Car experts issue £1,000 fine warning to millions who passed their driving test before 2015
Car experts have issued a fresh warning to motorists in the United Kingdom that could see anyone impacted issued with a £1,000 fine if ignored.
Applying to those who passed their driving tests before 2015, it is one that affects millions of drivers without them even realising. And given how much you have to deal with in modern life, it's easy to forget about some of the more granular things that only need your attention once in blue moon.
Enter your driving licence, which could very quickly land Brits in hot water if they passed their test before 2015.
And it all comes down to a few numbers on the driving licence itself, those being the expiry date.
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Under UK law, your driving licence must be renewed a decade after it is issued by the DVLA. So, if you passed your test in 2014, the majority of you should have already renewed this year. And for those who passed in 2015, the decade long deadline is fast approaching.
Why you have to renew your driving licence every decade
"Ensuring that your driving licence is up to date is not just about following the law; it's also about being a responsible and safe driver," experts at BigWantsYourCar.com said.
"The law requires these renewals for a reason, as it helps maintain accurate identification and compliance with road regulations.
"Failing to return an expired licence to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and can be punished with a fine of up to £1,000."
Making sure your driving licence is not out of date will also mean it remains a legal form of identification. If it is outdated, it loses this aspect and could see you in a tricky spot should you need to provide ID for any particular reason.
How to renew your driving licence after 10 years
It's really easy to sort this mess out if you've found that yours has expired or is about to.
And, thankfully, it only costs £14 to get the job done. You should also be notified when it is time to do this.
To renew your licence online you need a driver and vehicles account. Alternatively, you can provide a UK passport or the document you used to set up your online immigration status if that applies to you.
"If you do not have either of these, you’ll need to apply at a Post Office or by post," the DVLA says.
"DVLA will use your email address to check if you have a driver and vehicles account. Your new licence will be valid from the date your application is approved, not from the expiry date of your current licence."
To renew, you'll need to be a resident of Great Britain and not be disqualified from driving. The new licence should arrive within a week of an online application.
BigWantsYourCar.com experts added: "Renewing your driving licence has never been easier. With the convenience of online applications, it's a quick and straightforward process. By using the official DVLA website, you not only save time but also ensure that your information is up to date."
To sort out a renewal, head over to Gov.uk here.
Tom Earnshaw