Three million drivers break DVLA rule but can pay £14 to avoid £1,000 fine

James Rodger
·2-min read

Millions of drivers are at risk of having insurance "invalidated" for breaking a vital DVLA rule. 3.6 million drivers are at risk of fines for driving without a valid licence from the DVLA and could even be hit with £1k fines and up to six points.

The most common age group for driving without a valid licence was between 37 and 46, with over 1.1 million offenders. This was followed by those aged between 47 and 56 with almost 970,000, according to figures released.

Greater London has 891,122 expired licences, followed by South East England’s 489,305 and North West England’s 371,882. Paul Daly, director at InsureDaily, said the majority of drivers are “well aware” that their licence had expired.

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They are also said to be aware that it was “breaking the law”. Motorists who breach this requirement could risk having their insurance invalidated - and it costs just £14 to renew. The DVLA says: "It costs £14 when you apply online.

"You must renew a photocard licence every 10 years - you'll receive a reminder before your current licence ends. You'll need to apply for your first provisional licence if: you've never applied for a provisional licence before."

To renew your licence online you need either a UK passport or the document you used to set up your online immigration status. If you do not have either of these, you’ll need to apply at a Post Office or by post. If your name or title has changed you cannot apply online.

You can only renew your licence by post. To renew online, your new licence will be valid from the date your application is approved, not from the expiry date of your current licence. You can pay by MasterCard, Visa, Electron or Delta debit or credit card (there’s no fee if you’re over 70 or have a medical short period licence).

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