Did you know that your Photo Driving Licence has a renewal date? You could be risking a hefty fine! Make sure you don't get caught out by reading our short guide...

The photocard part of a driving licence was introduced in 1998. Many of you will now hold this version of a UK driving licence, but do you know that it needs to be renewed every 10 years?

If you take a look at back of your photocard licence you will see there is a key to the various numbers that are displayed on the front of the card.

Numbers 1, 2 and 3 show your personal data.

Number 4 is the area where you need to be particular attention as this displays information regarding the validity section of your photocard which many people do not realise exists. 4a shows the date that your photo is valid from, but more importantly 4b shows the date when the license will expire, which will be 10 years from the date of issue.

Number 5 is your driver number which is made up by a combination of your surname, year of birth, month of birth, first 2 initials of your forenames and your driving licence issue number.

Number 6 is your photograph, number 7 is a copy of your signature, number 8 is your permanent address, number 9 shows the categories that you are entitled to drive, you can see further information on this category on the back of your photocard.

Numbers 10 and 11 are the dates you are entitled to drive each category listed.

You should receive a renewal application from the DVLA approximately 2 months before you photocard is due to expire. However, if you don't receive this form it is possible to apply using a D1 form available from your local Post Office.

If you are a qualified driver you can still drive after your photocard has expired but you run the risk of being charged with failing to renew your licence, which can result in a fine of up to £1000. A hefty fine to pay if you consider that it only costs £17.50 to renew your photocard!

If you a regularly use rental cars it's also worth remembering that car hire companies will not accept an expired photocard so it's vital that you renew before trying to rent a car.

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Read more about driving license renewal before using car hire