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Original poster

Just landed on holiday.... Drivers license expired!

138 replies

HangingOver · 26/08/2022 09:46

Just touched down I'm Denmark, gone to rent the car and DP just realised his license photo-card has expired. Public transport not an option due to location as where we're staying requires a car. I only have provisional license.

Any one got any experience? Worth begging the DVLA? Sad

OP posts:
DappledThings · 26/08/2022 10:13

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 26/08/2022 10:11

Photo licences expire every ten years - it's because your image could change a lot over this time.

Show quote history

And they don't reset the 10 years if you get a new one before then. I've had to replace mine twice; once for moving and once for losing it. They don't ask you for a new photo if it is within that 10 years so it keeps the original end date. I got a new one last week and will have to pay for another new one again in just over 2 years. It's a right old scam!

naughtymonkey · 26/08/2022 10:16

I noticed my driving license expired, and I couldn't renew it online. It took me ages to get through to DVLA and was told that due to Covid, expired licences were automatically granted an extra 6 months, hence no renewal notice. Mine expired last November and I still haven't had a renewal notice through. I've got a screenshot of the message on my phone in case I'm stopped.

So, I don't think your DH would have been able to renew his licence even if he tried.

JumpTheGun · 26/08/2022 10:17

I had a panic a few years ago when I’d misplaced my licence and as I recall there was some kind of system for the DVLA to fax over proof of licence to car hire companies in an emergency. Not sure if this is still possible, or works internationally (I found my licence in the end so didn’t need to use the service)

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Driving & parking
FiveShelties · 26/08/2022 10:19

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 26/08/2022 10:11

Photo licences expire every ten years - it's because your image could change a lot over this time.

Show quote history

Thank you, that makes sense.

Original poster
HangingOver · 26/08/2022 10:21

Oh my fuck I think we may be ok... Manager is very nice and seems to accept that we've now applied to renew the card and that it's him in the photo (DP doesn't seem to age for some reason). If they do let us have it and he wins, he'll be dedicating it to Hertz! Cross everything for us!

OP posts:
Gazelda · 26/08/2022 10:22

Oh wow, hurrah for a flexible manager with common sense.

JumpTheGun · 26/08/2022 10:22

Fingers crossed!!

JudgeRindersMinder · 26/08/2022 10:22

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 26/08/2022 10:11

Photo licences expire every ten years - it's because your image could change a lot over this time.

Show quote history

I know I’m being absolutely pedantic about this, but it’s the PHOTOCARD that expires, NOT the actual licence.

squarecat · 26/08/2022 10:23

Now set the reminder in his phone for checking to renew it in March 2032! And check when yours expires and do the relevant reminder for yours as well!

RockingMyFiftiesNot · 26/08/2022 10:27

HangingOver · 26/08/2022 09:56

Does the company need to see the actual licence, or are they one with a British presence who can check online?

It's Hertz, they're everywhre arent they? Worth a shot I reckon. Urgh. Will let you know how we get on. So sad for him.

I was going to ask similar. I forgot my licence when hiring a car from a UK airport. This was with Hertz and they had a process for it (I'm guessing they contacted the DVLA)- cost me quite a bit in an admin fee but I got the car.
Definitely worth a go asking them to contract Hertz in the UK if you're not sörted by this manager. Good luck!

PasTrop · 26/08/2022 10:28

Best of luck OP, both with the car and the event!

SurpriseSurprise · 26/08/2022 10:30

Good luck! What a lovely manager

Cantgetbackagain · 26/08/2022 10:33

naughtymonkey · 26/08/2022 10:16

I noticed my driving license expired, and I couldn't renew it online. It took me ages to get through to DVLA and was told that due to Covid, expired licences were automatically granted an extra 6 months, hence no renewal notice. Mine expired last November and I still haven't had a renewal notice through. I've got a screenshot of the message on my phone in case I'm stopped.

So, I don't think your DH would have been able to renew his licence even if he tried.

Have you tried to renew it since?
I’m not sure a ‘well I knew it had expired but I’ve been waiting for them to tell me to renew it officer’ will wash. It’s a pretty hefty fine.

Original poster
HangingOver · 26/08/2022 10:35

Oh thank the lord we have a car. So so relieved. I honestly though DP was going to cry when he first realised it was expired and he NEVER cries. He's the second oldest man in the competition and I know it means an awful lot to him. Hurrah hurrah hurrah.

OP posts:
saraclara · 26/08/2022 10:40

Oh my gosh. My stomach was churning for you. This could easily have happened to me. I had no warning of expiry either. I was just comparing licenses with someone and noticed the date, which was only three weeks away! That was two months ago and I'm on holiday driving a hire car in Poland right now!

fiorentina · 26/08/2022 10:44

So pleased for him. Hope the adrenaline helps his performance!

JumpTheGun · 26/08/2022 10:46

Thank goodness! And good luck for the event!!

Applebark · 26/08/2022 10:48

Cantgetbackagain · 26/08/2022 10:33

Have you tried to renew it since?
I’m not sure a ‘well I knew it had expired but I’ve been waiting for them to tell me to renew it officer’ will wash. It’s a pretty hefty fine.

Show quote history

You're still allowed to drive for up to 12 months under Section 88 of the Road Traffic Act as long as you have you're renewal application in progress.

Glittertwins · 26/08/2022 10:51

Good luck with the event!

comfortablyfrumpy · 26/08/2022 10:52

Good luck, hope he smashes it :)

UserError012345 · 26/08/2022 10:52

Oops 😬

MadameCholetsDirtySecret · 26/08/2022 10:56

We had the same issue this summer. The lovely local Hertz manager let us hire the car. When we came home we renewed both of our licences as mine was expired too! I’m firmly team Hertz!
good luck OP’s DP.

x2boys · 26/08/2022 11:02

I thought it was the photo that expires not the actual licence ?

ReviewingTheSituation · 26/08/2022 11:07

How lovely to hear a story of common sense (the manager) prevailing and some human empathy. So often it's a "computer says no" scenario.

Hooray for Hertz, and hope the event goes well!

stode · 26/08/2022 11:07

Ah I'm glad I was wrong OP!

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