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The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has issued a warning to drivers who passed their tests over a decade ago, urging them to take action before it's too late. The agency took to social media platform X to remind motorists about the 10-year rule. In the post, the DVLA stated: "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." READ MORE: ITV viewers in 'meltdown' over The 1% Club mishap According to GOV.UK, drivers must renew their photocard licence when it expires. Failure to do so could result in breaking the law and potentially facing a fine of up to £1,000. Drivers needing to renew their licence will 'receive a reminder before your current licence ends', according to the 'renew your driving licence' page. Additionally, if you have changed your address, you will need to renew your licence or risk facing several issues and a potential fine. You can apply either by post or online and can change your address on either your full licence or provisional. This service is free of charge and you can continue to drive while waiting for your new licence, as per the DVLA's guidelines. It is crucial that licences are refreshed as people's appearances alter over time and it is vital that photocards are brought up to date to ensure police and other enforcement bodies have the most accurate image possible to properly identify drivers. You can refresh your full driving licence or provisional driving licence through the official GOV.UK website. The cost is £14 when you submit your application online and you can settle the payment using MasterCard, Visa, Electron or Delta debit or credit card. Nevertheless, if you are aged over 70 or possess a medical short period licence, no charge applies. To refresh your licence you must reside in Great Britain (there is a separate service in Northern Ireland) and not be banned from driving. The DVLA states: "Your driving licence should arrive within a week if you apply online". Bear in mind, "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 submit an application for your first provisional licence if you have never requested a provisional licence previously or if you requested a provisional licence before 1 March 1973. If you need to make alterations, such as if your name or title has altered since you obtained your current driving licence, you cannot refresh it online. In this instance you must submit your application by post. To do this, you'll need to pick up a 'D1 pack' of forms from the Post Office. This pack is specifically for DVLA photocard renewal or vehicle tax. You'll need to include a recent passport-style photo, your current photocard licence (if you have one), and a cheque or postal order for £17 made payable to the DVLA. If you've changed your name, you'll also need to include relevant identity documents. It's worth noting that there's no fee for those aged 70 and over, or if you have a medical short period licence. Once you've applied by post or at a Post Office, the DVLA says you should receive your licence within three weeks. However, it might take longer if they need to check your medical or personal details. In the meantime, you can continue driving while you wait for your new licence to arrive.
