Expired photo on photocard licence - use of licence

[Marvin Hagler]

Hi Guys,

My photo on my photocard licence expired some while ago. I want to do my motorbike direct access course in about 2 weeks, can I still present my existing photocard licence (with expired photo) to the examiner on test day? I dont want to risk not being able to do the test (and lose the test fee) because of the expired photo.

Thanks.

[Pork]

I think you can apply for an updated photo card and then just tell them as such and they will ring the DVLA and confirm that the license is still valid.

I believe you need to sort the photo out though as a priority.

[Marvin Hagler]

Pork said:

I think you can apply for an updated photo card and then just tell them as such and they will ring the DVLA and confirm that the license is still valid.

I believe you need to sort the photo out though as a priority.

Ok thanks mate.
Yep, I will have my photo done shortly and then send the forms off with the fee.

I was worried that without seeing the photocard, they would not be able to prove my ID.

[neelyp]

If the photo licence is out of date then I believe the licence in it's entirety is invalid and must be renewed.
Seem to remember this catching people out when the first photo licences expired after ten years.

[philoldsmobile]

I have seen a photocard where DVLA screed up, and put its expiry date on the card holders 70th Bday... - valid for over 30 years!!

[Marvin Hagler]

The answer to my question has been found.

In order to do the MOD 1 and MOD 2 Bike test, my full valid licence must be in my possession. The examiner cannot (and will not) ring up the DVLA. I sought clarification from Motorcycle riding schools.

Just thought I would let you know in case someone in future has a similar issue.

[vxr8mate]

neelyp said:

If the photo licence is out of date then I believe the licence in it's entirety is invalid and must be renewed.
Seem to remember this catching people out when the first photo licences expired after ten years.

We liaise with DVLA regarding licences at work and they say photos while important do not invalidate a licence when out of date. The person who confirmed this went on to say he wasn’t even aware of anybody ever being fined for an out of date pic on their licence.

[snowy slopes]

neelyp said:

If the photo licence is out of date then I believe the licence in it's entirety is invalid and must be renewed.
Seem to remember this catching people out when the first photo licences expired after ten years.

This sounds about right. I got the reminder for mine through the door the otherday, and i'm sure it says that if you dont renew the photo, then the licence is basically null and void, and you have to re-apply. Whether that means via a driving test, or just for a new licence, i dont know, but AFAIK your licence is illegal

[sjj84]

It's not the license that is out of date, it's only the photocard. Doesn't make the license null and void, I believe there is a fine for not keeping the card upto date. Only takes a week or so to come back though so not a major problem.

[Somnophore]

Your licence to drive is still valid, however not having a valid photocard is an offence subject to a £1000 fine.

[snowy slopes]

sjj84 said:

It's not the license that is out of date, it's only the photocard. Doesn't make the license null and void, I believe there is a fine for not keeping the card upto date. Only takes a week or so to come back though so not a major problem.

Yep, having searched the form out, i can see you are correct. As far as they are concerened you are illegal, and you have to re-apply etc etc

[Steve in Stoke]

I had a driver working for me recently who was stopped for a minor speeding offence and took the fixed penalty. When he took his details into the police station, he was subsequently summonsed for driving with an expired licence (7 months out of date).

So 3pts and £60 for the SP30, but then £600 fine and 6 points for an LC20. Not a good day at the office.

[bigmac146]

I sent my License of to get the address changed before christmas, recieved a letter say my photo was expired and can i send a picture...and 20 quid for this service.....i was gutted!

[Marvin Hagler]

Ok, I got my new licence today. Couple of changes to photocard licence. These include:

- expiry data clearly marked on front of card
- photo is now black and white and only appears once on the card.
- They put your title on.
- general design of card is also slightly different.

Thus, in 10 more years I have no excuse for not knowing the card expires.

[Marvin Hagler]

A lex said:

Did you keep the old one or return it?

If you kept it i'd dare say it would be a good thing to have for any European road trips..... should lePlod etc decide to confiscate your licence at the side of the road you can give them the expired one - very doubtful they'd check the date validity.

No unfortunately not. DVLA asked me to send the old ID photocard (as well as the paper licence) with my new application. Since I havent had them returned i suspect they just destroy them.