Driving Licence renewal

TooManyPoints

If you think this through, under the old paper driving licence scheme, the licence lasted until the driver was 70 (leaving aside medical conditions, disqualification ordered by a court, etc.). No renewal was necessary and so no re-test could be ordered during that time (again, leaving aside medical conditions or disqualifications).

Photocard driving licences were introduced from 1st April 1999. This means somebody who passed their test just prior to that date and who was aged 17 at the time will have an entitlement to drive, confirmed by their paper licence, until 2052. Unless the law is changed (to phase out paper licences entirely) and provided they do not change address, get disqualified by a court or develop a reportable medical condition, they will not need to have a photocard DL until then. During that time, they may never even drive at all, but their entitlement to do so remains. So why should somebody who gained their licence after April 1999 be subject to a retesting requirement if they allow their photocard to lapse?

Flight3287462

gilly58 said:

Has anyone else been in this position before, 
Its not excuse but i did not receive a reminder, 

Yes and I just sorted out a new photo licence 3-4 years after it expired without issue.

Barbara_Bates

I’ve just realised that my photo card expired over a year ago. I’ve read everything it says on the government website and I know it says I can continue to drive if my license expires while my application is in, but this is not the case. It expired over a year ago I can manage without the car until it comes back, I suppose, but I’m making things hard for myself, can I actually drive now? 

Barbara_Bates

Typo, 
I meant to say, am I making things unnecessarily hard for myself by thinking I cannot drive until the photo card comes back in the post ? thank you

JGB1955

Barbara_Bates said:

Typo, 
I meant to say, am I making things unnecessarily hard for myself by thinking I cannot drive until the photo card comes back in the post ? thank you

Your driving licence hasn't expired - it's just your photocard that is out of date.  

user1977

Barbara_Bates said:

I’ve just realised that my photo card expired over a year ago. I’ve read everything it says on the government website and I know it says I can continue to drive if my license expires while my application is in, but this is not the case. It expired over a year ago I can manage without the car until it comes back, I suppose, but I’m making things hard for myself, can I actually drive now? 

Have you read anything which says you’re not allowed to drive?