Driving whilst license being renewed

[LIC1985]

Google is baffling me

I stupidly didn't realise my licence expired 5 days ago. I have just renewed at the post office as I could not do it online.

Can I drive whilst the application is in process? Google is giving conflicting answers

Thank you wise mumsnetters

yes you can, I was given a receipt to show if needed. only took a week to get new one,

Yes you can

Yes, took a week for mine to come.

Thank you all!! I have the receipt which I will keep with me!

The stress levels when I realised it had expired were high ! I won't make that mistake again

Worth bearing in mind it's not your licence that has expired, but your photocard, so you are still licensed to drive.

Good idea to keep that receipt and have it with you until you get your new photo card back

This is super useful! When I googled driving on expired photo card it said it was a fine of £1k which is why I was so stressed.

You won't get a fine for having it expire 5 days before you renew.

I would just wait for your new one and try not to worry, it'll all be ok

When I did mine (the Friday before the August bank holiday) the post office lady gave me a second receipt and said to show that if I was asked for my licence.

It arrived the Wednesday after the bank holiday which surprised me with all the post strikes at that time.

Yes. Your actual licence has not expired. Only the photocard. They have to be replaced every 10 years.