Driver Licensing - DVLA

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)

The DVLA oversees both driving licensing in the UK and the issuing of digital tachograph cards.

Every vocational truck driver (HGV) is advised to ensure that they have a photo-card driving licence and also a digital tachograph driver card. Since 10th September 2009 there has been the added responsibility for truck drivers of obtaining a Driver CPC and making available at the roadside a Driver Qualification Card (DQC).

Renewing your licence

Driving licences need to be renewed every ten years, as the photograph shown on the photocard section is only valid for ten years. At this time the fee is £20.00. further detaisl are given below.

Vocational categories on driving licences normally need to be renewed every five years between the ages of 45 and 65 years of age and then every year after that.  To apply as described above the driver will need to undertake a medical with their local GP and get them to complete a medical application form.

It is important to know when your driving licence expiry date is, as it is illegal to drive on the public highway without a valid driving licence. Although the DVLA may send renewal reminders prior to the expiry date, it is each drivers' individual responsibility to make sure that their licence is up-to-date, including getting renewal forms if necessary. Be aware not everyone receives a reminder, especially vocational categories reminders.

Driving without a valid driving licence can result in a fine of up to £1000, and between 3 and 6 penalty points on a licence.

You can renew your driving licence at 70 plus online at the DVLA website, or using the D46P application form. For medical renewals, you need to get the D42 or D48 application forms.

Photo-licence renewal

If your photo driving licence has expired, you can be fined up to £1000. It should be renewed every ten years, but if you fail to do so, it can result in your driving licence becoming invalid. You can choose to update your photo sooner than this if your appearance changes significantly. This can be done by filling in the DVLA's D1 application form, which you can at  DVLA online form ordering ,or from certain Post Office branches.

To check the status of your photo driving licence, the front of the card should show the expiry date of the photo. The DVLA will usually send a renewal application pack before the photo needs to be renewed, but check yourself. Renewing the licence is now £20.00. Your new licence should be sent back to you within 21 days, although it may take longer than this if medical and personal details need to be verified. As long as you have previously held a UK driving licence and are not likely to have your renewal rejected for medical reasons, it should be fine for you to drive while you await your new licence.

If more than two years has passed since your driving licence expired, you may be made to retake your driving test in order to get a new licence. This is especially the case if your licence has expired due to age (driving licences need to be renewed when you reach seventy) or medical reasons. For these, you may also have to pass a medical. In other cases, you can simply apply for a new licence without problem, although the DVLA will often want to know why your licence has been expired for so long.