£1,000 DVLA warning to drivers who passed their test before 2014

The DVLA said there were high process times for paper driving licences and logbooks due to a high volume of enquiries

The DVLA has issued a warning to drivers who passed their test before 2014, stating they could be at risk of a £1,000 fine. The agency emphasised that driving with an expired licence is against the law and could result in serious consequences, including fines ranging from £1,000 to a whopping £5,000.

In a statement, the DVLA said: “You must renew your driving licence every 10 years. Renew online today – it’s easy, quick and secure at: http://gov.uk/renewdrivinglicence. Your licence should arrive within a week if you apply online.”

According to data released by the DVLA in October 2022, nearly a million people in the UK needed to update their driving licences. The DVLA also reminded drivers that they would need a valid UK passport to renew their licence online.

For those applying for their first provisional licence or those who applied for a provisional licence before 1 March 1973, they will need to apply anew. To renew online, drivers need a valid UK passport, residency in Great Britain (as there’s a different service in Northern Ireland), and a payment of £14 via MasterCard, Visa, Electron or Delta debit or credit card. However, there’s no fee for those over 70 or those with a medical short period licence.

You’ll need to provide your addresses for the past three years, your current driving licence and your National Insurance number. If you apply online, your new licence should arrive within a week. Remember to send your old photocard licence back to the DVLA. You’ll receive a confirmation email once you’ve applied.