DVSA Extends Licence Expiry Dates
DVLA has recently re-opened its services to non-key workers. In order to keep work load to essential items only, DVLA had previously chosen to reduce the burden by extending the validity of photocard driving licences expiring between 1st February and 31 August 2020, by a period of seven months.
On 1st September, a further announcement was made confirming that this extension will now run for a period of eleven months, so will apply to those photocards which ordinarily will have expired between February and 31 December 2020. The new expiry date will be 11 months from the expiry date printed on the photocard.
This applies to full UK Licence holders, but will not apply to provisional licence holders or those who have had licences revoked following disqualification.
Confusingly, the extension will not been shown on the DVLA check your licence service. Employers should be aware of these changes and speak with their drivers about this when making licence checks. Drivers will be sent reminders so it is important to ensure that address changes are still notified to DVLA as their services to issue new licences for address changes remain open.
If a driver has made an application to renew their photocard or entitlement, this will still be processed. Drivers can continue to drive whilst DVLA are processing their application providing they have not been told by their doctor or optician that they should not drive. Drivers are reminded that they must always ensure that they meet the medical standards for fitness to drive when driving. It is hoped that the staggered extensions from the original expiry dates will prevent the rush for services as seen with Her Majesties Passport Office and the current fiasco with MOTs and driving tests.
