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Original poster

Can you drive whilst waiting for renewal of photo are?

18 replies

toodleloooo · 08/05/2021 13:08

Hi all,

I'm really struggling to find the answer to this online. My provisional photocard expired a couple of years ago. I wasn't driving in the meantime so didn't renew it until recently. Now that I'm waiting for it to come back can I drive? I've been told it could take a long time.

I have looked online but all I can find is some guidance saying if it expires while your renewal application is pending you can still drive. The implication is that as mine expired beforehand it's probably not ok but they don't say exactly that.

Does anyone know? I've tried the DVLA webchat but it's an unhelpful automated bot, and tried the phone number but they say they are busy and to call back later.

Thanks for any help!

OP posts:
Original poster
toodleloooo · 08/05/2021 13:09

Sorry - autocorrect - title should of course say photocard!

OP posts:
Astronaut8 · 08/05/2021 13:11

I’ve always drove whilst waiting on a renewal card.
All your details will be on the system should you be pulled over.

sunflowersandbuttercups · 08/05/2021 13:12

I don't think you can drive if your provisional has expired, no.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Driving & parking
Astronaut8 · 08/05/2021 13:14

Oh didn’t read it expired 🙈 my bad. No I would wait.
Sorry op read it wrong!

Blueroses99 · 08/05/2021 13:17

Not an official gov website but this says no:

“My photocard's already expired, will I be fined?
Renewing late won't prompt a fine, but if your licence has expired the DVLA says you shouldn't drive until it has received your completed renewal application – see directly below.”

www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/renew-driving-licence/

BelleBlueBell · 08/05/2021 13:20

[quote Blueroses99]Not an official gov website but this says no:

“My photocard's already expired, will I be fined?
Renewing late won't prompt a fine, but if your licence has expired the DVLA says you shouldn't drive until it has received your completed renewal application – see directly below.”

www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/renew-driving-licence/[/quote]
There's currently a covid extension to photocard licences but the OP is asking about a provisional so probably not relevant

Original poster
toodleloooo · 08/05/2021 13:21

Thanks all! Maybe I have to wait until the DVLA confirms they have received my application and all is in order? Annoying because the online application form had a bug so I had to do it by post, and could be a while.

OP posts:
SunIsComing · 08/05/2021 13:27

Technically you have no valid licence to drive, and this would invalidate your insurance.

Original poster
toodleloooo · 08/05/2021 14:03

Finally got through to the DVLA by phone. The guy said it's just the photocard that's expired and that doesn't affect my ability to drive, and because I've submitted the renewal application I'm fine on the photocard front too. Great! I said. So if the police were to pull me over it would be ok to say I've applied for the renewal so no £1000 fine for having an out of date photo. He said - ummm I guess they would have no way of checking but you'd just have to tell them you've done it.

So that's clear...Grin I think the conclusion is just to wait the six or so weeks 🙈

OP posts:
NannyGythaOgg · 08/05/2021 14:33

If they have taken the money then you can guarantee it is in the system and you will be fine.
Done online, you can drive immediately if it is an update for phone, address or expiry.

I don't know how long postal applications take but I just renewed mine online and the card came in the post within the week.

BogRollBOGOF · 08/05/2021 14:37

I've redone my photocard in the last few weeks and it's come back in about a week or so.

I am slightly amused that the system has used my passport photo which is a few years old and has the same hair style as my previous card rather than my current style!

(Child's passport renewal was also a couple of weeks not the threatened 10 weeks)

Original poster
toodleloooo · 08/05/2021 14:55

@BogRollBOGOF Grin I think you've done it wrong if your driving licence photo is NOT hideously dated by day 1. I was only too glad to post back my awful old provisional - they mentioned sending it by recorded post if you wanted it back but I think I'm ok if that one gets lost somewhere in Swansea!

OP posts:
MyDcAreMarvel · 08/05/2021 15:14

@SunIsComing Technically you have no valid licence to drive, and this would invalidate your insurance.
That’s a myth the licence is valid.

dementedpixie · 08/05/2021 15:18

It's only the photo that has expired. The actual licence hasn't

MrsDThomas · 08/05/2021 15:37

I drove. Mine took 2 weeks to arrive.

MrsDThomas · 08/05/2021 15:39

@BogRollBOGOF i also used my passport photo. Which expires in 7 months. So by the time this photo expires on my license, i will be 20 yrs older than it😂

VeganVeal · 08/05/2021 16:26

There are two things here

  1. Entitlement to drive

  2. Photocard validity

  3. If you lost you entitlement to drive, say through a speeding ban you are not entitled to drive until the ban has finished., If you drive before this then you get prosecuted for not having an entitlement to drive. You entitlement to drive also ceases at 70 I think

2)If your photo card has expired you still have entitlement to drive and can legally drive but dont have a valid photo licence. If prosecuted it would only be for an expired photo licence

OP need to check what vehicles they are allowed to drive and expiry date. They are allowed to drive these

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