The current photocard driving licence was introduced ten years ago and has become an important proof of identity as well as a confirmation of which motor vehicles you are able to drive. However, the tenth anniversary has raised some eyebrows with the little-considered fact that you need to renew your licence regularly. Previous paper licences ran until the driver was 70 years of age, but photocard licences, because our appearance changes and photos need updating, are valid for only ten years. The first photocard licences have now started to expire.

DVLA do send out reminders shortly before a licence is due for renewal, which will help all drivers who have kept DVLA advised of any change of address. However, it may be worth checking when your licence expires! To assist you, there are two dates on the front of the photocard licence. The date marked 4a is the date the photocard is valid from and 4b is the expiry date of the licence. Generally there is a ten year period between the two dates, but for some drivers, such as those approaching or over 70 years of age, a shorter period is more usual.

Renewal of a licence is usually straightforward, although inevitably there is a cost to pay to renew a photocard and this is currently set at £17.50. For more details of procedure please visit the DVLA or DirectGov websites.

We hope that this helps inform of the current situation and that when you rush home and check your licence (like the author of this article did), you find everything in order. Remember that having an expired licence will pose serious legal problems such as with insurance and you could face a fine of up to £1,000. On a more basic level, it would prevent you from collecting your motorhome or caravan hired from Tilshead Caravans – ruining your holiday. Perhaps checking now would not be a bad idea………………