Drivers across the UK have been told to ensure they meet these 7 things before they drive
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is warning drivers that it is possible to drive without a licence in certain situations – but only if specific conditions are met. As stated on the GOV.UK website, ‘you can drive while your licence is being renewed if you meet all the following conditions’, the DVLA confirms.
If your licence expires while the DVLA is processing your application, you might still be allowed to continue driving. This means you need to make sure:
- you have the support of your doctor to continue driving
- you had a valid licence
- you only drive under the conditions of the previous licence
- your application is less than a year old
- your last licence wasn’t revoked or refused for medical reasons
- you’re not currently disqualified
- you weren’t disqualified as a high risk offender on or after June 1, 2013
Additionally, if you have recently informed the DVLA of a new medical condition as part of an application, it explains what you ned to do in this situation, writing: “As soon as the DVLA receives your correct and complete application for a new licence and as long as you meet all the Section 88 criteria, you may drive.
“It is important that you are satisfied that the medical condition you have declared on your application does not stop you from driving. If you are unsure, check with your doctor or healthcare professional before you make a decision.”
In more guidance, it adds: “You can also look up your condition in the ‘Assessing fitness to drive’ guide, which you can find here see whether you meet the medical standards for driving. As this guide is intended for healthcare professionals, it can be complicated. Your doctor or healthcare professional should be able to help you if necessary.”
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If you are unsure or not whether you can drive, you can read their detailed document, INF188/6 Can I drive while my application is with DVLA, to find out more information. However, this is not the only issue drivers are being made aware of.
The DVLA has reminded people: “You must renew your driving licence every 10 years.” You can do this online and it should be a pretty quick turnaround as they say the process is “easy, quick and secure” and once completed, “your licence should arrive within a week if you apply online.”
If you apply through post or at the Post Office, you should get your driving licence within 3 weeks. The DVLA noted: “It may take longer if your medical or personal details need to be verified. You’re allowed to keep driving while you wait for your new licence to arrive.”
Failure to carry out renewal could result in a fine of £1,000. As reported by RAC Drive: “UK drivers could receive a £1,000 fine because they have not renewed their expired photocard licences.”
You can renew your full driving licence or provisional driving licence on the official GOV.UK website. It costs £14 when you apply online. If you’re over 70 or have a medical short-period licence, there’s no fee
The DVLA said: “You must renew a photocard licence every 10 years – you’ll receive a reminder before your current licence ends.”
To renew your licence, you must:
- be a resident of Great Britain (there’s a different service in Northern Ireland
- not be disqualified from driving
You’ll need to apply for your first provisional licence if “you’ve never applied for a provisional licence before.” You will also need one if “you applied for a provisional licence before 1 March 1973.”