DVLA announces major driving licence change that could impact thousands of drivers

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has announced today (April 9) that they have changed the way you can upgrade your driving licence after passing your test.

The DVLA has revealed that drivers can now renew the photo on their driving licence and also apply for their first provisional licence through the Driver and vehicles account service.

More than 890,000 people signed up for an account to access this service since it was launched less than a year ago.

Renewing your photo and applying for your first provisional licence are two of the DVLA's highest volume transactions when it comes to driving licences - so this change will make it so much simpler for both driver and the DVLA.

A current feature of this Drivers and vehicle service includes opting to receive vehicle tax reminders by text or email rather than through the post.

People can now complete a 10-year renewal of their photocard licence through their account as well as tracking their application and choose their own photo to be used on their licence. You can also see details of your new licence once issued.

This service is part of DVLA’s digital transformation plan, which they say "puts customers at the centre of its services, with the aim of building digital services so good that people choose to use them over other channels".

First provisional drivers with an account can also view their provisional driving licence and add a vehicle registered in their name.

This news has come after the DVLA announced in October 2023 that commercial drivers could view their Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) and tachograph information through the Driver and vehicles account service.

Guy Opperman, Minister for Roads and Local Transport, said: "Renewing your driving licence should be an easy, accessible, straightforward process so that motorists can continue to drive safely. That’s why it’s great to see DVLA offer motorists the opportunity to renew their driving licence and apply for a first provisional licence all in one place, as DVLA continues to evolve into an increasingly dynamic, digital, and customer-centric organisation."

Julie Lennard, DVLA Chief Executive, said: "We are pleased to say that 2 of our most popular services are now available through our Driver and vehicles account, providing even more convenience for our customers. We want to make transacting with us as simple and as streamlined as possible, which is why we will continue to add more features and services to the account so that our customers can get what they need from DVLA quicker and easier than ever before."

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