Renewing licence at 70

[ianc53]

A friend (honest, it's not me, I'm only 68 ) has nearly reached that magical age and is applying for his new licence.

He knows he'll lose his historic entitlements for trucks etc. (C & D groups) but he's worried because the Government on-line application site talks about issuing a new 'car' licence with no reference to motorbike licence. He's concerned the A motorbike groups will also disappear.
They have past form of course in 'losing' motorcycle licences.
Has anyone done this recently, or know someone who has, and can offer him any reassurance?

Thanks

Ian

[SP250]

I have not done it as I am only 66 (67 in a couple of weeks).
But when the DVLA started making mistakes and not renewing certain categories on a new licence I stopped sending them my original.
I claim it is lost (yes you have to pay a fee to replace it) but I reckon that is insurance against their errors, as you now have proof that you used to hold the respective category on the old licence.
Therefore they have to replace the wrong new licence with a corrected one for the respective categories you used to hold.
Worked for me about 7 years ago.

[Al]

There have been a lot of comments on various forums for a while about entitlement for different categories “disappearing” on renewal, change of address etc, most people’s solution is to photograph the licence, which if you do it on a phone is date/time stamped, this seems to work if issues do occur, as it never seems to be a DVLA problem!!

Al.

[dave the german]

When I renewed my HGV at 50 I got my local MP involved saying I had no faith in the system (they failed to put my motorcycle entitlement on when I'd previously renewed). DVLA claimed they could issue a corrected licence because they had my entitlements on their system. Not that I don't trust the DVLA you understand, but I kept the letter from my MP for future usebut also kept my last licence to be renewed stating I may need it in case I had periodic training to undertake.

[madthemad]

I had to renew my licence last year when I reached 70. I took a photo of it before applying for the new one just in case they lost my entitlement to my motorcycle. I noticed when I received the new licence that they had taken off my minibus entitlement. I used to drive one at the school where I worked which also required a local county council test as well.

[ianc53]

Thanks all for your help guys.

Looks like a date stamped photo is well worthwhile and I must admit I like the idea of getting a duplicate before pulling the trigger on renewal.
Illogically I like that I can drive a 7.5 tonne with trailer, even if I have no intention of doing so, so will miss having it when I get to 70.

I'll let him know and come back and let you know the result.

Thanks again

Ian

[Al]

Being able to drive a 7.5 wagon and trailer might be an ideal pension top up idea in the present transport chaos

Al

[ianc53]

Being able to drive a 7.5 wagon and trailer might be an ideal pension top up idea in the present transport chaos

Hadn't thought of that, I won't mention it to my wife, she'll have me starting on Monday. Not having me around and earning money for her would be a temptation she couldn't resist.

[Al]

Being able to drive a 7.5 wagon and trailer might be an ideal pension top up idea in the present transport chaos

Hadn't thought of that, I won't mention it to my wife, she'll have me starting on Monday. Not having me around and earning money for her would be a temptation she couldn't resist.

To be fair would probably be the same here as I’m retired and my wife isn’t, I won’t tell if you wont

Al

[SP250]

Al,Ian - Steve the moderator and I have that situation sorted -
Change the girlfiend or wife!
It leads to a much easier life - so you can decide to drive a fuel or groceries lorry if you want to and not do it if you don't.
But the biggest bonus is you get to spend your own money - on more bike stuff. Simples.

[Al]

Hmmmmmm, not sure about the short term pain than option would entail is worth the perceived long term benefits

Al.

[SP250]

Al - depends on whether you picked a good wife or a bad one in the first place

[popsky]

Al - depends on whether you picked a good wife or a bad one in the first place

[dave the german]

Being able to drive a 7.5 wagon and trailer might be an ideal pension top up idea in the present transport chaos

Hadn't thought of that, I won't mention it to my wife, she'll have me starting on Monday. Not having me around and earning money for her would be a temptation she couldn't resist.

DON'T DO IT!!!!!

[Al]

Al - depends on whether you picked a good wife or a bad one in the first place

I’ll not answer that, for fear of more pain!!

Al.