DVLA warning this week to anyone who passed test more than 9 years ago

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) this week issued a reminder about a key validity rule, encouraging drivers to act before time runs out. The organisation took to social media platform X to share its alert.

In a post yesterday, the DVLA said: “10 years can fly by when you’re having fun! Remember to renew your driving licence every 10 years, then the journey can go on! This pit stop is quick and easy, go to https://www.gov.uk/renew-driving-licence.”

On its ‘renew your driving licence’ page, the DVLA makes it clear that legally, “you must renew a photocard licence every 10 years.”

However, if you’re unsure when your existing licence was first issued or last updated, there’s no need to worry. Any motorists who need to renew will “receive a reminder before your current licence ends.”

You can renew your full driving licence or provisional driving licence on the official GOV.UK website. It costs £14 when you apply online and you can pay by MasterCard, Visa, Electron or Delta debit or credit card.

If you’re over 70 or have a medical short period licence, there’s no fee.

To renew your licence, you must:

Applying online

If your name or title has changed since you got your current driving licence, you cannot renew it online.

If you cannot use the online service, you can apply at a Post Office or by post.

How much it costs

Renewing your licence online costs £14. You can pay by MasterCard, Visa, Electron or Delta debit or credit card (there’s no fee if you’re over 70 or have a medical short period licence).

When should I get my new licence?

The DVLA has issued advice stating, “Your driving licence should arrive within a week if you apply online”. They also remind motorists to “you must send your old photocard licence to DVLA when you get your new licence” and that “you’ll be told the address to use when you finish the application.”

Change of Address.

This reminder comes as car experts also caution that those who have recently moved house must swiftly update their records or risk facing complications and a hefty fine. This change can be made either by post or online, and it applies to both full and provisional driving licences.

Fortunately, according to the DVLA website: “It does not cost anything to change your address with DVLA.” And don’t worry, you are allowed to drive while waiting for your new licence.