Renewing driving licenses

[gswindale]

Interesting and informative post. Mine is due for renewal in 3 months time. I was contemplating doing the renewal through the post office at the end of this month as I had read about the delays at DVLA, but having read the last couple of comments above it would seem that applications for renews are being processed quickly. I still might get it done sooner rather than later as I presume the new licence carries on for 10 years after the expiry of the current one and not the date of when the renewal processes was carried out ?

My old licence expired on 18th July. Renewed online on 3rd June. New licence expired 3rd June 2031, so it looks like you do lose a bit of validity.

 

[Gloster]

The automatic part of the DVLA seems to still be working fine. I bought a car on Wednesday and the new log-book came through my door this morning.

 

[JamesT]

The automatic part of the DVLA seems to still be working fine. I bought a car on Wednesday and the new log-book came through my door this morning.

Or rather, it’s started working again. I bought a car last summer and it took 3 months for the V5 to appear so I could tax it.

 

[voyagerdude220]

Just to update everyone, despite Covid, I'm very pleasantly surprised to report that I've received my new driving license today.

 

[MotCO]

Just to update everyone, despite Covid, I'm very pleasantly surprised to report that I've received my new driving license today.

Pedant alert: I hope you received a LicenCe today

 

[voyagerdude220]

Pedant alert: I hope you received a LicenCe today

I wasn't sure which word to use.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

I wasn't sure which word to use.

In American English, the noun is spelled the same as the verb—license.

But in British English, the noun is spelled licence, only the verb is spelled license.

Either way, the meaning stays the same—permission, a permit, a document that states you are qualified or allowed to do something.

 

[voyagerdude220]

In American English, the noun is spelled the same as the verb—license.

But in British English, the noun is spelled licence, only the verb is spelled license.

Either way, the meaning stays the same—permission, a permit, a document that states you are qualified or allowed to do something.

Thanks

 

[peteb]

My recent experience with DVLA suggests using a current passport photo as they simply get it from the computer system and you can apply entirely on line. Mine took under a week to arrive, with union jack on it now instead of euro flag. A friend who preferred a new up to date photo sent theirs off by post at the same time and is still waiting....

 

[Trackman]

Bit in the paper today about they are doing a trail whereby provisional licences to start will be "digital" and only available online and via an app you show PC 99 on your phone - phasing out the pink plastic credit card. It was pointed out that not everyone has a smart phone or is online and what are they going to do? tattoo barcode on your arm ?

Thought it would go this way, but I think with full licences it wouldn't go down well as a lot people rely on these for ID, unless it's an optional extra (ka-ching!)
There is no real need or even a legal obligation to carry a driving licence as the police have the technology these days to look up your licence details and photo ID on the go.

 

[peteb]

There is no real need or even a legal obligation to carry a driving licence

Oh, I thought you were supposed to produce one to a uniformed officer on demand, but maybe I am not up to date on the law!

 

[bearhugger]

Word of warning guys. If you are going to renew your photo licence via the post office, don't do as I did this morning and go into a photo booth and have four passport type pictures done. This would be Ok if you are going to send in a postal application, but the post office can do the application electronically, including taking the picture for £21.50.

I went to ASDA this morning and use their machine to take 4 images (the machine even has options for UK driving licence, passport etc). £7 lighter and with my certified format photos in hand I set off for the post office. I approached the counter, stated I wish to renew my licence in advance of the expiry date and that I have the pictures. "Can't use them as its all done electronically" the cashier said...So I paid my £21.50, had my photo retaken, signed the touch pad with the scriber and that was that. She then cut up my old licence, and gave me a receipt, confirming that in the event of being stopped I can show the receipt, but that the new licence should be with me by this time next week !

Ouch!

 

[Trackman]

Oh, I thought you were supposed to produce one to a uniformed officer on demand, but maybe I am not up to date on the law!

Well, you are sort of, more info below:

Do I need to carry my driving licence?​

Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to carry your driving licence with you when you are driving. Although it is not illegal, it is highly recommended. Most people have their licence with them in their wallet or purse. However, if you lose your licence then it should be replaced straight away.
A Police Officer can ask to see your licence at any time and if you do not produce it immediately, then you will have to produce it at a Police Station within 7 days. If you do not, it is an offence and you may face prosecution.

Do I need to carry any documents in my car?​

There are no laws or legal obligations that require you to keep anything in your car. However, as with your driving licence, there are some documents that you may need to produce should a Police Officer ask for it. These include;
– a valid insurance certificate
– a valid MOT certificate (if your vehicle needs one)
Again, if you do not have these documents with you at the time, you may be asked to produce them at a Police Station. (Although it’s nothing like as strict as it once was, as you can merely produce evidence that you have these things and they’ll be accepted.)

 

[malc-c]

Ouch!

Well sort of... at least I now have photo that hopefully I can use to apply for a senior rail card next March when I turn 60

 

[johncrossley]

Are photo booths required for anything any more? Surely Photo Me etc. will go bust soon?

 

[MotCO]

Are photo booths required for anything any more? Surely Photo Me etc. will go bust soon?

I renewed my passport using a Photo Me photo a couple of years ago - but it was an electronic version I could send straight off.

 

[johncrossley]

I renewed my passport using a Photo Me photo a couple of years ago - but it was an electronic version I could send straight off.

You can use a digital photo from your own phone nowadays, so hardly anyone will need to spend £6 in a photo booth.

 

[davews]

Well sort of... at least I now have photo that hopefully I can use to apply for a senior rail card next March when I turn 60

You don't need a photo for a senior rail card, it hasn't one.