Driving Licence Renewal

[Justin McArdle]

Dear All

For all of us hoping to drive in Europe when conditions permit I thought it useful to post the following. I just realised that my driving licence had expired in September 2020 and that no reminder had been sent. 

Please be aware that reminders for driving licence renewals are not being sent out (see below for Govt. advice)
It is possible to renew online (require driving licence details, national insurance number and passport number). Existing licence has to be cut in two and returned to DVLA.
An international driving permit is also required to drive in Europe.


If your licence expired between 1 February and 31 December 2020
Your driving licence or entitlement to drive in the UK was automatically extended for 11 months. This is because of coronavirus (COVID-19).

The extension started from the date your licence was due to expire.

You will not get a new licence as part of the automatic extension. You’ll only get a new licence when you renew it.

You can renew your licence online at any time before the extension ends.

If you’re driving abroad
You must renew your licence before you can drive abroad if your licence or entitlement to drive in the UK has been automatically extended.

[Derek Creasy]

Please also be aware that with advancing years , some of us have to admit to various health deficiencies when completing forms . I suffer from sleep Apnoea and after I had ticked it on the application form , it took months of paperwork and my consultant to respond to DVLA's requests for confirmation that my condition  was under control. How long it would have taken for something more serious I dread to think.  Apply well in time !

[Jaydub]

Justin I think that you do NOT need an IDP to drive in most EU countries as long as you have a Modern licence with your photograph in it. Pre Covid I have driven to Race meetings in Germany, France, Italy, Belgium & Czech Republic and all of these are still possible without an International Driving Permit.

[lancialulu]

Mostly correct.

This is clear from

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-47459859

[Justin McArdle]

Thanks all for clarifications/corrections.