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The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has issued a reminder to drivers who passed their tests over 10 years ago, urging motorists to take action before it’s too late. The agency issued its warning on social media platform X , giving a reminder about the 10-year rule, reports Wales Online . In the post, the DVLA said: "So much can happen in 10 years! Take a breather to reflect on where you are and where you've been. Before you carry on your journey, remember to renew your driving licence if you last renewed it 10 years ago." According to GOV.UK , motorists must renew their photocard licence when it expires. If they fail to do so, they will be breaking the law and may have to pay a fine of up to £1,000 . Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE Any driver who needs to renew their licence will ‘receive a reminder before your current licence ends’, according to the ‘renew your driving licence’ page . You will also need to renew your licence if you have changed address, or you will risk several issues and a fine. You can apply by post or online and can change your address on either your full licence or provisional. This does not come at a cost and you can still drive while you are waiting for your licence, according to the DVLA. It is important that the licences are renewed as appearances can change and it is important that photocards are updated to ensure police and other enforcement agencies have the best possible picture to correctly identify motorists. You can renew your full driving licence or provisional driving licence on the official GOV.UK website. It costs £14 when you apply online and you can pay by MasterCard, Visa, Electron or Delta debit or credit card. However, if you are over 70 or have a medical short period licence, there is no fee. Never miss a story with the MEN's daily Catch Up newsletter - get it in your inbox by signing up here In order to renew your licence you must be a resident of Great Britain (there is a different service in Northern Ireland) and not be disqualified from driving. The DVLA says: "Your driving licence should arrive within a week if you apply online". Remember, "you must send your old photocard licence to DVLA when you get your new licence" and "you’ll be told the address to use when you finish the application." You will also need to apply for your first provisional licence if you have never applied for a provisional licence before or if you applied for a provisional licence before 1 March 1973. If you need to make changes, such as if your name or title has changed since you got your current driving licence, you cannot renew it online. In this case you must apply by post. You can do this by getting a ‘D1 pack’ of forms from the Post Office which deals with DVLA photocard renewal or vehicle tax. You will need to include a recent printed passport type photo, current photocard licence (if you have it) and a cheque or postal order for £17, payable to DVLA. You will also need to include identity documents if you have changed your name. Again, there is no fee for those aged 70 and over or if you have a medical short period licence. After you apply by post or at a Post Office, the DVLA says your licence should arrive within 3 weeks. However, it may take longer if your medical or personal details need to be checked. But, you can continue driving while you wait for your new licence to arrive.
