Driving licence expires tomorrow - help!

[Ari]

I've just realised that the card part of my driving licence expires tomorrow! The paper part seems valid for a good many years (although oddly it says "provisional").

Does that mean I can't drive or is it that I'm in breach of keeping the card part up to date but still able to drive?

And is there a fast way of updating it?

And yes I did get a letter and though "must get that done", and promptly forgot about it...

[jagracer]

That sounds like your photo has expired. Providing you took and passed a test for the class of vehicle you drive the "provisional" on the paper part will be for other classes, I have similar on mine. Best send the renewal off ASAP and phone the DVLA for advice, they are very helpful despite what some on here may say.

[U T]

The back of the photo card tells you what classes you have a full licence on.

[davepoth]

It won't be a problem unless you need it. A nice lady at the DVLA pointed out to me that if you tell them you've lost both parts of your license they'll send the replacements out in three days.

[Toaster Pilot]

davepoth said:

It won't be a problem unless you need it. A nice lady at the DVLA pointed out to me that if you tell them you've lost both parts of your license they'll send the replacements out in three days.

If his photo has expired they'll need a new one else he'll get a copy of his expired licence sent to him I'd bet.

[U T]

Toaster Pilot said:

davepoth said:

It won't be a problem unless you need it. A nice lady at the DVLA pointed out to me that if you tell them you've lost both parts of your license they'll send the replacements out in three days.

If his photo has expired they'll need a new one else he'll get a copy of his expired licence sent to him I'd bet.

Correct!

The whole point is they need a new current photo!!!

I think (and I stress think) that you can't be done for driving without a licence, because you've had a licence and are not disqualified from holding another. But invalid photocard is a non endorseable offence (like having incorrect address on licence) with a £1000 max fine.

[bikealarmblair]

mine was almost a year out of date when I renewed mine, I kinda expected to get a fine etc but thankfully didn't, not sure what would have happened if I'd been stopped tho

[Ari]

That's helpful, thanks guys! I'll call the DVLA tomorrow to make sure, don't want to risk it, but it sounds promising.

[TankRizzo]

bikealarmblair said:

mine was almost a year out of date when I renewed mine, I kinda expected to get a fine etc but thankfully didn't, not sure what would have happened if I'd been stopped tho

I did some digging into this as I was in the same situation a few years ago. DVLA will not care if your photo has expired because their concern is your entitlement, and as far as they are concerned, you are entitled to drive and that is what they will tell the police if they run a check on you.

However - the police can still fine you for driving "otherwise than in accordance with a licence". It seems to be down to individual discretion if stopped.

[Ari]

My main concern surrounding this is with insurance, and not having a valid licence.

This came about when I hired a car in America and it was pointed out that it was nearly out, again with insurance implication concerns. Not being insured is a no no anywhere, but imagine getting into a shunt in the states and not having a valid licence and therefore insurance..!

[Liquid Knight]

What colour are they?

[Ari]

Liquid Knight said:

What colour are they?

What, my licence? Paper part is green, card is pink.

[Liquid Knight]

Keep hold of your pass certificate and paper licence, pop down to your local DVLA off with a new photo and you should get a new licence in a couple of weeks.

[Slashmb]

I realised that my photo had expired because my company check every year with DVLA that we are entitled to drive. My manager told me to get it sorted out.

The reason I didn't know it had expired is because its a 3 year licence and was still in date for the 3 year part but the photo was too old. Anyway.......

The point I'm coming to is if you have a passport which is less than 5 years old you can go on DVLA's website and update the photo from your passport. This is what I did and they never charged me for it either.

HTH

[blondini]

I wouldn't worry about it. My photocard expiry isn't far off, but DVLA recently told a car hire company my licence expiry date is decades away.

[John D.]

blondini said:

I wouldn't worry about it. My photocard expiry isn't far off, but DVLA recently told a car hire company my licence expiry date is decades away.

Were they not referring to the paper part though?

[Ari]

Slashmb said:

The point I'm coming to is if you have a passport which is less than 5 years old you can go on DVLA's website and update the photo from your passport. This is what I did and they never charged me for it either.

HTH

Really? Wow, that's interesting and useful, thank you.

[R0G]

U T said:

Correct!

The whole point is they need a new current photo!!!

I think (and I stress think) that you can't be done for driving without a licence, because you've had a licence and are not disqualified from holding another. But invalid photocard is a non endorseable offence (like having incorrect address on licence) with a £1000 max fine.

The offence is 'driving without a current driving licence' if the photo is out of date

[m8rky]

I had mine renewed at a Post Office counter that has a booth that takes your picture and records your signature,it is sent electronically to DVLA.I had mine back within 3 days,Cost £24.

[SGirl]

Can you not renew it online tonight?