Got a plastic driving licence issued in 1998 or 1999? Renew your photo now!

Mojisola

pinkpong wrote: »

I still have a paper one from 1995 . Do I need to change it for the plastic one? I wasn`t aware that we had to do this.

No, you don't have to change it.

darkangelmax452

I passed my test in february 1998 and got the photocard licence.

just checked it though and it's up for renewal in 2013, i changed my address in 2005 and they just added onto the expiry date with the original photo, so it works out mine's valid for about 15 years not gonna fork out £17.50 without needing too but i suppose it shows a nice little loophole, just change your name or address for free before the expiry date and they give you an extension :money:

Sami_Bee

I think the "free extension" must have changed recently as I changed my name this year and my address in 2007 and mines valid until june 2012 thats 10 yrs from when I got my provisional and therefore 10yrs from when I first sent them my photo so no freebie for me humpf!

sailorchief

Under what circumstances could you be 'slapped with a £1000 fine' I wonder? Would this ever be a problem for normal law abiding citizens, or could it be that those are the ones to target as they are the easiest?

twirlypinky

I'm 17 in my photo (from when I started driving, it's the same photo that was on my provisional licence) But i didn't actually pass my test until 2006, so I'm getting 16 years out of mine. And I've just got divorced and am going to change the name and address on it, so more free years. I do love a loop hole.

Sami_Bee

sailorchief wrote: »

Under what circumstances could you be 'slapped with a £1000 fine' I wonder? Would this ever be a problem for normal law abiding citizens, or could it be that those are the ones to target as they are the easiest?

The £1000 applies when your license is not up to date in anyway ie. photo, name, address, need to wear glasses etc My friend has still got hers in her maiden name at her mum n dad's address and she left home about 7yrs ago and got married about 4yrs ago she's not been fined yet but then again she hasn't been pulled for a traffic offense either

ihatebt_2

Disgusting. Yet another tax by a government that are supposedly on our side! I don't care if they need to pay IBM for this system, they are the ones who wanted it, not us. Besides, I still look the same as I did 10 years ago anyway!

And what rights have they got to hit someone with a £1000 fine?

Just another direct tax like the increased passport costs to pay for a new big brother system that we don't want.

I also see this as being a part of the database state.

freddy27

So that's another £7000000 next year plus all the dosh it makes selling OUR details to rip off parking firms. By the time we motorists have paid, road fund licence, tax and VAT on petrol, VAT for buying a car, then IF you do anything wrong and get caught the fines one pays go to Government or local Councils, where does the system end.
Nobody bothered to tell me I'd need to renew my licence EVERY ten years another money making idea from Gordy Brown I guess.

zkb100

I got mine in 2000 but since having it have passed a motorbike test so had to get that added on (for free).
I was cheeky and sent in a new photo at the same time requesting they change it for free (since my previous photo was terrible and didn't look anything like me)
Surprisingly they obliged and mines now valid til 2016!!!!! So, new photo and extra years for free, not sure that would work everytime though...

DonnaK

oh, just checked my licence which i got in 1998 and it does expire - but i changed my address with them in 2007 and didnt get an extention on changing the photo. maybe the loophole doesnt always work!

i don't understand why they can change an address for free but have to pay for a photo?? they still have to reprint the same card.....