Driving licence: How long is your expired driving licences valid for?

Driving licences which expired throughout lockdown have and will now be extended for a longer period. Motorists were permitted a seven-month extension in June where renewals were required during the coronavirus period. But exactly how long is your expired driving licence valid for?

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) today announced plans to extend the validity of photocard driving licences.

This is the second time this validity has been extended throughout lockdown.

The first extension was introduced covering a period of seven-months in June.

The extension has now been increased to 11 months as the DVLA continues to strain under the demand for renewals.

This means drivers where their licences were due to expire between February 1 and December 31, 2020, which will automatically have 11 months added to their cards’ expiration date.

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The Driver and Vehicles Standards Agency (DVSA) also announced it will make almost 400,000 practical driving test booking available later this month.

The DVLA will be extended the scheme until the end of the year in a bid to reduce pressure both on its staff and motorists.

The Government agency has seen much of its workforce begin working from home.

This means it has been unable to deal with the huge backlog of requests for new photocard licences, which can be completed online.

DVLA Chief Executive Julie Lennard said: “Being able to drive is a lifeline for millions of people and this further extension will ensure that in these continued uncertain times, drivers don’t need to worry about the admin or the associated costs with renewing their licences.

“The temporary extension is automatic, and drivers do not need to do anything.

“Drivers who have already applied to renew their photocard driving licence or entitlement to drive can usually carry on driving while we process their application providing they have not been told by their doctor or optician that they should not drive.”

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What happens if you normally drive with an expired licence?

It is important to know when your driving licence expiry date is so you do not break the law by driving without a licence.

Although the DVLA may send renewal reminders prior to the expiry date, it is your responsibility to make sure that your licence is up-to-date, including getting renewal forms if necessary.

Driving without a valid driving licence can result in a fine of up to £1,000, and between three and six penalty points on your licence.

Your car can also be seized and vehicles of persistent offenders can be crushed/disposed of by the police.

How much does it cost to renew your licence?

The fees for renewal are as follows:

  • Renewing a licence at aged 70 (or over): Free
  • Renewing a licence for medical reasons: Free
  • Renewing an expired driving licence online: £14
  • Renewing an expired driving licence by post: £17
  • Renewal after disqualification: £65
  • Renewal after disqualification for some drink driving offences: £90
  • Renewal after revocation (under the New Drivers Act): £50
  • To renew the photo on your licence: £20.
  • You can also renew your expired licence at a Post Office, it costs £21.50.

source: express.co.uk