renewing driving licence

[heasandford]

Today I discovered that my driving licence was nearly a year out of date!! I thought the DVLA would remind me, and completely missed that the three years were up - now applying by post, but what will happen when they get it? Will they renew immediately - or worse, fine me??

 

[Barbie1]

I found exactly the same a couple of years ago.

I immediately telephoned DVLA and explained that I was in such a state as I was a good law abiding citizen, but had not received any reminder and what should I do?
They advised me to get the application off straight away, and then it was "pending" and you should be ok (not sure about that now, though, although he may have agreed to put a note on my record to that effect..
However, I also did not have a photograph they needed so I was racing around getting that (by car to local supermarket) and then back to the office (by car) to get somebody to confirm it was me. I think next to the post office to get the application off (by car), then back home (by car).

Boy was my driving careful that day!

 

[trophywench]

I happened to notice the other day mine's not due till 2018 - I'd mis-remembered it as being next year, so that was nice LOL

Very odd Heasandford - you haven't moved or anything?

 

[heasandford]

No, I haven't moved. Should I have had a reminder?

Can't find a number to ring either (panic mode, useless?!)

 

[Northerner]

Why would they fine you? If they don't know you've been driving then you might have simply not needed to renew your license for a year, like with a passport if you don't plan on going abroad 🙂

 

[Matt Cycle]

In nearly 30 years of driving I've had a reminder from the DVLA every single time. Usually at least at 2-3 months before the 3 years licence expires.

 

[trophywench]

This is the trouble isn't it though, Matt - because you "know for a fact" this will always definitely happen, you cease to even think about it. Unlike renewing your passport for instance - you have to instigate that, and do everything yourself, so you have to have a pretty good idea at the back of your mind when it's next due so you can do all you need to in good time.

That's why I asked if there was anything unusual happening at the time which might explain it. (so it doesn't happen to anyone else)

 

[heasandford]

That's why I asked if there was anything unusual happening at the time which might explain it. (so it doesn't happen to anyone else)

It's a year ago last February they said they'd sent it - I can't remember what I was doing 5 minutes ago - but no, there really wasn't anything dramatic happening then. I'm sure I wouldn't have forgotten to do it if I'd had a reminder. Who has a diary for 3 years? - but I will try to remember in future, it's a wake-up call.

The bad news I got when I rang (managed to find a number) is that I now can't drive until I get a new licence. Fortunately I have a husband mostly at home, but I'm not used to the lack of independence.