Are you paying too much for your driving licence?

Around 1.2 million drivers paid too much for their driving licence in 2018, according to figures released by the DVLA.

It’s cheaper to apply online for a provisional licence or to renew an existing driving licence, but many motorists choose to post their applications to the DVLA instead.

It means that British motorists missed out on savings of nearly £5 million by not using the online services, although only a fifth of provisional licence applications were sent using the traditional method.

Meanwhile, around 50 percent of renewals were submitted online.

A provisional licence costs £43 by post – £9 more than online. Renewals cost £17 by post and £14 online.

‘Cheaper and quicker’

DVLA chief executive Julie Lennard said: “Each year, more and more people are choosing to use our online services and it is always cheaper and quicker to renew your driving licence on GOV.UK.

It’s also the quickest way for those who have lost or misplaced their licence to apply for a replacement.”

How to apply for a provisional driving licence

Drivers who apply online should only use GOV.UK so they can be sure of dealing with DVLA directly and paying the lowest price for services that carry a fee.

To apply for a provisional driving licence, you must be at least 15 years and 9 months old and be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away.

Click here to start your application.

How to renew a driving licence

You can renew your driving licence online if you have a valid UK passport. Click here to start your application.

If you are aged 70 or over, you can renew for free by using the following link.

Remember to only use GOV.UK to apply for, or to renew, your driving licence. There are many third party websites masquerading as the official government website.

These often charge an additional fee for services that are either free or cost significantly less via the official channels…