DVLA issues urgent reminder to drivers over 10 year rule

Drivers have been issued an urgent reminder to update their licence before it expires. Taking to X, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) said that people need to ahere to the 10 year rule.

In a post this week, it said: "So much can happen in 10 years! Take a breather to reflect on where you are and where you've been."

It continued: "Before you carry on your journey, remember to renew your driving licence if you last renewed it 10 years ago." Linking to their 'renew your driving licence' page, the official government body noted that people must renew their photocard licence every 10 years.

Don't worry though if you aren't sure when you last renewed as the DVLA has confirmed drivers will "receive a reminder before your current licence ends."

It explained: "Your driving licence should arrive within a week if you apply online". Remember, "you must send your old photocard licence to DVLA when you get your new licence" and "you'll be told the address to use when you finish the application."

How can I renew my driving licence?

You can renew your full driving licence or provisional driving licence on the official GOV.UK website. It costs £14 when you apply online. If you're over 70 or have a medical short period licence, there's no fee.

To renew your licence, you must:

• be a resident of Great Britain (there's a different service in Northern Ireland
• not be disqualified from driving

You'll need to apply for your first provisional licence if:

• you've never applied for a provisional licence before
• you applied for a provisional licence before 1 March 1973

If you need to make changes, such as if your name or title has changed since you got your current driving licence, you cannot renew it online, the DVLA has said. If you cannot use the online service, you can apply at a Post Office or by post.

Change of address?

The reminder follows advice from the motoring experts, who warn that anyone who has moved must update their records to avoid potential problems and a substantial fine. You can update your address either online or by post, whether you hold a full or provisional driving licence.

Fortunately, the DVLA website confirms: "It does not cost anything to change your address with DVLA." And there's no need to stress as you're still allowed to drive while waiting for your updated licence.