Drivers over the age of 70 could find themselves inadvertently disqualified from taking to the streets due to a somewhat obscure DVLA regulation. specialists have issued a warning, emphasising that senior drivers above 70 "won't legally be allowed to drive" if they fail to renew their licence as they get older.

Neglecting this crucial step isn't a valid defence and could land unwary drivers with whooping fines and penalty points if they decide to drive anyway. Legally, are bound to renew their driving licence every decade until hitting the big seven-zero.

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From then on, it's imperative to renew at 70, and subsequently every three years – a significant shift from the norm that might take some by surprise.

Officials at Age UK explained: "If your licence expires and you don't apply for a new one, you won't legally be allowed to drive." Legal experts at Frank Rogers Law point out the severity of motoring without an active licence, drawing attention to the substantial problems such an oversight can trigger.

Committing the offence known as: "Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence" could hit drivers with three to six penalty points and fines reaching up to £1,000. This might propel some motorists beyond the limit of accumulating 12 penalty points, landing them with an outright driving ban.

While the Older Drivers Forum has raised the alarm that those driving without a licence are in effect also driving uninsured, reports .

The reason being, should you venture onto the roads with an expired licence, any insurance cover you had instantly becomes null and void – leaving drivers exposed in the unfortunate event of an accident.

Drivers could face a serious hitch if they slip up on paperwork, with police potentially confiscating their vehicles for a mere administrative blunder.

They warned: "If you do not renew your licence, you will not legally be allowed to drive after your 70th birthday. If you carry on driving, your driving licence and motor insurance would not be valid, and you would be committing a serious offence which carries stringent penalties, which could include a heavy fine and having your car seized by the police."

Thankfully, updating your driving licence is a breeze online via the official GOV.UK site, which only takes a few minutes. Still, those not savvy with digital tech can simply return the D46P application form that the DVLA typically posts out 90 days before one's 70th birthday.

Alternatively, there's the 'D1 application for a driving licence form' available for pick up at local Post Office branches dotted around the High Street.