Driving License Validity: What Every Driver Should Know

If you own a UK driving licence, you’ve probably wondered how long it stays good and what happens if it lapses. The good news is the rules are clear and easy to follow. Below we break down the key dates, renewal steps, and what you can expect if you keep driving on an expired licence.

How Long Is Your Licence Good For?

For most standard car licences (Category B) the validity is ten years. If you’re 70 or older, the licence is only valid for three years, after which you must renew it to stay legal on the road. HGV licences, such as Class 1 for heavy goods vehicles, follow the same ten‑year rule but often require a medical check before renewal.

When you first get your licence, the issue date is printed on the front. Add ten years to that date and you have your expiry. The DVLA will send a renewal reminder about a month before the date, but don’t rely on the mail alone—keep an eye on the date yourself.

How to Renew Before It Expires

Renewing is straightforward. You can do it online at the DVLA website, by phone, or with a paper D1 form. Online is the fastest: just log in, confirm your details, and pay the fee (currently £14 for a standard licence). The DVLA will then post your new licence—usually within two weeks.

If you’re over 70, you’ll need a medical report from your doctor confirming you’re fit to drive. The form is called D317 and can be submitted with your renewal. For HGV drivers, the medical check is more detailed, but the process is the same: submit the report with your renewal and wait for the new licence.

Make sure your address on the DVLA records is up to date. If the address is wrong, the new licence will be sent to the wrong place, and you could be caught driving with an expired document.

What if the renewal is late? The DVLA gives a short grace period of about a month after the expiry date, during which you can still apply without penalty. After that, you’ll be driving illegally and could face a fine, penalty points, or even a court summons if stopped by police.

In the meantime, keep a copy of your renewal receipt or a printout of the confirmation email in your car. It’s not a licence, but it shows you’ve taken steps to renew and can help if you’re pulled over during the grace period.

Remember, an expired licence also affects your insurance. Most insurers will refuse a claim if you were driving without a valid licence, leaving you liable for any damages. So, treat the renewal as a top priority.

Finally, if you lose your licence after it expires, you’ll need to apply for a replacement. The replacement fee is higher (£21) and you’ll still have to renew the licence to become legal again.

Keeping track of your licence expiry date and starting the renewal process early saves you stress, money, and possible legal trouble. Mark the date on your phone, put a reminder on the fridge, or set an annual calendar alert. A few minutes now prevent headaches later.