or buses.

Lovetopaint037

I have renewed it but my goodness what a performance. It is no longer the really easy thing I have done several times for myself and dh. It now involves downloading an app after scanning a Q code. Scanning the passport’s digital whatnot,
Then the details plus a Face ID which took awhile to fit what looked like a character from a horror film.So part done on phone thenback to iPad. It didn’t end then as it disappeared
By this time I was thinking that I would give up but after several attempts involving repeating the procedures again. The words saying I was successful arrived and I couldn’t believe it. It has always been so easy before. I kept thinking how do they expect someone in their eighties to do this. Dh says it’s to discourage us!!! Anyway folks it is done !!!!

What a palaver 🙄.

At least it's sorted out now 💐.

I surrendered mine last year when I was 81. I wanted to do it rather than be forced to do it because my eyesight was deteriorating. I had to surrender my licence, couldn't keep it for ID. Life has been hell since. I can't go far because of the price of mini cabs.

I have renewed it but my goodness what a performance. It is no longer the really easy thing I have done several times for myself and dh. It now involves downloading an app after scanning a Q code. Scanning the passport’s digital whatnot,
Then the details plus a Face ID which took awhile to fit what looked like a character from a horror film.So part done on phone thenback to iPad. It didn’t end then as it disappeared
By this time I was thinking that I would give up but after several attempts involving repeating the procedures again. The words saying I was successful arrived and I couldn’t believe it. It has always been so easy before. I kept thinking how do they expect someone in their eighties to do this. Dh says it’s to discourage us!!! Anyway folks it is done !!!!

Thank you everyone. I am going to renew it. Hadno idea of possible problems if I don’t.

I am in the same situation Love to Paint037 and have just renewed mine.

It is much easier as I carry it in my purse with all the other cards, I am often asked to prove my identity I think I must come over as a dodgy character

Yes, I had endless problems with an uncle in a care home who had neither driving license, passport or current utility bills.

He was very reluctant to give me a POA, he was sound in mind, but wanted me to conduct all his business. In the end he decided to give me a POA and life was easier.

If you pass the reuirements of driving (eyesiht etc) the renew your licence. If you don't, you can't.

Presumably a person can no longer renew their licence unless they meet the eyesight standard, or if they have a condition that would make it unsafe for them to drive anyway?

A passport might be a better option for some, despite it being more expensive.

Renew.

I’d renew it for ID purposes. My mum now 90 hadn’t renewed her driving licence or passport , which caused problems when we were applying for her blue badge and attendance allowance. I initially tried to do it online but due to the ID issue , we did it through someone from age uk. She used mums birth and marriage certificate and utilities bills . Plus her previous driving license for the photo and address .