Expired driving licence

Aretnap

MisnerSpace said:
You are entitled to drive until the date in Section 11, even if you need to renew your driving licence with a new photograph.

Please note: Driving in GB with an expired photocard licence is an offence which could result in a fine of up to £1,000.

Whoever (or whatever - it may have been AI rather than a human) replied to your web chat was obviously not having a good day, because these two statements cannot both be true.

The correct answer is as Car54 said. It is not an offence to drive with an expired photocard - your entitlement to drive remains valid until your 70th birthday, unless you have a shorter duration licence for medical reasons.

Failing to update the photocard in time is in the same category as failing to update your address when you move house - it's an offence whether you drive or not, but not one that affects your entitlement to drive. Just keep driving and send it in for renewal asap.

Car_54

OP, if you look at the back of the photocard, column 11 gives the actual expiry dates for each category of vehicle. Yu can continue to drive until that date, regardless of the photocard.

Failure to renew a photocard is indeed an offence, but it's rarely (if ever) prosecuted. The police can't fine you (only the courts), and it does NOT incur points.

This article is helpful 
https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/blog/entry/legislation-expired-photos-do-not-invalidate-driving-licences/46025/

MisnerSpace

Aretenap, yes it was apparently a human that replied via the DVLA chat. Decided to phone the DVLA and actually speak to a human and they stated that it was fine to drive once they have received a completed and correct application, assuming there are no medical issues, disqualifications, etc.

Car_54, thanks for the article, pretty well clears everything up. Worrying that there is still confusion among everyone coincidentally 10 years later since the article was written.

Thanks again to all.

400ixl

Glad you got to the right answer, and Car_54 was able to point you in the right direction.

Started to read some of the very wrong responses in here and feared for a minute you were going to be led down the wrong path.

Car_54

MisnerSpace said:

Aretenap, yes it was apparently a human that replied via the DVLA chat. Decided to phone the DVLA and actually speak to a human and they stated that it was fine to drive once they have received a completed and correct application, assuming there are no medical issues, disqualifications, etc.

Car_54, thanks for the article, pretty well clears everything up. Worrying that there is still confusion among everyone coincidentally 10 years later since the article was written.

Thanks again to all.

Indeed, it's particularly worrying that some of that confusion is ay the DVLA, who gave you the wrong answer!.

sevenhills

Car_54 said:

OP, if you look at the back of the photocard, column 11 gives the actual expiry dates for each category of vehicle. Yu can continue to drive until that date, regardless of the photocard.

If you get stopped by the police and get asked to produce your documentation, you cannot and would be fined accordingly.

tedted

no you wouldnet

Car_54

sevenhills said:

Car_54 said:

OP, if you look at the back of the photocard, column 11 gives the actual expiry dates for each category of vehicle. Yu can continue to drive until that date, regardless of the photocard.

If you get stopped by the police and get asked to produce your documentation, you cannot and would be fined accordingly.

I’ve been participating on pepipoo.com for about 10 years, and AFAIR we have yet to see anyone prosecuted for failing to renew the photocard.

What offence are you suggesting? The expired photocard actually confirms the expiry date of the licence itself.

sevenhills

Car_54 said:

I’ve been participating on pepipoo.com for about 10 years, and AFAIR we have yet to see anyone prosecuted for failing to renew the photocard.

What offence are you suggesting? The expired photocard actually confirms the expiry date of the licence itself.

If you’re stopped, the police can ask to see your:

• driving licence
• insurance certificate
• MOT certificate

If you do not have these documents with you, you have 7 days to take them to a police station. You’re breaking the law if you do not show the requested documents within 7 days.

I am sure they can look online for most things, but you may need to produce at a police station.

GrumpyDil

sevenhills said:

Car_54 said:

I’ve been participating on pepipoo.com for about 10 years, and AFAIR we have yet to see anyone prosecuted for failing to renew the photocard.

What offence are you suggesting? The expired photocard actually confirms the expiry date of the licence itself.

If you’re stopped, the police can ask to see your:

• driving licence
• insurance certificate
• MOT certificate

If you do not have these documents with you, you have 7 days to take them to a police station. You’re breaking the law if you do not show the requested documents within 7 days.

I am sure they can look online for most things, but you may need to produce at a police station.

Indeed and you will be able to show your driving licence irrespective of whether or not the photocard element is out of date.