It is illegal to drive without a Driving license in the UK. Have you ever tried starting your car only to find that your Driving Licence has expired? It is a common concern whether you can drive in such a case.

“What if I have applied for it but my driving licence has not arrived?” 

“Why was my driving Licence delayed?” 

“How can I check driving licence status?” 

If you have similar questions, please continue reading. In this passage, we are going to talk about whether you can still drive if you haven’t received a UK Driving Licence.

Can I Still Drive if My UK Driving Licence Has Not Arrived

During the past few years, UK driving licence applications might longer than usual due to the pandemic. The delay causes a large number of licences to expire while the renewal remains to be processed. 

Eligibility to Drive While Waiting for UK driver’s licence

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), the issuance department of UK driver’s licence, launched Section 88 Of the Road Traffic Act, aiming to reduce the impact on motorists without valid driving permits. However, those who haven’t received their driving licences are allowed to continue to drive only under the following conditions.

• You have had a valid driving licence before, including a provisional driving licence or full licence.
• You only drive the vehicle types that are listed in your application and that have been eligible to drive.
• Your doctor has verified your fitness to drive and your application would not be turned down due to health conditions.
• You satisfy the conditions listed on your previous driving licence.
• DVLA acknowledge to receive your driving licence application in the last 12 months.
• Your previous driving licence has never been revoked or rejected due to medical reasons.
• You still have the qualification to drive.
• You have never been disqualified due to high-risk offence.

Ineligibility to Drive Under DVLA Section 88

If you continue to drive when not complying with Section 88, you might be accused of driving without license. Under the circumstances below, you are prohibited from driving.

• DVLA rejected your UK driving licence application.
• DVLA revoked your driving licence.
• Your application was filed more than 12 months ago.
• You have been disqualified from driving.

You are supposed to renew your driving licence when it is going to expire, you move house, or change your name/gender. You should replace it when it is stolen, lost or damaged. Please note that failing to renew your UK driver’s licence on time would not only stop you from driving but also lead to severe punishment. The fine could be up to £1,000. Therefore, pay attention to the expiration date on the licence or whether there is a notice of renewal from DVLA. It is accepted to renew it 60 days before expiration.

Processing Time of UK Driver’s Licence Application

There are two methods to apply for, renew or replace a driving licence in the UK: by post and online. And the time they take differs. Generally speaking, it takes 3-4 weeks to deal with paper applications. During this time, applicants should wait patiently and should not call the DVLA to check driving licence status because the applications are being processed and DVLA can’t provide detailed information. As for online applications, with all supporting documents submitted, it might take 5 days to process your applications.

However, nowadays, applicants seem to wait for a much longer time to get a new UK driving licence. So, why are their driving permits delayed? The worldwide epidemic caused a shortage of hands during the past few years. Hundreds of thousands of applications pile up in DVLA. Although the epidemic has eased, DVLA still needs to take some time to handle the previous backlog, especially mailing applications. Moreover, if you are required to offer extra supporting documents or there is something wrong with what you submit, the waiting time might be extended.

How to Check Driving Licence Status

Supposing that you have been waiting longer than the expectation and haven’t received your driving permits, it’s time to check what’s going on. In order to keep you updated with driving licence information at any time and anywhere, DVLA launched an online system. You need to use the 14-digit reference number which is sent to your email after applying to check driving licence status. Here is the instruction on how to use it.

• Visit gov.uk and click on the “Start Now” button.
• Provide detailed information, such as driving licence number, national insurance number, postcode, etc.
• Check the box in front “Agree”
• Click on the “View now” button. Then you will find what you want. Extra details such as driving entitlement, history, penalty, and validity period are also included on this website.

FAQs:

Q: Can I drive outside the UK when my driving licence has not arrived?

A: Section 88 is only applicable within the UK. You might violate the law if you drive in another country without a valid driving permit. Please check the rules and regulations of your destination country.

Q: Can I drive if my provisional licence has not arrived?

A: It depends on whether you are applying for the first provisional driving licence or renewing it. If you have obtained one, you can drive eligible vehicles with another one’s accompany. If not, you cannot drive without a licence.

Q: What should I do if banned from driving? Can I drive while waiting for my driving licence?

A: You should apply for a new licence up to 90 days before the ban ends. You are allowed to drive if the disqualification expires and you have submitted the application.

Q: I am over 70 years old. Can I drive while my driving licence is delayed?

A: Yes, as long as you meet Section 88. Considering your medical conditions, it is recommended to ask your doctor for suggestions on driving cars.

Q: Am I allowed to drive with an expired UK driving licence?

A: No, unless your renewal application has been accepted by DVLA within the past 1 year and you are proven to be able to drive. Driving with an expired driving permit and not asking for renewal is illegal. Worst still, your car insurance might be invalid. That is to say, you would suffer great loss when involved in an accident.

Q: I am now renewing a UK driver’s licence different from the previous one. What types of vehicles can I drive when waiting for my new driving permit?

A: You should drive the vehicle listed in the new licence if the old one has expired.

Q: My UK driving licence was suspended due to medical reasons. Am I allowed to drive?

A: No, unless you have been acknowledged to drive by the DVLA and got a new license.

Summary

After reading this passage, you might have found the answer to the question – “Can I still drive if my UK driving licence has not arrived?” The answer is Yes on the condition that your application is under processing in DVLA and there is nothing wrong with your qualification to drive and medical conditions according to DVLA Section 88. It might take 3 weeks to months to deal with your application. If there is any problem, check driving licence status on Gov.uk. Remember to renew it before the expiration date, or you will face a severe fine.

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