Understanding the rules around UK driving licences has never been more important. Whether you’re a learner getting your first provisional, a seasoned driver renewing at 70, or someone navigating medical declarations, licence exchanges and DVLA red tape, the system can feel confusing and ever-changing.
This hub brings together clear, jargon-free guides covering everything from what the codes on your licence really mean to when you must report health conditions such as high blood pressure or eye floaters. If you want to stay legal, informed and confident behind the wheel, you’re in the right place.
Stay informed, make smarter choices, and drive into the future with confidence.
All your driving licence questions answered (Photo by Pete
Barden)
Driving licence news and guides on PeteBarden.co.uk
Driving licence categories and codes explained
Clear breakdown of every licence category, what each allows you to drive, plus how to read columns on
your photocard.
What is the DVLA contact number and webchat?
Practical guide to contacting the DVLA for driving licence queries (phone, webchat, common hold/menu
issues and tips).
What day and time are new driving tests released?
If you're looking to obtain your full driving licence in the UK, this article xplains when the
DVSA typically releases new practical test slots, best times to check and how availability varies by test
centre.
How do I renew my driving licence at 70, 73, 76, 79?
Step-by-step renewal info for drivers aged 70+, eyesight and medical checks and the three-year renewal
cycle.
Can I still drive if my driving licence photocard has expired?
Explains Section 88 rules that let you drive once the DVLA has received your application and what to do
if your photocard is delayed.
Here’s what your driving licence number means
Decodes the information hidden in your licence number and explains why you shouldn’t share it widely.
Check when your driving licence expires using section 4b
How to use the Section 4b date on your licence to avoid driving on an expired document and the risk of
fines.
Do I need to tell the DVLA about diabetes to drive?
Guidance on when medical conditions (diabetes, controlled by diet vs. medication) must be declared and
licence implications.
How and when to apply for a provisional driving licence
Who can apply, what a provisional licence entitles you to drive and timings/costs to get started.
UK driving licence exchange application guide
Who can swap a foreign licence for a UK one, the full list of exchangeable countries, forms, fees and
how to apply.
Do I need to swap my paper driving licence for a photocard?
Explains costs, when conversion is free (eg. at age 70) and how to exchange a green paper licence for a
photocard.
How much is a replacement driving licence if lost or stolen?
How to replace a lost/stolen/damaged licence, the fee and the documents required.
Do I have to tell the DVLA about floaters/flashers in my eyes?
Describes what floaters/flashers are, when they’re likely harmless, when they might signal a serious
eye condition (retinal tear/detachment), and whether you must notify the DVLA depending on severity and
how it affects your vision - and how they could impact your driving licence.
Do you have to report high blood pressure to the DVLA before driving?
Guidance on when hypertension must be declared (only when it leads to complications such as fainting,
heart problems or vision issues), how to monitor blood pressure and stay safe, and the possible driving
licence implications.
How can I check the number of penalty points on my driving licence?
With millions of British drivers having points on their licence for the likes of speeding it’s essential to check the DVLA has a
correct and up to date record of points recorded against you. Here motoring journalist and expert Pete Barden looks at a fast, free and official
online tool to check how many points the DVLA says you have on your driving
licence.
https://www.petebarden.co.uk/news/articles/driving-licence-points-check.html
Will I get points on my UK driving licence if caught speeding in France?
Here, we look at what UK-registered drivers need to know about being caught speeding while driving in
France - and whether it could result in penalty points or even a ban on their licence when back home in
the UK.
https://www.petebarden.co.uk/news/articles/what-if-caught-speeding-france.html
https://www.petebarden.co.uk/news/articles/what-if-caught-speeding-france.html
Will I get points on my UK driving licence if caught speeding or other driving offences in Spain?
Renting a hire car for your holiday in Spain? Then make sure you are aware of speeding fines and other
common motoring offences. Also find out more about how British holidaymakers will often be made to pay on
the spot fines.
https://www.petebarden.co.uk/news/articles/spain-driving-fines-speeding-phone.html
https://www.petebarden.co.uk/news/articles/spain-driving-fines-speeding-phone.html
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Author: Pete Barden:
Twitter: @pete_barden
Pete Barden is a qualified journalist who has written and produced for publications including The Sun (thesun.co.uk), New Statesman Media Group, Whatcar? (Whatcar.com) Stuff Magazine (Stuff.tv), Fastcar Magazine (Fastcar.co.uk), Maxim Magazine and UK broadcast stations within the Heart network (Formerly GCAP). Pete specialises in motoring and travel content, along with news and production roles. You can find out more about Pete Barden on LinkedIn.
