When does your driving licence expire? – Driving without a valid licence

Due to the advent of the new style photocard driving licences, it is more important than ever to check that your licence is valid.

The expiry date of your photocard licence is shown on the front of the photocard at section 4b. If your licence has expired, you should not drive until you have applied to renew the licence.

Although the DVLA routinely send out reminders to drivers, it is not a defence to say that you did not receive a reminder.

How to renew

You should be sent a form (D798) by DVLA. The current cost of renewal is £20. You need to submit both parts of your driving licence and an updated photograph of yourself.

If you have not been sent the form, you can still renew at selected major Post Office branches. Alternatively, if you have obtained a UK Passport within the last five years, you can apply online.

Penalties

If you do not renew and are charged with the offence of driving without a valid licence, the penalties can be severe. Not only can you be fined and receive a criminal record, but the offence is usually charged alongside the offence of driving with no insurance, as an expired driving licence invalidates any insurance cover.

Case Study

We recently acted for G, who was charged with an offence of driving without a valid licence and driving without insurance. G had been stopped in his car by police, and had been advised that his licence had expired, and as a consequence that his insurance was invalid. G was arrested and his car was impounded. G renewed his licence with DVLA, and once granted was able to collect his car from the impound. G had to pay over £300 in impound charges. Following representations made to the police by ourselves, the case against G was dropped without the need for attendance at court.

f you or a family member has been charged with a road traffic offence, we can help. Call our road and driving offences solicitors today on 0330 999 4999 for immediate help. Alternatively, email us at roadtraffic@ibblaw.co.uk or complete our online form.