Drivers need to check their licence at 70(Image: Getty Images)

Drivers banned from driving motorhomes and minibuses when they hit certain age

The DVLA says that when drivers reach the milestone and can renew their driving licence, they automatically forfeit both their C1 and D1 entitlements

by · The Mirror

OAPs who drive motorhomes and minibuses will face an automatic ban when they hit the age of 70.

The DVLA says that when drivers reach the milestone and can renew their driving licence, they automatically forfeit both their C1 (Medium sized vehicles between 3500kg and 7500kg) and D1 (Minibuses).

But all is not lost, and those who are keen to keep their entitlements, can submit an application form and medical report to say they are fit to continue - these are forms D2 and D4 which you can pick up at the post office or order online to be delivered to your door.

The renewal process will also result in the loss of the C category, continuing to require an additional test for those wishing to maintain this classification. Those with a category B+E licence prior to turning 70 can still drive a vehicle up to 3.5 tonnes towing a trailer, provided the total combination does not exceed 8.25 tonnes once their licence is renewed, the Older Drivers Forum explained.

Drivers need to re-apply when they hit 70 years old( Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The organisation stated: "As we get older, many of us take up voluntary work, like driving minibuses to help others get around. Your standard licence will not cover you to do this when you renew your licence at 70, unless you renew your minibus entitlement."

The forum provides guidance stating: "If you're 70 or over (or soon will be) and are renewing your driving licence, you need to order a D2 application form or download a D4 medical examination report – this must be filled in by a doctor. You should send both forms to the address in section F of the D2."

If you wish to continue driving a minibus, it's mandatory to pass a full PCV medical, identical to that required for professional bus and lorry drivers. Even if you only possess B entitlement, passing a PCV medical is still necessary to continue driving minibuses, reports Birmingham Live.

If you opt for the standard D1 or online renewal procedure, your C1 entitlement will be put on hold, preventing you from driving motorhomes between 3,500kg and 7,500kg until you have successfully passed a medical.