Millions of drivers can get a free driver's licence and avoid paying the £14 charge – here's how
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
MILLIONS of motorists could renew their driving licence without paying a penny – but you'll need to meet strict rules to qualify.
The offer applies across Great Britain, according to the DVLA, and is only open to drivers aged 70 or over, or those turning 70 within the next 90 days.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
2
Once you submit your application, the DVLA will send a confirmation email
Credit: Alamy
Normally, renewing online costs £14, but if you're in the qualifying age group, it's completely free.
There is one catch, once you reach 70, you must renew your licence every three years.
Younger drivers only have to renew every 10 years, and they still need to pay the £14 fee.
The DVLA says the process is simple and quick.
Most people receive their new licence within a week if they apply online.
Free renewal is quick and easy
However, you must have a British driving licence that has either expired or will expire within 90 days.
You also need to be a resident of Great Britain, as a different service applies in Northern Ireland.
Drivers must meet the minimum eyesight requirements and must not be banned from driving for any reason.
If you are currently disqualified or were refused a licence on medical grounds, you will not be able to use this service.
Digital driving licences to be introduced this year on a new smartphone app that will store government-issued virtual documents
What you'll need to apply
Applying online requires a few details, including an email address, your addresses from the past three years, and your National Insurance number if you know it.
If you want to change your licence photo, you will also need a valid UK passport number.
Once you submit your application, the DVLA will send a confirmation email.
You may also be invited to take part in research, but this is entirely optional.
While your application is being processed, you are still allowed to drive as long as your doctor says it is safe, you had a valid licence, you follow the same conditions as your previous licence, and your application is less than a year old.
You must also ensure your last licence wasn't revoked or refused for medical reasons, and that you're not currently disqualified.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
28 minutes ago
- Daily Record
Drivers warned of seven popular car accessories that could invalidate insurance
Drivers warned of seven popular car accessories that could invalidate insurance Vehicle modifications are subject to legal regulations and insurance considerations. Drivers should be aware of the accessories which could land them in trouble (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) In the UK, car customisation is growing more popular than ever, including the surge in demand for personalised number plates and even car stickers. While popular, vehicle modifications are also subject to legal regulations and insurance considerations that drivers need to be aware of. Motoring experts are now warning drivers that they may be unknowingly invalidating their car insurance with common accessories. From air fresheners to baby on board signs, drivers should be aware of the items that could impact their insurance claims. New driver car insurance experts at Zego said: "Many of these popular accessories for your car pose not only an insurance risk but also could land you with hefty fines and points on your license. "If it is deemed that your vision is obstructed, you could be given an on-the-spot fine of £100, which could increase to £1000 if taken to court, and you could be slapped with three points on your licence. So it is always important to seek guidance for car accessories before purchasing to avoid accidents, rejected insurance claims and penalties." Seven ways you could be unknowingly invalidating car insurance 1. 'Baby on board' and other signs Often used to encourage safer driving by other road users, 'baby on board' and other signs like 'anxious driver'and 'elderly driver' could actually cost you your cover. Article continues below If placed incorrectly, these safety signs can become a hazard by obstructing the vision of the driver, and if resulting in an accident, they could stand in the way of a payout. 2. Air fresheners on your rear-view mirror Although fuzzy dice may have gone out of style for now, hanging objects like air fresheners, rosary beads and even dreamcatchers are often hung in British drivers' cars. If large enough, these accessories can pose a risk of obstructing vision, causing drivers to miss pedestrians, cyclists and even road signs. 3. Bumper stickers and decals A common misconception about car insurance cover is that cosmetic modifications do not matter to insurance providers, as you aren't altering the car's performance or safety, but even small stickers need to be declared as modifications, as they can impact how insurers assess risks. For example, if you have a business decal on your vehicle, it may indicate commercial use, which requires a different type of cover. Also, for some, it increases the risk of theft as you could have tools or equipment stored inside. 4. Football flags Football team pride is very strong in the UK, and with football car flags selling for as little as 50p, the temptation to represent your team can be overwhelming. However, they carry the risk of up to a whopping £2,500 penalty. Placement matters for flags, where if they are insecure, they risk an on-the-spot fine or court appearance, or if they obstruct vision, they also carry fine risks. They can even increase the chances of vandalism and theft, all of which are likely to warrant a driver to make an insurance claim. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. 5. Dashboard ornaments and decorations Dashboard ornaments from bobbleheads to Jellycats often cause risks from insecure fixing, to vision obstructions or distractions, all of which would lead to an accident. Other dashboard decor, such as bedazzling dashboards, could exacerbate injury if airbags deploy. 6. Seasonal decorations From spare wheel covers, number plate decals, to battery-powered Christmas lights or mini Christmas trees, seasonal accessories often spark joy for drivers and pedestrians. However, these decorations can cause distractions for yourself and other drivers, as well as be fire hazards. 7. Steering wheel, gear shift and handbrake covers Although they may increase visual impact or even comfort for the driver, adorning your car with covers, which is becoming an increasingly popular trend on TikTok, such as on the steering wheel, could result in up to 11 points on your licence. If you lose control of your vehicle due to the cover, it could be deemed as dangerous driving, and if you need to claim, it may be rejected. Article continues below
