Check what you know
Did you know?
Best practice tips
Check what you know
Did you know?
- Driving without a correct, current and valid licence can result in a fine up to £1,000 and up to six penalty points or you could be disqualified from driving. If you are caught driving while disqualified you will face court action.
- Failure to produce driving documents to the police is an offence resulting in a fine up to £5,000 and eight penalty points.
Drivers are legally required to ensure they have a correct, current and valid driving licence before driving any vehicle.
Drivers must inform DVLA of changes to their name, gender, and address on their driving licence.
Drivers must renew a photocard licence with DVLA every 10 years.
Drivers must report a lost or stolen driving licence to the police and apply to DVLA for a replacement.
Best practice tips
- Always keep your driving licence safe.
- Know your driving licence number.
- Know your licence renewal date.
- Keep the photograph on your licence up to date.
- Inform DVLA of any changes to your driving licence.
- Know what endorsements and penalty points are on your driving licence.
- Wherever possible, carry your driving licence when driving.
The driving licence is an official document that grants a driver the right to operate a vehicle. The Road Traffic Act 1988 states it is an offence for a person to drive a motor vehicle on a road without a licence authorising them to drive a motor vehicle of that class.
If a police officer asks a driver to produce their driving licence, they must comply. However it is not a legal requirement for drivers to carry their licence while driving. Drivers will be given seven days to produce their licence at a police station.
Driving licences are normally valid until 70 years of age unless restricted for medical reasons.
From 21 May 2022, Operators of goods vehicles weighing over 2.5 tonnes and up to 3.5 tonnes in weight, (either alone or when used with a trailer) that travel abroad on commercial journeys for hire and reward, will need to hold a Standard International Goods Vehicles Operator Licence.
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