She No Longer Wants To Drive

[Bob906]

My wife is 65 and although she has a driving licence she has not driven for at least the last 15 years, her licence is coming up for renewal but she doesn't want to drive anymore what should she do, return it with a covering letter or just not renew it when the time comes.

Thanks in advance for any info.

[woofgang]

either.

[beckyboo]

Would assume by not renewing it, it would lapse. So do nothing.

[Bob906]

Thanks beckyboo. It only needs renewing for the photo we did it last time but we thought that was the law that it had to be done, but now as i said she no longer wants to drive.

[woofgang]

its not the law that it has to be done....its the law that it has to be done to keep the licence valid...ie to continue to drive.

[PipinHull]

I just renewed mine the other week, there is a box now on the form that says you are voluntarily relinquishing your licence.

[roger]

Might it not be a good idea to maintain her licence in case of emergencies ?

[Hopkirk]

If she doesn't want to drive, then no Roger.

What sort of emergency would require an elderly, under confident, uninsured lady to get behind a wheel?

That's what taxis are for.

[starone]

I agree with Hopkirk. I am an elderly lady with no confidence and although I have a current driving licence I wouldn't dream of actually driving. I would be a danger on the roads, not only to myself but to other drivers. When it becomes renewable I shall not renew. When my husband was alive he always drove and consequaently I have not driven for about 20 years. In that time the traffic situation has completely changed.

[welshlibranr]

If she has decided, as many people in their 60s do, that she doesn't want to do it any more, then the best way it to just not renew it, if she hasn't driven in the last 15 years, she in unlikely to be confident to, or want to now!...........

[starone]

*consequently* not that peculiar spelling mistake I did up there.

[welshlibranr]

starbuck, the spelling mistake doesn't matter!..........but it your post goes to show that if you no longer enjoy driving and don't do it for a number of years, then you should not try to do it!...............I still enjoy driving and I drive every day, but when I do not enjoy it, or feel that I am not confident, the I won't do it any more!........

[TWR]

Starbuckone, I admire you, you know that you could be a danger to other road users & admit it, again I admire you, It's a pity others do not follow your sensible judgement.

[boxtops]

I only drive a bit these days, it's useful for shopping etc when OH isn't around, plus it's a useful bit of ID for when you need a photopic - but if she doesn't want it then I admire people for saying so.

[whiskeryron]

I would advise against giving it up for the simple reason,although she has not driven for 15 years it's useful to keep as backup in case anything happens to you. I am 85 & I gave my car to my grandson 2 years ago when he graduated from uni as a vet, he is buying a new car next month & I am having my car back because believe me I haven't 1/2 missed it.Ron.

[redman41]

Posted my Photocard Licence to DVLA on Friday 1st April for renewal and received it back today Friday 8th. No new Photo required and Free of charge, so very good service from them.
If I was your Wife I would renew it as it may prove useful in the long run.

[TonyV]

As Pixi said only reason for renewing is if you need it for photo ID?