Possible £1,000 Fine Even for Non-Drivers
Experts Urge UK Drivers to Check Licences to Avoid Up to £5,000 in Fines
As many as one million individuals in the UK could face potential fines for not renewing their expired driving licences, according to motoring specialists. Failure to update expired licences could result in police prosecution, with penalties reaching as high as £5,000. The DVLA revealed that as of September 2022, over 926,000 UK drivers required licence updates.
Although some individuals in the data are suspected of no longer driving, the statistics indicate that over 2% of drivers require licence updates. Despite the DVLA sending out advance warnings to motorists with licences due to expire, figures from the past year reveal that 2.5 million individuals only renewed their licence after the expiry date or within 56 days of it.
DVLA regulations stipulate that licences must be updated every ten years until the age of 70, after which they must be renewed every three years. Renewal is free for those over 70. Drivers who fail to return an expired licence under the Road Traffic Act 19 could face a fine of up to £1000.
Regrettably, it appears that renewing our licences is not a high priority for Brits, even with the potential of a significant fine.
As financial difficulties persist for many, it’s crucial for motorists to recognise any potentially significant additional expenses they could incur if their vehicles are not roadworthy. Driving with an expired licence is not permissible, and experts advise renewing it at least two months before its expiration to ensure compliance with regulations.
Online
Renewing your licence online via the GOV.UK website is the most efficient and straightforward option. With a cost of just £14, the application typically takes less than a week to process. To complete the renewal process, you’ll need a valid UK Passport and be able to provide fundamental details such as your driving licence number, national insurance number, and addresses from the previous three years. For those with internet access, renewing online is highly recommended.
By Post
To renew your licence via post, you must obtain a ‘D1 pack’ of forms from a post office that handles DVLA photocard renewal. After completing the necessary paperwork, you’ll need to send it to the DVLA along with any additional documents they may require. The renewal fee is £17, and you should anticipate receiving your updated licence within three weeks.
At the Post Office
To renew your driving licence at the Post Office, simply visit any branch and bring your current photocard driving licence along with a £21.50 fee. While not required, it’s advisable to bring your renewal reminder letter. The Post Office will electronically submit your application, and you should receive your updated licence within three weeks.
