The driving licence renewal extension is coming to an end: how to check when your licence expires

Drivers who were granted an automatic renewal to their driving licence during the first UK lockdown are being urged to check when their paperwork now expires.

During lockdown earlier this year the DVLA announced an automatic extension for any driver whose licence expired between February 2020 and August 2020. This was then extended to cover anyone whose licence expires before January 1, 2021.

While the scheme will remain in place until the end of the year, for the first drivers to benefit, the extension period will end soon, meaning their licences will automatically expire unless they apply to renew them.

The DVLA is now urging any driver whose licence was due to expire early this year to check their paperwork and apply for a renewal or face being left without a valid licence.

If your driving licence expired in February 2020, the 11 month extension from the date of expiry is coming to an end. You’ll need to renew your driving licence soon and the quickest way to do this is online at https://t.co/S61ejG1XPH pic.twitter.com/VQnoHwmxYT

— DVLA (@DVLAgovuk) November 2, 2020

The fine for driving without a licence is up to £1,000 and three to six points should you then renew it.

Driving licences normally remain valid for 10 years before having to be updated. In most cases this is to ensure the image on the photocard remains accurate. However, there are different rules for drivers aged 70 or more and for anyone with a medical condition which could affect their ability to drive.

The expiry date of a licence is printed on the front of the photocard under section 4b. For any licence due to expire from February 1 2020 to December 31 2020, you should add 11 months on to get your new expiry date.

The extension was announced earlier this year in line with an EU directive aimed at reducing pressure on services during the peak of the coronavirus outbreak.

Drivers whose licence is due to expire soon can apply to renew it either online or by post. Follow our guide here for all the details on the process.

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