Scottish Sun
8 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Ten million drivers suffer pothole damage in past three years with huge amount delaying repairs
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TEN million motorists have suffered pothole damage to vehicles in the past three years, a poll found. And 2.4 million have skipped or delayed getting it fixed. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Ten million motorists have suffered pothole damage to vehicles in the past three years The average bill for repairs is £144 — putting the total UK cost at up to £1.7billion a year. While road craters cause the biggest unexpected repair bill, the survey of 2,000 motorists also revealed that more than five million are driving potentially unsafe vehicles because they cannot afford to fix all other issues as well. Of 2,000 drivers polled, 15 per cent had ignored vehicle warning lights and mechanics and often try to do repairs themselves to save cash. Across all 34.6 million motorists, that would mean 5.1 million ignored advice. But 37 per cent said delaying fixing damage cost them more in the long run. ClickMechanic also found men are more likely than women to ignore an MOT advisory — 16 per cent compared with 12 per cent of women. The car service site's boss Andrew Jervis said: 'Millions of potentially unsafe vehicles are likely on the roads. "It is not worth the risk — ignoring what may initially be minor makes repairs more expensive to resolve.'
Scottish Sun
15 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Major driving law change for all Brits could see you LOSE your licence from this autumn in huge shake-up
The rule is one of four to be introduced in a new bid to improve road safety GEAR SHIFT Major driving law change for all Brits could see you LOSE your licence from this autumn in huge shake-up Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A WARNING has been issued to all UK drivers after proposals for a major new law could see countless licences be revoked. Drivers have been told that breaking a rule which was once treated as a slap on the wrist could now have far more serious repercussions. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 The new rule could be introduced by the end of the year Credit: Getty This comes after ministers have started preparing a new-safety package for this autumn. Among the proposals is a harsher punishment for breaking the seatbelt rule. Motorists could soon face points on their licence, rather than a fine, for failing to abide by this rule. While nothing is law yet, officials have flagged tougher penalties as a priority, reports experts at Showplates World. If this is approved after a consultations, points could follow in a matter of months. The current punishment for failing to wear a seatbelt is typically a £100 penalty. But, as it stands, the penalty is non-endorsable - meaning you won't be issued points on your licence. This is what ministers hope to change in the new autumn package, in a new bid to crack down on the issue. The UK would be following in Northern Ireland's footsteps, where a seatbelt offence can bring both a fine and 3 penalty points. Early signals suggest the tougher penalty would apply to drivers and adult passengers, bringing the UK closer to Northern Ireland's approach. Major New Driving Laws for Summer & Fall 2025: What You Need to Know The plan sits alongside other safety measures officials hope to tighten. Motorists can also expect officials to crack down on drink and drug driving, and fitness-to-drive checks. Timings will depend on the consultation and parliamentary process, however the direction of travel is very clear. Motoring experts at Showplates World are encouraging drivers to make changes to their driving habits now. A spokesperson said: "If you skip your seatbelt, you're gambling with your safety and, very soon, your licence. "Points for no-belt offences are on the table. "Our advice is simple: belt up on every journey, every seat, every time - and make sure your passengers do too." Experts are also encouraging that you make buckling up an automatic habit. Additional advice includes sorting appropriate child seats, and planning for tech enforcement, as more forces use cameras to spot unbelted occupants. Under the proposed change, all adults, aged 14 and over, will be deemed responsible for wearing their own seatbelt, and can expect to face points for not abiding by the rule. For those under 14, the driver is legally responsible for correct restraints. There are a handful of narrow exemptions to the rule, which include reversing, certain emergency service duties, and medical exemptions with proper certification. These exemptions do not extend to convenience or comfort, and motorists should assume a belt must be worn unless they clearly fall into a listed exemption. The Sun reported earlier this month that UK motorists could face four major changes to driving in a major shakeup. According to The Times, these proposed changes reflect stricter measures to improve road safety and introduce tougher penalties for rule violations, which will include a reduction of the drink-drive limit and older drivers being required to take mandatory eye tests. These amendments, set to be introduced to help tackle persistent safety issues on UK roads and reduce the number of fatalities and serious injuries, have been put forward by UK Government ministers and led by the Department for Transport (DfT). They represent the biggest reform to driving laws since the Road Safety Act of 2006 - a major piece of legislation which aimed to improve road safety in the UK. In addition to tougher penalties for failing to wear a seatbelt, the drink-drive limit could also be lowered, and measures may be introduced to ensure drivers over 70 are fit to drive. Tougher penalties may also be introduced for uninsured drivers.
