Millions of drivers admit to out-of-date licences
Tue, 03 Jun 2025
More than two million UK motorists are risking fines of up to £1000 by driving with an expired licence.
A third of drivers surveyed by Confused.com say they only renewed their licence more than a month after expiry.
Millions more are risking a fine by not updating legal details such as their name or address.
The average fine for drivers who have been penalised is a steep £415 – and, as it can also carry a 6-point penalty, some have even been banned from driving for repeat driving licence offences.
"With the penalty so high, it’s worrying that many drivers feel so relaxed about keeping their licence up to date," says Confused.com motoring expert Rhydian Jones.
"While you think you may not get caught, it’s clear that it can catch up with you, given how many drivers have been penalised in the past."
Driving licences are valid for 10 years, after which they must be renewed with an up-to-date picture. Drivers must also update the DVLA if they change address or personal details.
Of those who moved house, a steep 20% waited more than a month before informing the DVLA. while 1 in 10 who didn’t change their details received a warning letter from the DVLA.
Because of the long validity of the driving licence, 66% of those who let it expire said they didn’t realise it was out of date.
The DVLA issues reminders for those who are due a renewal – but 43% who had to renew their licence said they didn’t receive a renewal alert.
Nearly 10% of those surveyed claimed their driving licence is up for renewal soon.
Jones said driving licence renewals are easy to do online and can also be done at the Post Office. While it can cost up to £21.50, it’s a small setback in comparison to the potential fines you could face.
He also reminded motorists that changing details on a valid driving licence is free.
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