DVLA has issued a warning to thousands of motorists across the UK
UK driving licence holders are being warned to renew their licences or face the possibility of up to six penalty points, a fine of up to £1,000, invalidated insurance, and even having their car impounded. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) warns drivers that they must update their licences every decade.
Failure to do so is among the common mistakes that can land drivers in trouble. DVLA said in a recent social media post: “You must renew your driving licence every 10 years. Renew online today – it’s easy, quick and secure.
“Your licence should arrive within a week if you apply online.”
How to renew your driving licence
Renewing online costs £14, but for those aged 70 or over, it’s free. Online renewal is possible with a Gov.uk driver and vehicles account and/or a UK passport or the document used to establish your online immigration status.
If you have not yet used the service you will need to register with an email address, addresses of where you’ve lived for the last three years, your National Insurance number and a valid UK passport number. Once you have applied, DVLA will send you a confirmation.
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For those aged 70 and above, renewal is free of charge. However, motorists over 70 could be banned from the roads if they fail compulsory eye tests under government plans.
Government ministers are contemplating a variety of measures to boost road safety, citing a stagnation in the reduction of accidents and fatalities over the past ten years.
For those without these documents, or if your name or title has changed since your last licence was issued, you’ll need to renew at a Post Office or by post, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Further information and the renewal application can be found here.