The importance of renewing your Driving Licence

The importance of renewing your Driving Licence

Driving Licences are no doubt, quite important, they’re used for identification and provide you with the legality to drive a vehicle. But unlike a licences importance, they are not eternal, and do in fact have to be renewed every now and then in order to uphold its legitimacy.

Typically, your driving licence should be renewed every 10 years up until the age of 70, then it is generally updated every 3 years. You can tell if your driving licence has expired by the expiry date located on the card. Each section of your card is numbered, with 1-3 representing your name, date and birth. You need to locate section 4b – this is the valid till date on your card.

Why is it important?

So, why is it so important? Well there are penalties that follow if you drive with an out of date licence. First off all it’s illegal to drive without a valid UK driving licence, it can land you a £1000 fine and future car insurance difficulties. With the risk of potentially breaking the law, you could also have your licence deemed invalid by car hire firms, not good if you land your car in an accident and need a temporary/Courtesy Vehicle.

Another reason you’ll want license refreshments is for added security, consistent renewals will mean your licence is up to date with its anti-fraudulent features and will help prevent driving licence impersonation.

How to renew?

Two months before your renewal date, you should receive a D798 in the post, take this form to your local Post Office branch and renew it there. At the post office, you can have your picture taken to DVLA standards, have your application checked through and posted securely for a fee of £4.50. If you don’t happen to receive a D798 and your personal details haven’t changed, then you can use your photo card and counterpart driving licence instead. If you’ve both changed your personal details and haven’t received a D798, then you will need to apply directly to the DVLA.

Alternatively, you can renew your license online.  First, you’ll want to get to the correct page. Lucky for you, we’ve got the link right here. Once you’ve located your way to the ‘Renew your driving licence’ it’s as easy as filling out an application, finding an applicable photo and clicking post! In order to renew online, you will need the following:

• A valid UK passport
• To be a resident of Great Britain – (if this isn’t the case then you require a different service in Northern Ireland)
• To pay £14 by MasterCard, Visa, Electron, Maestro or Delta debit or credit card – (however, if you are over 70 or have a medical short period licence, there is no fee)
• Addresses of where you’ve lived over the last 3 years
• Your current driving licence (if you do not possess this, you must say why)
• Your national insurance number
• To not be disqualified from driving

Once, you have completed your application, your updated driving licence should arrive within a week.

Where can I check my driving records?

 As of the 8th of June 2015, the previously used paper counterparts were abolished and replaced with online records. This change allows interested third parties such as insurance firms and employers to view your driving record online via a sharing code, meaning they can check someone’s history of convictions with ease. In order to access these records yourself, you’ll need to access DVLA’s online system and have your driving licence number, national insurance number, and the postcode you have your licence registered to (this should be your home address, if not that should also be updated) to hand. If you have any issues with the online system, you’ll need to contact the DVLA on 0300 790 6801.

So, in conclusion, it is vital to stay on top of your renewal dates. Failure to do so could land you a £1000 fine and future difficulties with your motor insurance. Really it’s that important, so don’t hesitate, check your license for its renewal date and act fast!

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