DVLA issues warning to drivers who passed test before 2014

The DVLA has issued a warning to any drivers who passed their tests before 2014, because you may need to take action to avoid a fine.

I'm sorry to be the one to inform you of this task, but I'm afraid it can't be avoided.

The stress of dealing with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) does not, in fact, end the moment you get your license.

That's actually the time when the responsibility is wholly and truly put on your shoulders, and yes, it remains that way even after a decade or more of driving.

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On the bright side, this task isn't nearly as daunting as having to get behind the wheel and prove to an examiner that you're capable of watching the road, checking your mirrors and navigating simultaneously. It simply involves having the right documentation to prove that's still the case.

The warning from the DVLA came earlier this month, when it shared a post on Twitter reminding drivers that 'you must renew your driving licence every 10 years'.

If it's been less than 10 years since you successfully pulled on the handbrake, turned off the car and were handed that glorious certificate to confirm you'd passed, then you've got nothing to worry about.

But if you passed your test in 2013 and haven't updated your photocard licence since, then you need to get cracking.

Drivers should receive a reminder from the DVLA about this necessary update, and you can renew your licence easily online and get your new one within a week, after which you need to send your old licence back to the DVLA.

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Failure to return the expired licence is an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and could result in you being punished with a fine of up to £1,000, so it's really not worth procrastinating over.

The warning comes after an investigation revealed in October that more than 900,000 drivers were at risk of receiving the £1,000 fine after failing to renew their photocard licences.

To renew your licence, you just need to grab your passport, your current licence and your National Insurance Number, and detail the addresses you've lived at over the last three years.

The process costs £14 and is applicable to residents of Great Britain who have not been disqualified from driving.

After sharing their initial warning, the DVLA added that a paper licence is valid until the age of 70, though drivers will be issued with a photocard if they need to update their name or address.