Driving licence expiry

[Ming the Merciless]

Over the weekend I was trying to find my driving licence. It does not get much use, my memory can be like a sieve, and it was not in the obvious places. Anyway I have now found it, but have noted it expires next year. Worth checking as the photo card expires every 10 years. Could have been driving without a valid licence next year had I not noticed.

 

[Drago]

Well worth checking. It's still valid in the sense that you don't commit a motoring offence (because you're still "entitled to hold" after having passed your test), but its administratively invalid and the DVLA can hand out some expensive penalties over it.

Good call.

 

[Sharky]

Can you remind me again this time next year please. My licence runs out in Feb 2020 when I am 70 and have to reapply. Presume in this case I would be driving illegally if I didn't re-apply.

Only seems like yesterday when I got my first licence!

 

[Smokin Joe]

I'm sure I got a reminder from DVLA when my last ten year period was coming to an end.

 

[subaqua]

I'm sure I got a reminder from DVLA when my last ten year period was coming to an end.

You do . And if you are posting here you have an email address that can be used on the Govt Gateway for this sort of thing. MOT , VED , licence . You can even use the calendar function on a PC , smartphone , dumbphone etc to remind you about insurances etc

 

[biggs682]

So the one i got that's written on the back of a weetabix packet is not legal then ???

 

[Dave7]

So the one i got that's written on the back of a weetabix packet is not legal then ???

Not if its Drago that shops you!!!

 

[Sharky]

So the one i got that's written on the back of a weetabix packet is not legal then ???

Neither is your Man from Uncle ID card

 

[Deleted member 1258]

I'm sure I got a reminder from DVLA when my last ten year period was coming to an end.

Yes I got reminded when I needed a new photo, the licence itself runs out in three years time when I'm 70, and I'm sure they send out a reminder letter.

 

[Brains]

I still have my original green paper licence.

As I needed a tacho licence a few years ago they automatically also gave me a (free) 10 year driving licence.
(My understanding is normally you have to surrender the original green licence and then pay £10 to get a new photo ID/10 years licence)

So on the assumption I don't move home in the next decade will my original green licence remain valid ?

 

[snorri]

So on the assumption I don't move home in the next decade will my original green licence remain valid ?

Not necessarily.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

I'm still on the paper version

 

[Deleted member 1258]

https://insidedvla.blog.gov.uk/2015...-be-affected-when-the-counterparts-abolished/

 

[GM]

I'm still on the paper one, runs out next year when I'm 70. Good news is that it'll be free, the bad news you have to renew it every 3 years.
Still got the little red one somewhere in the drawer.

 

[Brains]

https://insidedvla.blog.gov.uk/2015...-be-affected-when-the-counterparts-abolished/

Typical fuzzy governmental reply from the DVLA.
Reading between the lines they are saying your old paper licence is valid until you are 70, unless it does not suit us, in which case it isn't.