Nearly one million UK drivers are in danger of facing a hefty £1,000 fine for failing to renew their expired photocard driving licences, according to recent data from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). A Freedom of Information (FOI) request by the Press Association revealed that, as of 3rd September 2022, over 926,000 drivers in Britain had out-of-date licences within the 12 months leading up to the end of August.
While some of these cases involve individuals who have likely stopped driving without informing the DVLA, this still equates to more than 2% of all drivers on Britain’s roads.
The FOI request also highlighted that a significant number of motorists are leaving it to the last minute to renew their licences. In the past year, 2.5 million UK drivers renewed their licence either after it had expired or within 56 days of its expiry date.
Driving Licence Renewal: What You Need to Know
Photocard driving licences in the UK must be renewed every 10 years until the driver turns 70. After that, renewals are required every three years to continue driving legally.
The DVLA has made it clear that failing to return an expired licence is an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988. While renewing an expired licence won’t automatically result in a fine, failing to return it could land drivers with a penalty of up to £1,000.
Drivers are given a reminder well in advance, as the DVLA sends a renewal notice 56 days before the licence’s expiry date.
Simple Steps to Avoid Fines
To remain road legal, drivers are urged to check the expiration date on their photocard, which can be found in section 4b on the front of the card. If your licence has expired, there’s no need to worry—simply visit the DVLA website to renew it.
The renewal process is straightforward. A new photocard costs £14 if applied for online, and the DVLA typically processes applications within five working days. However, drivers should be cautious when using third-party services for renewals, as they may incur additional fees beyond what the DVLA charges directly.
A DVLA spokesperson advised: “We encourage drivers to use the official GOV.UK website, as applying online is the quickest and most affordable way to renew your photocard driving licence.”
Additionally, drivers who have stopped driving should inform the DVLA and return their licence, rather than keeping it as an outdated form of identification.
Serious Consequences for Failing to Renew
Continuing to drive with an expired licence could lead to more serious consequences than just a £1,000 fine. If caught by the police, drivers could face prosecution and an additional fine of up to £5,000 for driving without a valid licence. Furthermore, insurance policies may become invalid, potentially leading to further fines or penalty points on your licence.
What Do All the Codes on Your Licence Mean?
Many drivers overlook the small details on their driving licence, such as the codes and categories printed on it. However, it’s crucial to understand what these codes mean, as they specify the types of vehicles you are permitted to drive and may include restrictions or conditions. Ignoring these could result in further penalties.
Will Digital Driving Licences Help?
The UK Government announced plans to introduce digital driving licences, potentially as early as 2024. These digital licences aim to simplify the renewal process and make it easier for drivers to manage their licences. However, it remains to be seen whether this new system will benefit drivers or present additional challenges.
Can You Drive with an Expired Licence?
Driving in the UK with an expired photocard licence is illegal and can result in fines of up to £1,000. Additionally, your car insurance may be invalid, which could lead to further financial penalties and even points on your licence.
If your licence is approaching its expiration date, the DVLA will send you a renewal notice by post with instructions on how to update it. It’s essential to renew your licence not only to avoid fines but also to ensure that the photograph on your licence is up to date. As people’s appearances can change, keeping an accurate and current photo is important.
How Early Can You Renew Your Licence?
The DVLA allows you to renew your licence up to two months before its expiry date. You can check the date on the back of your photocard. Keep in mind that your new licence will be valid from the date of approval, rather than the original expiry date of the previous licence.
In summary, keeping your driving licence up to date is not only a legal requirement but also ensures you’re protected on the road. Take the time to check your licence today and avoid the risk of fines or prosecution.