Check the expiry date of your UK driving licence as they only last 10 years.

[Mark]

My driving licence expired yesterday and is now in the post as I forgot all about it....

I dont have any holidays planned for a while so no problem but check the date on your photo card licence as if you arrive on holiday with an expired licence it is unlikely you will be able to hire a car.

Takes up to 3 weeks for a new licence to arrive so don't leave it until packing the suitcase....

What Happens if My Driving Licence Has Expired?

Expired photo Driving Licence, What is the offence?

 

[roig cat]

Oh Mark, my heart skipped a beat when I read this post but luckily all OK for another 3 years!

Thanks for posting. I thought they expired when you hit age 70!

 

[Deanscroft]

And don´t forget - to drive `legally´in Spain you may also need to carry a medical certificate.

 

[Kentish]

And don´t forget - to drive `legally´in Spain you may also need to carry a medical certificate.

Only if you are resident in Spain, not if you are on holiday

 

[Deanscroft]

That is not strictly true. When driving in Spain (or any other Country for that matter) you are required to obey the laws of that Country. Spains law requires drivers to carry a current medical certificate. If you are under 65 the fact that you have a British Driving Licence is proof of this as when applying for the licence you ticked the box saying you are fit to drive. Over 65 the Spanish licence only lasts 5 years so if you are over 70 and have a British licence issued more than 5 years ago then you should have a separate medical certificate. The fact that they have not bothered (yet) to prosecute a non-resident doesn´t mean they wouldn´t if necessary. I´m sure if a non-resident was involved in a serious crash and found not to have the necessary certifcate then the authorities here would throw the book at them.

 

[alcanadakid]

We are seeing a few of these offences coming through court. The charge is "driving otherwise in accordance with a licence" and carries an "A" fine and 3 penalty points. ( an "A" fine is equivalent to half a week's income). I note that the link says that no penalty points are incurred but that is not my recollection.

While most people realize that a paper licence expires at the age of 70. many don't realize that the photocard expires after 10 years. Normally DVLA send a reminder.

 

[Mark]

Forgot to reply to this thread...

My licence arrived back in only 5 days which was quick.

The new plastic photo licence is a much improved design with lots of security features especially noticeable with a good magnifying glass.