Driving licence expired – Can you still drive?
As a driver, you have numerous responsibilities, such as renewing your car insurance, MOT certificate and vehicle tax. It is also important to remember to renew your driving licence and obtain a valid replacement before its expiry date.
In this guide, we’ll clarify when you can and can’t drive with an expired licence. We’ll also cover how to identify your licence’s expiry date – and what you should do if you discover it has expired.
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Can I still drive if my driving licence has expired?
You may be able to drive if your licence has expired and you’re waiting for the DVLA to process your licence renewal.
To determine whether you can still legally drive while your renewal is being processed, please refer to the detailed guidance in DVLA leaflet INF88/6.
Can I drive while I’m waiting for my driving licence to arrive?
The Road Traffic Act 1988, (Section 88) states that you are permitted to drive if your application is pending, and you satisfy the following conditions:
- Your doctor has confirmed you are fit to drive.
- You previously held a valid licence and are only driving the vehicle types you were entitled to drive before.
- If you hold a Group 2 (bus/lorry) licence and your entitlement has not been suspended, revoked, or refused.
- You still meet any conditions that applied to your previous licence.
- The DVLA has received a correct and complete renewal application within the last 12 months.
- Your last licence was not revoked or refused on medical grounds.
- You are not currently disqualified from driving.
- You were not disqualified as a high-risk offender on or after 1 June 2013 (i.e. convicted of a serious drink driving offence).
Informing your insurer when driving under section 88
You should inform your insurer if you plan to drive under Section 88 to confirm that you will be covered while your new licence is being processed. When contacting your insurer, it’s helpful to have a letter proving Section 88 eligibility. You can request one from the DVLA when applying for your licence.
Failing to notify your insurer could affect any claims you make in the event of an accident. Therefore, it’s prudent to get written confirmation from your insurer so you know you’re fully covered.
Meeting the Section 88 criteria legally entitles you to drive, and most insurers will continue to cover you. However, some may treat a driver with an expired photocard as not holding a valid licence, even if the DVLA has received your application and you are currently awaiting a replacement.
If you’re struggling to arrange or renew an insurance policy whilst waiting for your licence, you should be able to arrange a temporary car insurance policy to cover you whilst waiting for your physical licence.
Where is my driving licence expiry date?
You can usually find the expiry date on a UK driving licence in Section 4b, on the front of the photocard (immediately underneath the date the licence was issued).
Will I be fined if my licence expires?
You won’t be fined for renewing your licence after the expiry date. However, you must not drive until the DVLA has received your completed renewal application.
How often do driving licenses expire?
- Standard driving licences expire 10 years after their issue dates.
- You must renew your driving licence before the date printed on your current licence photocard. The licence and photo expiry date is shown in section 4b on the front of your driving licence photocard.
- The DVLA generally sends a D798 reminder letter before your licence expiry. That reminder is intended to help, but you remain legally responsible to check your licence expiry date and renew on time, even if the letter does not arrive.
- You must also update your driving licence photo every 10 years.
Licence renewal for older drivers
- If you are aged 70 years or above, you will have to renew your licence once every three years, if you wish to continue driving.
- You should receive a D46P application form 90 days before your 70th birthday (and once every three years thereafter).
- You must complete this form and return it to the DVLA to renew your licence.
- If you didn’t receive your D46P form, you can obtain a ‘D1 application for a driving licence form’ from your local Post Office or by downloading one from the DVLA website.
Please note: If you are renewing your licence in Northern Ireland, please see the nidirect guidance.
What should I do if my licence has expired?
If your licence has expired, you must not drive until you have applied for a new one and DVLA has confirmed receipt of your application, as you can only drive under Section 88 once this condition is met.
The easiest way to renew your licence is online via the GOV.UK website. DVLA receives online applications immediately, and your new driving licence usually arrives within a week.
You can also apply by post or at a participating Post Office. However, if your name or title has changed since your last licence, you must apply by post, as these changes cannot be made online or through the Post Office service.
The law explained
It is illegal to drive without a valid driving licence, unless you’re authorised to drive under Section 88 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
If you are caught driving without a valid UK driving licence (and section 88 does not apply), you could face a fine of up to £1,000 and receive up 3-6 penalty points on your licence.
You could also receive a driving ban, depending on the circumstances, and how many points you had previously incurred.
